Rosewood Hong Kong
A new design-driven Kowloon waterfront hotel.
Make sure to pack your best outfits if staying at the Rosewood Hong Kong. First, you want to fit in with the cool crowd; and, second, your personal butler will offer to unpack for you (I was too embarrassed to say yes).
The new Rosewood may just be the most luxurious hotel in a city known for its fabulous places to stay.
Part of a 65-storey tower on Kowloon’s waterfront, it has changed the city skyline.
From the cobblestoned driveway up to the elevated entrance, guests arrive to a surprise view of Victoria Harbour. Don’t miss the bronze sculpture by Henry Moore or the life-size elephant figure inside. More artworks are tucked into the serene lobby (designed by Tony Chi), perfect for those who want to slip in discreetly.
The hotel’s 413 rooms occupy 43 levels of the tower and 80 per cent have a harbour view – which is what Hong Kong is really all about.
All the rooms are generous (starting at 53 square metres) as space is a premium in this city. My lavish harbour corner suite (123 square metres) has knockout views.
With great attention to detail, the suite – a lounge, another sitting area, bedroom, huge walk-in wardrobe and Hollywood-style bathroom – is almost as big as my own home. I find it hard to resist the stand-alone bath, though the double shower (it would easily fit two adults and two kids), has its appeal too. Books, magazines, three TVs, the ubiquitous Nespresso, fine teas, snacks, the best-ever slippers, a mini-bar and a complimentary drinks trolley notch up the luxury factor. The WiFi is excellent but there’s no working desk.
From the 24th floor up, the lift lobby is a spacious lounge with shelves of artefacts. Of course, there’s a cool restaurant, the Legacy House, which specialises in Shunde cuisine and the night-time views are hypnotic. The Dark Side jazz bar is popular and Holt’s Café is best for gourmet breakfasts, but I also have access to the Manor Club lounge.
The Asaya spa opens in September; while the gym and yoga studio have all the mod cons and the infinity pool is an Instagram favourite.
The hotel is about a 10-minute walk to the Star Ferry along the waterfront. It’s beside an upmarket shopping complex due to open later this year.
Rates start from: HK$4300 (about $795) per night.