The Experience

Never have I ever been received by airport personnel in such a manner than when I landed at Hong Kong International Airport. I had just stepped off the jet bridge when I saw a man carrying a sign with my name on it and a buggy not far behind him. We loaded in and headed straight for Customs & Immigrations and on to baggage claim. Having stayed with The Peninsula Hong Kong once before, I knew what was coming next. I was ushered into a Rolls Royce from the famous fleet of custom “Peninsula Green” Roll Royce vehicles, complete with refreshments and my favorite: complimentary Wi-Fi, a travel bloggers best friend.

Few hotel arrivals are as dramatic as the ride from the airport in one of The Peninsula’s signature custom Rolls Royces past the fantastic Hong Kong skyline, and it doesn’t end there. Few locations are as perfect as The Peninsula Hong Kong, situated on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront facing Victoria Harbor on the Kowloon side with many attractions within reach. Looking for things to do in Hong Kong? Read and learn from my recent blog post.

Staff members are beyond impressive and attentive, clad in pressed white suits and eager to tell the bests of Hong Kong.

The Suite Life

Recently having undergone renovations, The Peninsula guest rooms are even better than they once were – and that’s hard to beat. After checking into room 2707, it was made very apparent that the Harbor View Suite was anything but ordinary. Showered with hot tea, sweet treats and almost 1,200 sq. ft. in which to relax, I knew one thing for sure: it was good to be back.

If you’re looking for a bit of secluded luxury and a lot of good vibrations, this is what suite dreams are made of. After a short tour, I knew where I’d be spending the majority of my time when I wasn’t sweating profusely in the hot Hong Kong sun or sleeping in the fluffy cloud-eque bed. First up, the bathtub. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen my love fest with this unrivaled body of water.

Secondly, this robe plus this view? Get out of here. The vintage brass telescope aided in my survey of Hong Kong’s dramatic views, and many minutes were lost in thought while overlooking the water and mountains, comparing this trip to my last visit. I had traveled here with my best friend in 2010 on a graduation trip, and here I was now, traveling alone, a year into The Road Les Traveled. I was definitely counting my blessings!

It should also be noted how far along The Peninsula is in its tech game. With a focus on convenience and ease of use, I noticed how simple it was just to close the curtains at night. I realized I only needed to press a button to lower the bathtub blinds, separating me from the rest of the city. If I needed to charge my phone, iPad, or computer, every charger was at my disposal, no adapter necessary. My favorite tech touch of all? Simply hit the “Make Up Room” button on one of the three tablets in the suite and the message is sent directly to the maid’s smart phone.

The Spa

Where to even begin? After soaking up a delicious tea concoction and dousing my hands and face in the most decadent body oil around, I made the journey to the women’s lavish hammam-style steam room, sauna and crescent-shaped aromatherapy experience shower that smelled of sunshine, daisies and rainbows. I had a new favorite in town, and it was called the Lifestyle Shower.

I was in a pure state of bliss and my massage hadn’t even started yet. I must have hit the Cold Mist button (complete with a hint of mint!) half a dozen times before stepping into my robe. Can you imagine this thing in your house? I’d never get anything done. Productivity? Not today. Lifestyle shower is on the schedule.

The Peninsula Hong Kong’s pool has a thing for floor-to-ceiling windows, and I have a thing for The Peninsula Hong Kong’s pool. The sun deck, skyline view and Roman-inspired design had me swimming and dining in here more than once. It’s tough to venture elsewhere when pure opulence surrounds you.

Tea Time

Pinkies up! The Peninsula Hong Kong serves the most renoun afternoon tea outside the British Isles. I don’t know about you, but Darjeeling black tea, Moroccan mint and classic English breakfast all sound inviting after a long day of sight-seeing. Don’t forget the raisin scones with clotted cream, cucumber and salmon finger sandwiches alongside macarons, miniature pies and puff pastries. If you’re killing yourself on the Paleo diet or all about posting your #cleaneating photos on Instagram, you’re missing out. If anything, perhaps you can sip on some tea and let your ears be filled with sounds of classical music from the Lobby Strings.

Speaking of the lobby, the grandeur and tradition has been kept alive here for decades – ever since doors opened on December 11th, 1928. Soaring columns and gilded plasterwork are hard-to-miss features when indulging in afternoon tea. If that’s not extravagant enough, take to the 80 designers shops only steps away. Just as your stomach fills up, your bank account will empty. Enjoy!

Terrific Transportation

Tea time, lifestyle spa showers and suites fit for a royal family are plenty to write home about, but what makes The Peninsula Hong Kong stand out is the rooftop helipad. Complete with bragging rights as the only hotel with a helipad up top, The Peninsula Hong Kong knows transportation. What’s it going to be? One of 14 Rolls Royce vehicles to bring you into the city from Hong Kong International or bypass all traffic on the China Clipper? The Peninsula’s helicopter isn’t just for airport transportation if well-heeled guests choose to book this route. It’s more so used for sightseeing tours over Victoria Harbor and aerial tours of UNESCO Hong Kong Geopark. If guests so choose to throw in dinner at 32,000 ft. as well, it’s welcomed. Ah oh. This is beginning to sound like a Bachelor date. ABC, you need to get on this.

Ready to book that flight to Hong Kong yet? I thought so! Check out more images from my time at The Peninsula Hong Kong below. 

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to the hotel as a guest, however my opinions are as always, my own.