The Peninsula Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Situated at its south-eastern tip, at the mouth of the Su-Kiang River, Hong Kong occupies a surface of 1,104 square kilometers of which 80 make up the island of Hong Kong. This strategically located island, once an almost deserted rock, was ceded to the British in 1842 by the Qing dynasty at the end of the first Opium War. In 1860, the British conquered Kowloon and, in 1899 obtained the governance of 263 islands and a small part of the northern territory of Kowloon which they named New Territories taking in the totality of Hong Kong as it is called today.

It very quickly became an important international trade center, and today, Hong Kong whose name signifies ”Port of Perfumes”, is a major player in the world of finance and commerce as well as being the wealthiest city in China. This tiny patch of land where barely 30,000 inhabitants once lived now has a population of seven million, primarily from Canton and Shanghai.

Returned to China in 1997, it continues to be identified as a city for businessmen and inveterate shoppers.

From the island of Hong Kong to Kowloon, the territory it faces, and the New Territories, we find a multi faceted atmosphere with luxurious skyscrapers, avenues with bright neon lights, but also temples and fishing villages, giving the territory its unique and complex personality. As a symbol of Asian success, Hong Kong is spectacular but not inaccessible.

Hon Kong’s first hotel

ThePeninsula Hong Kong, opened in 1928, is a legendary luxury hotel, one of the mythical grand palace hotels considered for a long time to be the most beautiful in the world. Located in the heart of Kowloon, it consists of an historic 1920s building to which a 30 stories tower was added in 1994. For its 85^th birthday in April, 2013, the hotel once nicknamed the “Grand Lady of the Far East“, underwent a spectacular face lift. No less than 46 million euros were invested to renovate its 300 rooms and suites, all stunningly spacious for Hong Kong. Everything was designed to satisfy the needs and demands of its guests. Respecting the highest standards of luxury, the decorations were inspired by the yachts of multi-millionaires, with the use of precious wood, including lacquered walnut, stitched leather, raw silk and chocolate and cream colored tones. Every detail, even the slightest, was carefully chosen. A few refined Asian touches complete this both classic and chic decor. The rooms are also equipped with a technological jewel: a tactile tablet which controls all the room functions from opening and closing the curtains to lowering the volume of the television set!

In the area of dining, the Peninsula proposes 10 exceptional restaurants. The French restaurant, the Gaddi’s, opened in 1953, has become part of the Peninsula’s legend. Guests can have their dinner here while listening to the sound of the piano, under the gigantic crystal chandelier, and enjoying “Medallions of lamb from Limousin” or “Filet of sole from Guilvinec and its Viennese lemon confit”. If you prefer local cuisine, the Spring Moon, a replica of a 1920s Shanghai manner, is the place to go for authentic and exquisite Cantonese cuisine. Another must is the very trendy, ultra contemporary Felix, created by Philippe Starck. Located on the 28^th floor, the view of the city is magnificent.

This mythical hotel also possesses a Roman style swimming pool, a remarkable spa, an impeccable fitness room and a fleet of 14 Rolls Royce to pick you up and bring you back. However, what makes the Peninsula Hong Kong so unique is the excellent personalized service that gives you the feeling that you are the guest of honor!

The Peninsula is the proud owner of the only two heliports in the city. The last Batman film, The Dark Knight, was shot here at the Peninsula.