p41-43 ttg_lux_city Hong Kongv2 27/11/09 14:13 Page 41
TOP CAT
IN ASIA
Hong Kong has added a new wave of luxury
hotels to its winning mix of big-city appeal,
bustling street life and ancient cultural
attractions. Rupert Murray reports
Jetlagged and luxury hospitality game for decades,
unfamiliar with a city that is the poster- but Chan admits that in the past 10 years
boy for east-meets-west, I stumbled upon a swathe of new hotels for upmarket
an escalator. Little did I realise that my travellers, such as The Langham, Four
meanderings on Hong Kong Island had Seasons, W and, most recently, Upper
brought me to what was in fact the largest House, have been vying for the top spot.
escalator in the world. Other cities would “We are still room-rate leaders and
have put up a neon sign to advertise this constantly push to remain the best and
fact, but Hong Kong modestly brims with offer unforgettable experiences,” said
diverse surprises such as this. Chan. “It’s great for Hong Kong to have a
The escalator took me into the heart range of options for travellers. Guests want
of Soho, a confused ex-pat haven of wine the best and while they’re happy to spend,
bars, restaurants and shops selling we must prove we’re worth it, because
yorkshire puddings and deep-fried Mars travellers are knowledgeable and experi-
Bars. A few more turns and it was vibrant enced and will notice if standards slip.”
with market stalls and food vendors, Simon Mills, the Hong Kong Tourism
antique shops and temples – and even a Board’s director for northern Europe,
street dedicated to fancy dress. agreed that first-hand experiences are key
Hong Kong’s culture is laced with a to the success of a destination. “Next year
desire for prosperity far older than its will be an exciting one, with spectacular
many boutique stores. Visit a temple and events planned,” he said of 2010, the year
the colour green is a major part of the of the tiger.
colour scheme; it represents wealth, and “These range from cultural festivals
the locals have been pursuing it, along such as Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat
with happiness (represented by red) and Racing and the wonderful Bun Festival at
power (yellow) for centuries. Cheung Chau, through to established events
But alongside the ancient gods sit new such as the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and
deities such as Louis Vuitton, Versace and the Food and Wine Festival in October. We
Armani. It is common for couples to have expect great interest from the luxury sector.”
wedding photos taken outside these shops. Luxury guests should also be pushed to
Prosperity also affects Hong Kong’s see the other side of Hong Kong; miles of
housing decisions. At Repulse Bay, so unspoiled, protected land teems with
called because it was the site of a fight to wildlife and stunning walks suited to
repulse pirates, ugly blocks of flats fetch gentle strollers or seasoned hikers.
high rents because they face the sea and Tourist boards are sometimes guilty of
have a hillside behind them: the hillside banging on about a destination’s culture,
represents stability, the sea prosperity. history, art, architecture, beaches or
Feng shui is a way of life in Hong Kong, diversity, often with little to back it up.
determining the position of everything But the Hong Kong
from the cannon-like structures atop the Tourism Board can
HSBC building to the plants in the office say whatever it likes
of Rainy Chan, general manager of The – Hong Kong really
Peninsula, the city’s most famous hotel. seems to
The Peninsula has been at the top of the have it all.
41
city hong kong
winter 09 ttgluxury.com
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