| It had been a long seventeen hour flight from Chicago to Hong Kong, but from the moment we stepped off the plane at The Hong Kong International Airport we knew that we were about to have a special experience at this city’s most famous and historic hotel. As we left the customs area we were met by a representative from The Peninsula Hotel who guided us through the airport to our car and driver for the transfer to the hotel. Our car was one of the Rolls Royce fleet that has become a main feature of this establishment. The fleet consists of 14 Rolls Royce Silver Spurs and one vintage Rolls Royce Phantom, all painted in a color that has become known as Peninsula Green. This color is used only on cars provided to the Peninsula. Within 45 minutes after leaving the airport, and enjoying a scenic ride, offering views of the city and the harbor, we arrived at the hotel on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong Harbour. Under the eyes of the two massive Chinese Lions that guard the entrance, we were met by a hotel representative who personally escorted us past the front desk to our room where he registered us in the comfort of our suite. A fresh basket of fruit was available in the room and was restocked each day of our stay. Created to be “the finest hotel east of Suez” the hotel was originally built in 1928, with the tower extension added in 1994. The 300 rooms are among the largest in Hong Kong with sizes ranging from 456 sf plus for a deluxe room to 4111 sf for The Peninsula Suite. The rooms are exceptionally well appointed with just the right amount of oriental décor to let you know that you are in a Far East environment. The bathrooms are large and every surface is either marble or etched glass. Each room features state of the art technology with two color TV’s including one in the bathroom mounted over the large and luxurious bath tub. Local and satellite TV reception is available along with a CD/DVD player. Other technical features include three telephone lines in the bedroom and two in the bathroom with two lines compatible with ISDN technology. Complimentary high speed broadband internet access is available and each room is equipped with computerized controls for curtains, TV, radio, air conditioning, valet button, and lighting. Our room was a Grand Deluxe Harbor View. One of this room’s most striking features, and there are many, is the wall to wall window looking out over the famed Victoria Harbour with the city of Hong Kong rising majestically across the harbor on the island side. Each night you see the lights of the city, the boats and ships in the harbor, and the high rise hotels and office buildings perform a laser light show that lights up the city and the harbor with a kaleidoscope of colors. Over its 78 year history The Peninsula has been the scene of many historic events. In Room 336, the documents representing the surrender of Hong Kong to the Japanese were signed on Christmas Day, 1941 by General C. M. Maltby and Sir Mark Young, the Governor of Hong Kong. Not quite as historic, but an interesting story nevertheless, is one that took place in 1953 when Clark Gable stayed at The Peninsula during the filming of the movie “Soldier of Fortune”. After ordering a screwdriver at the bar, he learned that this drink was unknown in Hong Kong at that time. Mr. Gable proceeded to teach Peninsula barman, Mr. Johnny Chung, how to mix a screwdriver. Fifty three years later, Mr. Chung is still mixing this popular drink. The magnificent lobby of the hotel is one the most and elegant meeting places in Hong Kong and has become a local favorite. Starting with breakfast, a three or four course menu is served daily for lunch and dinner. The lobby is also the location for the Peninsula Classic Afternoon Tea served daily from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. Accompanied by classical music by The Lobby Strings, this celebrated event attracts locals as well as tourists from all over the world. Including The Lobby, there are an incredible seven first class restaurants in the hotel. Unfortunately we were unable to dine at all of them due to time constraints. Our favorite was Gaddi’s Restaurant, noted for its gourmet French Cuisine, extensive wine list and its outstanding service. Its elegant crystal chandeliers and tasteful blue and gold color tones provide a setting of exemplary luxury. From the moment we arrived at Gaddi’s we were treated like royalty. Somehow the staff had learned that it was Jean’s birthday, and they were prepared to make this a memorable experience for her. Seated at the best table in the house, we were treated to an exquisite dining experience, a special birthday cake, a happy birthday serenade by the orchestra and more attention from the gracious and courteous staff than one would ever expect. In Jean’s words, “it was the most memorable birthday I have ever had”. Words cannot do justice to the high standard of excellence of this fabulous hotel. There is not room in this article to discuss its many other features such as the pool and fitness area, three levels of first class shops, the rooftop heliport and many others. The service and the courteousness of the staff are, quite frankly, unsurpassed. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Hong Kong, a stay at The Peninsula will be an unforgettable and royal experience. The Peninsula Hotel Room Rates: Richard and Jean Truman are freelance travel writers and regular contributors to The Traveler. Back to TheTraveler.
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