Hong Kong hotel sets the new gold standard for opulence
Check-in
The guest rooms start at 52 square metres.
Part of global ultra-luxury brand Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the 65-storey hotel and private residence complex opened in 2019. The Hong Kong-based brand is expanding rapidly, with plans to add 28 new properties (including seven in China) over the next few years to the current 30-property portfolio.
The hotel represents a new era for the East Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood on the Kowloon side. Formerly the site of Holt’s Wharf, it became New World Centre (many will remember it from the ’70s and ’80s as a thriving hub for shopping and entertainment), and is now known as Victoria Dockside. New World Centre was created by Dr Cheng Yu-tung and Dr Henry Cheng, the grandfather and father of current Rosewood Hotel Group CEO, Sonia Cheng.
The look
Rosewood Hotel bar.
Designed by New York-based Tony Chi, the hotel’s style is described as elevated “residential luxury”, a home away from home for the privileged traveller.
Nearly every room has a showstopper view of Victoria Harbour. From the exclusive Manor Club on the 40th floor, an open-air terrace is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the nightly light and sound show.
The gorgeous DarkSide jazz-and-cocktail bar is hidden behind velvet curtains on the lobby level. It’s full on the two nights I stop by, frequented by hotel guests and affluent locals enjoying the mahjong-inspired specialty cocktails and powerhouse resident band.
The room
Dive in - guest bathroom.
Rosewood Hong Kong rooms and suites are some of the most spacious in the city, starting at 52 square metres. The first thing I notice is the wow-factor harbour view, framed by an enormous window that looks out on a passing parade of ferries, passenger boats and helicopters.
The bed, custom-made by Simmons and dressed with luxe FRETTE linens, is flawless. The next thing that grabs my attention is original art decorating the room. Chinese artist William Low was commissioned to produce more than 400 paintings for the hotel’s rooms, each one depicting an element of Hong Kong life, and no two are the same. Expensive large-format art books are displayed on the coffee table and TV wall unit.
The marble bathroom is bigger than some Sydney studio apartments, replete with a deep freestanding tub, double rainshowers, dual sinks and elegant details, including a single, fresh, pink peony. The separate toilet features a motion-sensor lid.
Dedicated “salon” areas on every guestroom floor are designed so families or friends staying in separate rooms have a place to gather.
Food + drink
The great outdoors, Hong Kong-style.
So many options. Eleven dining “concepts″ include Michelin-recognised Chaat, serving refined Indian dishes inspired by street food, American steakhouse Henry and fine Cantonese cuisine at The Legacy House. High tea in The Butterfly Room, decorated with six original artworks by Damien Hirst, is one of the most highly sought reservations in town.
I enjoy Holt’s Cafe on the lobby level, a contemporary take on Hong Kong’s traditional Cha Chaan Teng diners. Dinner of sesame prawn toast, barbecue pork rice and garlic broccoli is served with Genmai tea.
Out + about
Rosewood Hotel bar.
Located on the Kowloon waterfront, the hotel anchors the Victoria Dockside arts and design district and is connected to K11 Musea shopping plaza. It’s an easy walk to Canton Road shopping and the Star Ferry.
The verdict
An exquisite grand luxury hotel, Rosewood Hong Kong has set a new standard for a destination that knows a thing or two about opulence. Attractions, shopping, museums and nightlife are close by, but there’s a strong temptation to stay put and enjoy the hotel.
A stand-out - the striking Rosewood Hotel.
The essentials
18 Salisbury Road, Hong Kong; Phone +852 3891 8888; rosewoodhotels.com Rooms from HKD$7000 ($1338) plus 10 per cent tax, a night.
The score
★★★★★
Highlight
The exclusive Manor Club on the 40th floor. Personalised butler service, stellar views and included dining for breakfast, afternoon tea and happy hour.
Lowlight
It’s hard to say goodbye.
The writer stayed as a guest of Rosewood Hong Kong.
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