Leaving Hong Kong Island for Kowloon may not be the farthest you’ll travel for a luxury hotel, but it sure does feel like you are exchanging city life for something a little calmer, especially at Kerry Hotel Hong Kong.
The five star brand from the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Group has named itself an “urban resort”, which has a lot to do with the vast amount of space it stretches over. It also has an incredible vantage point overlooking the Kowloon waterfront, which is definitely one of the better views Hong Kong has to offer. How else does the Kerry Hotel fare? Well, read on for our full review below.
Location: 8/10
Situated near Hung Hom Pier and Whampoa MTR station, it’s safe to say that Kerry Hotel is somewhat well-connected, depending on how you’re travelling. There are also private parking facilities at the hotel, which helps if you are driving. Unfortunately, there isn’t too much going on in close proximity to the hotel, except for a local residential area and shopping centre. It is however, close enough to walk to the more vibrant part, to Tsim Sha Tsui and a leisurely stroll along the promenade is quite lovely.
Design: 9/10
This sixteen storey hotel’s interior is designed by none other than Hong Kong’s prolific designer André Fu. It makes use of the expansive area it covers with a spacious lobby, floor to ceiling windows and multi levels of al fresco gardens and areas to enjoy. The building itself is curved and creates a fluidity that runs from the outside in, while over sixty percent of the guest rooms offer stunning harbour views. All of which add to the relaxed luxury that Kerry Hotel exudes in a timeless manner.
Ambience: 9/10
Thanks to the hotel’s design, the relaxed vibe runs throughout. In fact, upon entering, guests may feel swept away by the view in the lobby, as if automatically loosening up the shoulders to ready you for the stay. It’s bright and airy, creating an atmosphere that feels positive with a slight buzz of happenings across the hotel. A mix of Chinese and foreign tourists were visiting during our stay, while local families and couples, along with people on business were also seen at the hotel.
Rooms: 8/10
The Club Premier Sea View room promises a sea view, and a spectacular sea view is what you’ll get. And if uninterrupted sea views don’t provide enough entertainment, the complimentary movies and mini bar will. Once again, the timeless design comes into play with muted tones of beige, stone and blue in different textures cut through with warm wood tones dotted around the room. The pillow menu and blackout curtains induce a superb slumber while the bathroom offers a rainfall shower, but sadly no bathtub here.
Service & Facilities: 8/10
We arrived and headed straight to reception in the lobby to check in. But of course, with Club access this means you are able to check in at the Club Lounge, which is laden with snacks and drinks. This can take a longer time though, and a little back and forth with passport copies and whatnot may slow you down. However the cheesecake, available during afternoon tea time, will likely make you forget all that. For active visitors, the outdoor pool and 24-hour health club will appeal. But if spa treatments are more your bag, don’t forget to check out their Spa in Base Camp to unwind properly.
Food & Drink: 9/10
There are four restaurants and a bar, complete with an open terrace, at Kerry Hotel. Big Bay Café features a wide array of cuisine and is where breakfast is served. We recommend the Asian hot foods including soup noodles and dim sum. Meanwhile, Hung Tong delivers high end Cantonese fare, Dockyard offers quick-style Asian foods, and Bong-Italian provides dry aged steak and wines. For drinks, the Lobby Lounge mixes up cocktails with a side of Hong Kong-style classic dishes, and Red Sugar, in which we had the chance to enjoy their Long, Lazy Brunch before we left, offers a fantastic Spanish tapas-style spread with stellar views (again) to boot.
Rates: From HK$2,200/night for a Deluxe City View Room to HK4,200 for Executive Sea View Suite (prices may vary depending on availability and season). For the Specialty Sea View and Presidential Suites, guests can enquire through +852 3069 9988 or e-mail reservations.khhk@thekerryhotels.com.
Rating: 8.5/10
Perfect for: relaxing in an expansive yet intimate space with spectacular views.
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