L: 25

H: 35

L: 25

H: 32

L: 25

H: 31

L: 25

H: 31

L: 25

H: 32

L: 24

With the perfect location and the best touches, Rosewood Hong Kong is one of the most exciting properties to open its doors in Asia’s financial capital

As for the city’s skyline, Hong Kong has one of the most recognisable in the world, and from the Manor Club on the 40th floor of this new harbour establishment I’m happy to say that all eyes are on opinions rather than the current tensions that dominate global headlines.

As I stand on the narrow terrace off the Executive lounge admiring the shimmering panoramic landscape in front of me, I can safely say that Rosewood Hong Kong is one of the most exciting properties to open its doors in Asia’s financial capital, perhaps ever.

The 26th hotel to open under the Rosewood brand, which was acquired by the Hong Kong Cheng family in 2011 and today boasts properties in cities such as London, Paris and Abu Dhabi, this iconic location is proudly located on a Prime property that dates back to 1910. Formerly Holts Wharf, a rail and freight logistics centre, the Salisbury road site is important today because it is one of the last stretches of Prime land on the left.

Located as a high-end estate rather than a luxury hotel, the so-called “vertical estate” towers over Kowloon island in the popular shopping and nightlife district of Tsim Sha Tsui. It adjoins the port’s new art and retail complex, K11 Musea, which is owned by Adrian Cheng, brother of Rosewood chief Executive Sonia Cheng. The Avenue of Stars along the waterfront of Victoria harbour and the famous multimedia show Symphony of light are also right on the doorstep.

A 4.7-metre-long bronze sculpture by British artist Henry Moore welcomes guests to the hotel. It’s a smart introduction and an indication of what to expect behind the heavily branded brass doors at the entrance. Once in the lobby (or foyer if you like) the mansion vibe resonates – it’s immersive, dynamic, refined and very Tony Chi.

From this site, a Taiwanese-born, new York-based interior designer who has had a hand in hotel projects including Shanghai’s Hyatt Park, Tokyo’s Andaz and East Guangzhou’s Mandarin, manages to deftly roll Hong Kong’s History and the Cheng family’s heritage together to create a unique “sense of place” (hotel philosophy).

I book in the Grand Harbour Corner Suite on the 39th floor of the 43 floors the hotel occupies. It’s sophisticated and stylish with incredible floor-to-ceiling Windows that absolutely celebrate the harbour place.

I’m impressed that each floor has its own communal “lounge” where guests are invited to mingle or settle into the living room and read, a handful of sweets, grab a Cup of tea and enjoy the warmth of the space.

Of the 413 rooms and suites and 186 additional luxury residences, most offer Kowloon Peak or harbour views differing only in size, floor level and services offered. The entry-level rooms are a generous 53 square metres, while the suites are among the largest in Hong Kong (at 92 sq m), and Yes, they feel more like private residences than hotel accommodation.

I am granted access to the 24-hour Butler service of the hotel and Manor Club, and have on hand in the room a drinks trolley, a luxurious marble-Laden double shower and vanity, a statement soaking tub with built-in TV, a double living room, sizable lounge areas to walk in robe and a smart smart toilet that wants to talk to me constantly (annoying but easy to fix by closing the door).

The block-out blinds ensure I have a good night’s sleep, the pillow menu is luxurious and the furniture is adequately refined, but, it’s the attention to detail-things like the free charging device and USB I borrowed, the pocket guide I gifted as a resource, and the beautifully curated vintage collectibles and considered haute chinoiserie touches-that make this hotel a home.

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Service is mostly onsite, if a bit slow at some outlets, but that’s understandable given the popularity of the place. Overall, I would say it is efficient and thorough. I have access to my Butler via WhatsApp and find the level of mindfulness offered measured yet imperious which I appreciate. Special mention should go to the Lotus Leung cultural center, which got out of her way and showed me her Hong Kong.

Not unlike me, Suite guests are likely to spend a good chunk of their time in the Manor Club lounge thanks to its all-day dining offerings (Breakfast, dinner, lunch, afternoon tea), pool room and outdoor terrace with those views. But, beyond that, the Heritage home is an outstanding dining outlet. Designed to honor the family heritage of Cheng and his Patriarch Dr. Cheng yu-Tung, the restaurant is the perfect place for a business dinner or lunch meeting. The interiors are warm and the region is aesthetically pleasing and the Cantonese menu is full of great options with dishes ranging from HK$50 (Dh23).

Business travellers will appreciate the venues for meetings and events – there are two ballrooms, indoor and outdoor Seating for 2,000 people, as well as seven meeting rooms and a hospitality Suite with a private terrace and, of course, harbour views.

Just over 30 minutes from the airport, transfers to and from the hotel to the airport can be arranged for HK $ 1650 (Dh772) one way. If you travel within Hong Kong, the East Tsim Sha Tsui subway and Star Ferry terminals are within walking distance.

Double rooms start at HK$5,005 (Dh2, 343) per night, including Breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Access to the Manor Club costs HK $ 1980 (Dh926) per room, per day.