Island Shangri-La
Even if you’re not staying at the Island Shangri-La Hotel you’ll want to check out the largest hotel mural in the world. This may be the Island Shangri-la’s most noteworthy feature but there are so many other attributes that make it stand out in a city noted for fine hotels. Even in this modern glass tower the Island Shangri-La has a homey kind of feeling. Chandeliers, inlaid marble floors, lush Tai Ping carpets and carved gilt furniture set it apart. It’s not a surprise that since 1991 when the hotel was opened it has attracted a repeat clientele where the staff remembers them and looks after them like family.
The wide range of dining possibilities at Island Shangri-La includes a top-floor, top-of-the-line French restaurant, Petrus, under the aegis of a Michelin-star chef, with a dining room that is consistently ranked among the finest hotel restaurants in Asia. A harpist plays 8-11 pm, and the wine list is stupendous, as befitting the hotel's wine cellar of 12,000 bottles, one of Asia's largest.
The lobby-level Lobster Bar and Grill is an expensive but well-frequented spot, mixing fine-dining with urbane drinking atmosphere, as a jazz band plays in the evenings.
The standout Cafe Too, located above the Island Shangri-La lobby level, serves an around-the-world breakfast buffet that is one of Hong Kong's most popular morning destinations, turning into a sushi, lobster and grilled-foods lunch buffet that represents excellent value for the area in a sleek yet comfortable environment. Summer Palace, the hotel's popular Chinese restaurant and Shangri-La's signature Nadaman Japanese restaurant offers traditional fare but in a supercool modern setting, with corridors of rough stone and wood separating the eating areas.
The small Island Gourmet tea and cake shop by the walk-through to the public shopping mall, and a poolside al fresco restaurant called the Waterside Terrace serving Thai and poolside specialties, complete the dining options. All these dining spots are not to be forgotten, because they each display a unique, contemporary style suited to their various cuisines, also appealing to the design-conscious guests.
Guests seeking excersize can access a bright, modern gym that never closes and boasts leafy views that are rare for Hong Kong, a heated outdoor pool, hot and cold whirlpools, a sauna, steam room, solarium, Vichy showers and massage facilities.
Complimentary wireless Internet access beams throughout the public areas and within all rooms. Limousine transport can be arranged, and a free hourly shuttle (runs Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm) links the hotel with the Star Ferry, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai, and the popular shopping area of Causeway Bay.
Shangri-La luxury guest rooms are larger than those at most hotels here, and traditional wood-paneled hallways face the soaring atrium, which is awash in greenery and ringed by dark wood railings. The elegantly appointed units have a chinoiserie look with mahogany furniture, 42" LCD TVs, large leather-topped desks with numerous electrical outlets (tastefully hidden but conveniently placed), free high-speed Internet access, minibars stocked with gourmet fare, coffeemakers, safes and electric curtains. Muted textiles from lime green to burnt orange warm up the room without overpowering the space, and an elegant chandelier provides excellent lighting with traditional charm.
Bright white marble baths provide bidets, clotheslines, hair dryers, magnifying mirrors, scales, flat-screen TVs and free bottled water. Baths in top-priced harbor-view rooms offer dual basins and separate tub and shower areas. The shower jet is notably powerful with plenty of hot water.
Suites at Shangri-La are also relatively large, and house Jacuzzis, Acqua di Parma toiletries, and lashings of old-style colonial Chinese splendor, with gilt furniture, thick carpets and gold accents everywhere. Floors 52-55 are reserved for Horizon Club guests; these rooms have additional amenities such as rain showers, iPod docks, and printer/scanner/fax machines. On the 56th floor next to Petrus is the very plush Horizon Club Lounge, with some of the best views in Hong Kong, as well as a rooftop garden terrace shaded by a huge tent-like canvas awning, under which Horizon guests can relax in rattan chairs in verdant surroundings.
Views from all of the rooms the Island Shangri-La are extravagant because of the hotel's height, but for the most memorable visit, request a Kowloon-facing room.
Service is a high point, from the swift 24-hour room service to the reception staff that escorts guests to their rooms at check-in. The concierge team can answer any question about Hong Kong and makes every effort to accommodate guests' needs swiftly and with a smile.
Housekeeping is meticulous in duties ranging from double-checking the batteries in remotes to refilling ice buckets daily. Expect hot Chinese tea in the guest rooms on arrival, along with fresh fruit, chocolate and local sweets.
The clientele appreciates the generous pool plus access to Hong Kong Island's best mall. Service at the Island Shangri La is among the best of all Hong Kong hotels, and the comfort of these rooms cannot be beat, representing good value in the top-dollar category.
Island Shangri La is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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