Review: Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

Embarking on the following part of my opulent Hong Kong hotel-hopping journey, I moved from the 4 Seasons Hong Kong to the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong. This lodge is one among two Shangri-La properties within the metropolis, and is certainly a crown jewel inside the total Shangri-La portfolio.

Having loved a number of pleasant stays at Shangri-La North America places in Toronto and Vancouver up to now, I used to be now eagerly anticipating a keep nearer to the model’s roots in Asia. 

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Reserving

Resort costs in Hong Kong, particularly for the celebrated Shangri-La model, are usually fairly steep.

Typically talking, money charges for the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong can range from $2,640 HKD ($450 CAD) on the decrease finish to over $5,500 HKD ($940 CAD) per night time on the increased finish. In my case, I used to be lucky to ebook this keep on a beneficial business charge.

To unlock additional advantages at this property, think about reserving your keep by means of Shangri-La Luxurious Circle, Shangri-La’s most popular companion program.

By reserving by means of Shangri-La Luxurious Circle with a certified journey advisor, you may get pleasure from elite-level advantages with out having to work your method as much as standing within the Shangri-La Circle loyalty program. A few of the additional perks embrace lodge credit, complimentary breakfast, and an improve confirmable on the time of reserving.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Location

Located within the coronary heart of Admiralty and adjoining to Hong Kong’s premier buying and leisure district, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong boasts an unparalleled location.

The lodge is instantly linked to the expansive Pacific Place mall advanced, sharing the neighborhood with the Conrad and JW Marriott lodges. This space, along with high-end lodges, additionally encompasses a mix of residential towers and authorities places of work.

Moreover, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong’s proximity to key sights on Hong Kong Island makes it an excellent base for exploring the world, bringing a lot of the town inside simple attain. Hong Kong Park and the Victoria Peak Tram are simply moments away, whereas the colourful buying and leisure choices of Central are a mere 10-minute stroll or one-stop MTR trip away.

For enterprise travellers, the lodge’s proximity to the Hong Kong Conference Centre is a plus, and is round 10 minutes away on the MTR. And should you’re eager on exploring Hong Kong’s outlying islands or taking the ferry throughout Victoria Harbour, the Wan Chai Ferry Pier is lower than 10 minutes away by automobile or transit. 

Lastly, accessing the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong from the airport is kind of easy. Merely take the Airport Specific to Hong Kong MTR Station, then change trains at Central Station for a one-stop trip to Admiralty Station.

Moreover, from the Mainland China border, the East Rail Line now leads on to Admiralty Station, following extension works accomplished in 2021.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Examine-in

The Island Shangri-La Hong Kong instructions consideration with its placing 56-storey tower that stands tall above Victoria Harbour, with outstanding “Shangri-La” lettering adorning its pinnacle.

This edifice is only one half of a set of dual towers that resemble a soccer and have turn out to be an iconic a part of the Hong Kong skyline. Its companion tower, which homes the Conrad Hong Kong, creates a shocking duo of skyscrapers that proudly stand aspect by aspect.

The Island Shangri-La Hong Kong boasts two entrances: one for pedestrians and autos situated instantly off Supreme Court docket Highway, and one other accessible by means of the Pacific Place mall advanced.

Upon our arrival, we have been greeted by a sheltered porte-cochère, the place the lodge’s entrance is marked with an array of lush greenery and stylish touches.

We have been promptly welcomed inside, and our baggage was whisked away to our room at once.

As you step into the Island Shangri-La’s foyer, excessive ceilings and stylish marble flooring carry a mixture of colonial formality with Asian antiquities that mix to ship a way of richness and class.

The foyer is additional enhanced by magnificent chandeliers that infuse glamour and refinement into the area. These large-scale chandeliers symbolize only a fraction of the 771 chandeliers discovered all through the lodge.

Wealthy, sizeable silk work are current all through the foyer as properly, complemented by a grand white marble staircase that ascends to an expansive mezzanine degree. Adjoining to right here is the place the lodge’s foyer lounge is prominently located.

We proceeded to the check-in space, the place the essence of old-school luxurious was on full show, with mahogany check-in desks and stylish crown mouldings as your gaze shifts upward.

The lodge workers warmly welcomed us and confirmed our keep within the Grand Premier Harbour View Room.

On the time of writing, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong is at the moment within the midst of a radical transformation from a very conventional fashion to a very fashionable fashion. Thus, within the coming years, you’ll have your alternative of which room sort to remain in, as renovations are being achieved a few flooring at a time.

It’s value noting that there’s a major distinction in fashion between the old- and new-style rooms, so that you’ll definitely need to take heed to which one you ebook or request. Be aware that the lodge will doubtless maintain round a few of its traditional-style rooms, as there are a handful of loyal long-time visitors preferring the older fashion.

Nonetheless, irrespective of which room you select, you’ll be handled to very good views of both The Peak or Victoria Harbour.

After a quick overview of the lodge’s facilities, the formalities have been accomplished, and the workers supplied us with our room keys and directed us to the elevators that might take us to our room.

The elevator foyer showcases bronze mirrored surfaces and splendid, floral-patterned carpeting. Seven elevators service the lodge: Lifts A–E function from the bottom ground, whereas bullet lifts F and G completely cater to flooring 39–56.

A standout function of the lodge is the breathtaking atrium spanning flooring 39–56, which homes the world-renowned Nice Motherland of China mural. To completely recognize this spectacular art work, go for a trip on bullet lifts F and G, which glide all the best way up the atrium’s inside.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Grand Premier Harbour View Room

The visitor room hallways at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong are adorned with darkish oak wooden and traditional carpeting.

As you step into the freshly renovated Grand Premier Harbour View Room, you’ll be enveloped in an ultra-modern palette of sunshine tones, predominantly that includes gray and white shades. In the meantime, refined overhead lighting provides a tasteful trace of magnificence to the combo.

Furthermore, at virtually 500 sq. ft, the Grand Premier Harbour View Room is kind of generously sized for a base-level room, particularly in a metropolis recognized for its tight residing quarters.

An opulent king mattress serves because the room’s centrepiece, accompanied by bedside tables outfitted with the most recent expertise for simple entry to plugs, wi-fi charging, USB-C, and controls for the bedside lighting and curtains.

On the foot of the mattress, two ottomans provide a comfortable seating choice. 

Additional into the room, a contemporary gray upholstered daybed extends throughout the area, complemented by a desk and ergonomic work chair.

Adorning the desk, a shocking floral association, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, and exquisitely offered candies have been accompanied by a handwritten be aware, making a considerate welcome amenity.

Positioned close to the doorway, a placing baggage rack with emerald partitions and brass accents greets you upon your entry into the room.

Subsequent to it, a pantry encompasses a well-stocked minibar and Nespresso espresso maker, whereas an enthralling vintage-style bar cart hosts a tea station. Subsequent to the espresso maker, there’s a faucet with on-demand cold and warm consuming water, which I discovered to be a superb function.

A spotlight of the room is the opulent marble-clad toilet, which boasts a single vainness and a walk-in bathe and bathtub inside a single moist room. The floral sample on the wall provides a classy contact, and a sensible rest room occupies a separate chamber for final privateness.

Lastly, because the identify implies, the Grand Premier Harbour View Room gives among the finest views on the lodge, with the waters of Victoria Harbour seen amongst many different skyscrapers within the space.

I discovered the contemporary design to be each fashionable and practical, with the luxurious marble-clad toilet and vintage-style bar cart significantly interesting. The elongated sofa on the room’s far finish additionally stood out, providing ample area for leisure and lounging.

Revolutionary options corresponding to sliding doorways and screens improve the room’s performance, whereas automated cold and warm water dispensers function a sought-after amenity not often present in lodges – one thing I would definitely recognize seeing extra of at lodges world wide.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Grand Premier Metropolis View Room

After getting acquainted with the Grand Premier Harbour View Room, I used to be capable of tour just a few different room sorts on the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, together with each the newly revamped and the time-honoured traditional room sorts.

The Grand Premier Metropolis View Room shares the identical sq. footage and revamped aesthetic because the Grand Premier Harbour View Room, full with an analogous structure.

In lieu of sweeping Victoria Harbour views, you’ll be handled to views of the town’s skyline and towering skyscrapers.

Though the toilet on this room is barely smaller, it stays well-equipped and showcases a recent design with placing options similar to these within the Grand Premier Harbour View Room.

All issues thought-about, this base-level room is a good alternative for solo travellers or {couples}. Regardless of not having the breathtaking views of the Grand Premier Harbour View Room, the Grand Premier Metropolis View Room affords the identical sensible expertise, fashionable facilities, fashionable décor, and spacious structure.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Premier Harbour View Suite

The Premier Harbour View Suite measures practically 950 sq. ft and features a separate bed room and residing space. All areas of the suite have been refreshed with the lodge’s softer and airier color theme.

Upon coming into the residing space, a prolonged L-shaped daybed stretches virtually your complete size of the room, with a desk thoughtfully positioned simply in entrance, accompanied by two plush armchairs.

The spacious bed room encompasses a desk with an ergonomic chair and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. Furthermore, visitors can get pleasure from gorgeous Victoria Harbour views from not one, however two vantage factors, because of home windows located on each side of the mattress.

The city stylish ensuite marble toilet within the Premier Harbour View Suite is a real standout, because it boasts a beautiful combination of cream and gray with luxurious brass fixtures. The suite can be outfitted with a round bathtub and an extended window that connects to the adjoining bed room, permitting visitors to soak within the breathtaking Victoria Harbour views.

As a ultimate contact, these staying within the Premier Harbour View Suite have entry to the unique Horizon Membership Lounge, which gives a variety of perks corresponding to complimentary breakfast and night cocktails.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Harbour View Suite

Though not but renovated, the Harbour View Suite nonetheless holds a sure attraction with its old-school opulence. It will not be proper for everybody, however I can definitely perceive why among the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong’s most loyal visitors choose this fashion of décor. 

The residing space showcases blue floral carpets, floral furnishings, traditional chandeliers, and wealthy mahogany accents, lending the area an air of timeless magnificence.

Adjoining to the lounge, a big desk and ergonomic chair provide a cushty spot for work or research.

The spacious and splendid bogs function traditional marble finishes, exuding the identical sense of magnificence of generations previous.

Within the bed room, a daring patterned accent wall serves as a backdrop, playfully mingling with the suite’s ample floral prospers throughout. The view from the room overlooks lush greenery that has high-rise buildings popping up all through.

The Harbour View Suite might use some updates and fashionable touches, nevertheless it nonetheless possesses simple appeal and character.

Personally, I’ve a choice for the renovated rooms at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, however should you like the standard fashion, then you definately’ll be happy to know there’ll doubtless be a handful of those rooms and suites nonetheless being saved round after the renovations are full.

Inside the renovated rooms, although, I discovered the jade, emerald, beige, and dusty pink color combos to be a bit plain, and I believed they may profit from some extra distinction.

Regardless of incorporating the most recent tech and {hardware}, the newer-style rooms additionally really feel barely smaller in comparison with their older counterparts, given all the extra high-tech options which were put in in comparison with the unique rooms. Nonetheless, on the finish of the day, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong comes with a few of Hong Kong’s largest rooms, which is a real luxurious in such a densely populated metropolis.

Ultimately, whether or not you favour the newer- or older-style rooms at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong will rely upon private style. Whereas the previous boasts up to date facilities and the most recent expertise, the latter comes with a traditional appeal that some visitors may recognize.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Breakfast

Café TOO is situated on the seventh ground of the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, and serves breakfast from 7–10:30 am.

The breakfast providing may be very complete, with a powerful unfold. There’s a beneficiant choice of breads and pastries, which got here with an assortment of cheeses and jams to select from, in addition to Western staples corresponding to waffles and quiches.

In the event you’re on the lookout for the same old suspects, a cereal station and a choice of contemporary fruit, yogurt, and juice are at your disposal. 

For the Western choice, baked beans, porridge, rooster pie, bacon, and sausage can be found. You possibly can select from eggs achieved in numerous types, together with scrambled, fried, and even deep-fried.

By way of Asian specialties, there are Shanghai-style noodles, wontons, pan-fried buns, and different regional specialties. Furthermore, South East Asian dishes like bak kut teh and beef rendang are additionally out there.

Among the many highlights was a devoted sushi station with a powerful variety of accompaniments. What’s extra, in collaboration with native meals stall homeowners, the buffet additionally options genuine Hong Kong-style gadgets corresponding to fish ball noodles, that are served at devoted stalls throughout breakfast and lunch.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Eating

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong is residence to no fewer than seven incredible eating venues, with two of them proudly holding Michelin stars.

Café TOO not solely serves a tremendous breakfast buffet, but additionally options 10 distinctive cooking theatres. Each focuses on a special culinary fashion in an open, full of life environment for a style of worldwide flavours, multi functional vibrant spot.

On the sixth ground, Lobster Bar and Grill places a contemporary spin on the traditional steakhouse vibe in a classy setting, and encompasses a menu of seafood and grilled meats amid elegant décor. It’s a well-liked consuming spot for close by workplace staff within the afternoons.

Up on the fifth ground, you’ll discover Summer season Palace, a Michelin-starred restaurant providing genuine Cantonese delicacies in a refined, tranquil surroundings.

Nadaman can be situated on the fifth ground, and introduces a contemporary aptitude to conventional Japanese delicacies in a smooth, modern area. The restaurant blends traditional flavours with revolutionary displays for a artistic expertise.

Petrus is perched atop the 56th ground, and is the lodge’s second Michelin-starred venue. Right here, modern French delicacies takes centre stage in an opulent setting with breathtaking views of the town.

For these in the hunt for a fast chunk, Island Connoisseur on the fifth ground has a choice of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, salads, and different tasty treats in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

Lastly, I ended by the Foyer Lounge situated on the bottom ground of Island Shangri-La Hong Kong. The lounge gives a variety of drinks and snacks all through the day, in addition to stay music performances within the night.

I made a decision to deal with myself to a cappuccino, and I have to say, it was served very elaborately – and didn’t style dangerous both.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Horizon Membership

The Horizon Membership is the manager lounge right here on the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, situated on the seventh ground of the lodge. The lounge used to reside on the highest ground, however because of the pandemic, it was moved to a decrease degree.

The Horizon Membership is completely reserved for visitors staying on devoted flooring or with Shangri-La Diamond standing. In the event you select to ebook a Horizon Membership room, you’ll be handled to a slew of extra perks, together with a devoted check-in and check-out service, complimentary each day breakfast, all-day drinks, and night cocktails and canapés.

Plus, the Horizon Membership gives views of Victoria Harbour, and it’s also possible to benefit from the adjoining landscaped rooftop backyard.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Different Amenities

Positioned on the eighth ground, the swimming pool at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong is a hidden gem. Proper throughout from the greenery of Hong Kong Park, the heated, 90-foot-long pool appears like a bit of slice of paradise within the coronary heart of the town.

It’s value noting that the pool is a part of the bigger spa space right here, together with the health centre, which isn’t but full and is at the moment within the midst of renovations to the lodge’s newer fashion. 

Conclusion

My keep on the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong was definitely a novel expertise, contemplating that I caught the lodge within the midst of its ongoing transformation from outdated to new. 

The trendy rooms flaunt the most recent facilities and expertise, together with some very spectacular function like a hot-and-cold consuming water faucet, whereas the traditional rooms provide a way of opulence and appeal that may ring a bell with visitors who yearn for the nice outdated days.

As for the lodge’s public areas, they predominantly embrace the lodge’s unique traditional aesthetic, and it’s unlikely they’ll endure a makeover because of the iconic historical past behind the property.

Nonetheless, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong stays a top-tier lodge and a standout inside the Shangri-La portfolio. With generously sized rooms and suites, a exceptional buffet choice, and first-rate eating institutions, it might make for a positive alternative as an opulent tackle in your subsequent journey to the town.