A room with a view is a certainty at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, as its 544 rooms face either Victoria Harbour or Victoria Peak.
With just 30% of available land occupied in China’s special administrative region, peak side rooms offer calming greenery in a busy city of 7 million people.
The hotel is situated beside Hong Kong Park and is a five-minute walk from Victoria Peak’s tram, which has been bringing visitors up a gravity-defying 1,350-metre incline to cooler temperatures since 1888.
On the other hand, the iconic skyline of Hong Kong, coupled with the harbour’s spectacular nightly 8pm fireworks show – the longest permanent light and sound display in the world according to Guinness World Records – makes a harbour front room a special treat.
The Location & Getting There
The new Cathay Pacific direct flight from Riyadh to Hong Kong opens up this destination to Saudi travellers seeking a mixture of city sophistication, great 5-star value for money, Michelin-star food, and wellness. The Island Shangri-La offers luxury hospitality for good value by Middle Eastern standards, with nightly rates coming in about 30% less than a comparable five-star hotel in Riyadh.
Opened 33 years ago, Island Shangri-La is centrally located amid high-rise office complexes and luxury shopping malls and is directly connected to Admiralty Station, part of Hong Kong’s mass transit railway. Plus, Pacific Place shopping mall, offering over 100 stores for tax-free shopping, is directly accessible from level 5 of the hotel.
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The Guests
The Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, caters to a discerning clientele who appreciate a blend of both luxury and convenience, from locals, leisure seekers, business travellers and families.
Despite its central location, the property does not have a business feel, rather its world-class service, exquisite design, and beautiful architecture make it a top choice for discerning travellers who value luxury, comfort, and exceptional views.
The Background & Ambiance
Island Shangri-La and its sister hotel, Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, are part of Shangri-La Group’s 100 and counting international hotels, established by Malaysian business tycoon Robert Kuok, who has been based in Hong Kong since 1973. The name Shangri-La came from a 1933 book, Lost Horizon, which depicted a mythical land of contentment. Kuok, who is now 101 years old, featured as one of the top 100 richest people in the world in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2023.
Newly renovated, the Island Shangri-La exudes elegance and sophistication. With a warm welcome from staff, the hotel offers guests and visitors a haven of high-end tranquility and a serene escape from the lively city streets, whilst the hotel's foyer, and food and beverage outlets throb to the beat of deals and conversations being conducted.
The Rooms
The hotel offers newly renovated and traditional rooms to cater to guests’ tastes. My room, a Deluxe Harbour View Room, has a panoramic view and window daybed, and is pretty spacious by Hong Kong standards at 44 sq m. The recent renovation is exquisitely appointed with thoughtful layout.
Filtered hot and cold drinking water taps, a well-stocked pantry, mini bar, and guest fridge cater for all needs.
The WC, with a heated Japanese style toilet, sits separately to the shower and bath. The closet lights automatically on approach and there is plenty of room to store luggage out of the way. The bathroom also offers a separate mirrored corner for hair drying and makeup application – surprisingly a facility not often found in hotels. Phone charging ports are found by the extremely comfortable king-sized bed and the room’s lighting, curtains, blinds, and temperature can be controlled from the bedside unit.
The 45th floor of the hotel is devoted to families, with a kitchen, pantry for 24/7 snacks and meals, and laundry. Diapers, food warming, milk, and child-friendly food are available and there’s even a storeroom on hand offering everything from prams and buggies to car seats. Families can benefit from suites offering separate bedrooms for parents and younger family members, with lounge and dining areas behind a private entrance.
What makes Island Shangri-La stand out, however, are the remarkable luxury children’s bedrooms themed variously on the famous peak tram, aviation, and a fairy garden.
There will be no problem persuading your little ones to go to bed in these wondrous quarters!
The Restaurants
Island Shangri-La has a choice of seven restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Petrus on the 56th floor offering harbour views. Culinary offerings are led by executive chef, Uwe Opocensky, regarded as a kitchen legend in Hong Kong. Halal food options are available, private rooms are on offer, and chefs’ creations are designed to excite the senses. They do not disappoint.
Wellness
The hotel offers a 2,300 sq ft state-of-the-art gym as well as treatments at YUN WELLNESS, a hair salon, and outdoor swimming pool. Wellness packages on offer include mum-to-be, postnatal, and family celebration deals.
The 28.5-metre outdoor swimming pool offers a shady oasis on level 8, while the extensive range of services at the YUN WELLNESS spa makes for a truly relaxing break from the city excitement.
The Staff
Asian hospitality at the Island Shangri-La is comparable to the honour and welcome bestowed on visitors by Saudis. They epitomise service and consideration. Housekeeping is unobtrusive and attention to detail is evident from reception to the dining rooms.
In Short: Perched on the edge of Victoria Harbour, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, offers breathtaking views and unparalleled luxury, and now with direct flights connecting the Kingdom and Hong Kong, making it an ideal destination for discerning travellers from the Middle East.
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central Hong Kong, SAR
Prices starting from HK$2,565 (SAR 1,236)
