The brand new Rosewood is without a doubt the most anticipated (and rightfully so!) hotel to open in Hong Kong. Towering high above Victoria harbour (65 stories – residences included) it takes a prime position in a newly developed central Kowloon location.
The Rosewood Hong Kong is supposed to be “the” flagship property in the portfolio, so my expectations were high!
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Booking Rosewood Hong Kong
After doing some research on various booking platforms, I discovered that Rosewood Hong Kong was running a “pay for 2, stay for 3” promo. Since the hotel is also listed on American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, I figured it would be a good idea to call the Amex Platinum team to see if they could offer me the 3 for 2 promotion.
My agent advised that the FHR benefit wouldn’t apply to the promotion but was happy to call up the hotel and check to see if they wanted to honour it anyway. Five minutes later the deal was done, and I had booked myself a “Peak View Suite” at Rosewood Hong Kong (Manor Club access included) with US$100 food & beverage credit, guaranteed 4 PM checkout and upgrade depending on the availability.
Since I booked a twin suite for myself and my brother, I knew we wouldn’t get upgraded because the “Twin Peak View Suite” is the highest category available for twin bed configurations.
Checking In
After enjoying a late checkout at the also excellent St Regis Hong Kong, I headed across the harbour to my new (humble) abode.
Upon arrival, the cobbled driveway of the hotel curves up around the first floor to arrive at the main entrance overlooking the harbour. First impressions are everything, and the Rosewood Hong Kong knows how to impress.
Feeling a little out of place in my red Hong Kong taxi between an obscene amount of Rolls Royce Phantoms, I figured there was a wedding going on because the lobby was crowded. Not the peaceful arrival I had anticipated.
Check-in was efficient, but I was expecting a more “boutique” experience, heck maybe even a welcome drink. Instead, the agent at the front desk quickly checked me in and handed me over to one of the butlers who informed me that the room wasn’t ready yet but if I would like to enjoy a drink at the club lounge while waiting.
As soon as we headed up to the Manor Club, the vibe thankfully changed for the better. Once in the lounge, the standard and level of service started to become evident. I don’t often rave about service, but the Butler team and lounge staff at this hotel are next level. The service was genuine, relatable, and somehow, everything was anticipated. No scripts, no bullshit, just genuine hospitality from a team that were dressed to the nines. I later found out that butlers have two suits, one for daytime service and one for the evening. Female staff also have two outfits; très chic.
I was in the lounge for a few minutes when one of the staff informed me that my suite was ready and If I would like a tour. Yes, please!
Rosewood Hong Kong Twin Peak View Suite
I love the interior design at Rosewood Hong Kong; it’s out there but in a good way. Everything feels “homely” while also looking incredibly stylish.
Nothing is left to change, and the feng shui is 100% spot on (naturally).
Art is also a big focus of the hotel, and each room is decorated with original pieces and other design objects.
Our suite had a beautiful living room with two large sofas and multiple large windows with views of Hong Kong island.
Bar area in the Peak View Suite
The mix of colours and the amount of mirrors in the suite creates an excellent sense of space. This is definitely not your stock standard chain hotel type of interior.
The mini bar in the suites is complimentary (except for alcohol) and is stocked with an impressive range of tasty snacks. Your room also comes with a whiskey decanter, filled with complimentary booze. I can’t speak of the quality since I didn’t try it.
The twin bedroom is spacious and has views over Kowloon. I couldn’t fault the bed quality, but if I have to be picky, I’d say that the bed at St. Regis is better.
Guests staying in a suite for more than one night will find their initials embroidered on the pillowcases.
When the housekeepers changed it the next day I called our butler to check if I could keep it, the response “of course Mr Debeer, we will have a new one made and delivered to your room.” Sure enough on our last day, a gift-wrapped set of pillowcases was delivered (of course they are from luxury linen brand Frette) one with my initials and another one for my brother. I’m spoiled for life!
The bedroom also leads you to the walk-in wardrobe on one side and the toilet on the other.
Both spaces are linked together by the master bathroom, which is a masterpiece of marble and mirrors. In the middle is a huge soaking tub; adjacent to a double shower and dual vanities.
Bath products are from Maison Caulièresa; a French family run business who have been at it for more than 300 years.
Rosewood Manor Club
The Manor Club will put most hotel club lounges to shame, the space is on the 40th floor and has a long balcony with stunning views over Hong Kong.
Open to guests in suites or those who pay extra for it as part of their standard room, the Manor Club is open 24h and serves breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapes.
Happy hour runs from 5–8 PM and gives you free access to anything alcoholic on the menu. This includes cocktails and champagne.
The dining side of the Manor Club has individual booths with views onto the balcony while the bar area (probably the best view) has a pool table and some more seating facilities.
Talking of the bar, the cocktails which are complimentary from 5–8 PM are terrific. Negronis come with custom “Rosewood” branded ice cubes and the other drinks on offer were also rather delicious.
Afternoon tea is also a must with a range of pastries and scones so good, any diet plans will be quickly forgotten.
Breakfast is from 6:30 AM until 10 AM, while it’s a buffet type set up, the quality is impressive, and a chef’s on had to cook your eggs any style. It’s unfortunate they don’t offer pancakes/french toast or even waffles, but in hindsight, that’s probably a good thing.
Gym & Pool
The Rosewood Hong Kong has probably one of the best (if not THE best) infinity pool overlooking Victoria harbour.
There’s an outdoor lounge as well, which is an excellent place to spend the afternoon lazing around. The pool itself is constructed out of green marble and has incredible views.
The gym at Rosewood is one of the best-equipped hotel gym’s I’ve ever seen; there’s something for everyone.
If group classes are more your thing, there’s a timetable of free workouts which you can join throughout the day with everything from yoga to HIIT workouts included.
Dining
The problem with having an outstanding club lounge is that you don’t really need to go anywhere else for dinner! That said, Rosewood has a few in-house dining options if you don’t want to venture far. Since we had the US$100 food & beverage credit to spend thanks to Amex FHR, we decided to try out The Legacy House. This Chinese restaurant has fantastic views over the harbour (of course), and the food couldn’t be faulted. However, I felt like it was overpriced, so there are definitely better options out there.
There’s also Holt’s Cafe which serves international cuisine and is more casual. The Butterfly Room is a place where you can enjoy breakfast (if you don’t have club access), afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks. There’s also a patisserie linked to this where you can purchase delicacies by award-winning pastry chef Holger Deh.
If you’re after a drink, head to Darkside, where you can enjoy vintage cigars and an extensive cocktail list.
Rosewood Hong Kong Conclusion
Rosewood Hong Kong was, without a doubt, my favourite hotel experience to date! It’s over the top luxury where no details are left to chance. Sure, you get what you pay for with basic rooms starting at $750 a night, but once you’ve checked out, you will want to go back ASAP.
It’s also interesting to note that Rosewood Hong Kong is pet friendly! Cats & Dogs up to a certain size are allowed in the hotel and there’s even a custom pet dining menu.
The only downside with hotels of this standard is the fact you simply don’t want to leave and explore the city!
