Score: 93.33
Hong Kong continues to thrive and develop as the center for Asia’s financial and art worlds. But for years, it’s also been a popular, action-packed stopover for travelers on their way to Bali, Thailand, or other points further afield — a place to browse for antiques, try dim sum in a local teahouse, and even hike the green hills above Silvermine Bay. Not surprisingly, every manner of hotel has cropped up here to serve the diversity of visitors, including the five top-rated properties here.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities.
The Peninsula Hong Kong once again earned the No. 1 spot on the list, and it’s easy to understand why. Opened in 1928, the Peninsula is the oldest hotel in the city, and it set the standard for luxury. Many of its loyal guests wouldn’t dream of staying anywhere else. “It’s the most amazing hotel I’ve ever stayed in, bar none,” said one reader. “The service exceeds expectations, the rooms are the size of a condo, and the spa is heavenly. I could move in permanently.”
Another property that inspires guests to book again and again is the Upper House, this year’s runner-up. The 117 rooms feel more like sleek, minimalist apartments than standard hotel quarters, and taking in the sweeping views of the city skyline — especially from the deep bathtubs — is the perfect way to end the day before starting the evening with dinner at Café Gray Deluxe, the in-house restaurant from chef Gray Kunz.
More top-rated dining can be found at the Four Seasons (voted No. 5 this year) in its Michelin-starred restaurants, Caprice (for French cuisine) and Lung King Heen (for Cantonese). And nearby, the No. 4 Mandarin Oriental is a perennial favorite for its faultless service and its famous, decadent Sunday brunch buffet in the Clipper Lounge.
Read on for the full list.
1. The Peninsula
Score: 94.59
The Peninsula Hong Kong may have opened its doors in 1928, but it continues to innovate, ensuring its top place in the city’s competitive hotel market. This includes offering special, one-of-a-kind opportunities for guests, like martial arts training with a Shaolin master on Lantau Island, introduced this year. But it’s the dependable, consistent service (like a Rolls-Royce pickup at the airport) and the sense of place that keep its guests coming back on a regular basis. “From the moment you arrive, when you’re greeted by name, there’s a total can-do attitude with the staff,” said one reader. “It’s not inexpensive, but it’s worth every dime.”
