The Peninsula
<p>Since 1928, this Hong Kong institution has defined the luxury hotel experience, and although certain kinds of travelers (especially lovers of sleek, high-tech minimalism) may find the Peninsula too old-world, there's no denying it's a serious class act. The fleet of 14 customized Rolls-Royce limousines is just the first clue to the hotel's glamour factor; then there's the lobby, where the bellboys sport immaculate white pillbox hats and uniforms, a string quartet plays classical music, and a queue forms daily to partake of the afternoon high tea. A grand staircase leads to the mezzanine level, and tucked-away elevators whisk guests to the 300 guest rooms—all decorated in formal English-country-manor style, with gleaming dark wood furniture, brocade fabrics, and Chinese ceramics and wall art. On the top floor is the Philippe Starck-designed <a href="/restaurants/felix-hong-kong">Felix</a> restaurant, which still packs them in more than a decade after its opening; here, captains of industry can be found tucking into Tasmanian salmon and <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/go-list-2009-boston-city-guide">Boston</a> lobster.</p> <p><strong>Insider's Tip:</strong> Ask barman Johnny Chung at The Bar how Clark Gable showed him how to mix a screwdriver back in 1953, when he was filming <em>Soldier of Fortune</em> (after mistakenly thinking the movie star was in need of the Phillips-head variety).</p> <p><strong>Room to Book:</strong> A corner suite, where you can drink in the sheer-glass view of Victoria Harbour from your soaking tub. If money's no object, go for the renowned Marco Polo suite on the sixth floor—which comes with its own Rolls-Royce Phantom and driver.</p>
Last updated January 2008
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