Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong, review: There's so much to love

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This was published 6 years ago

Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong, review: There's so much to love

By Julietta Jameson
A morning swim  harbourside is a great way to start the day at Kerry Hotel Hong Kong.

A morning swim harbourside is a great way to start the day at Kerry Hotel Hong Kong.

THE LOCATION

It's away from the main touristy areas of Kowloon and Central, but there's an MTR station five minutes' walk away, a ferry at the doorstep (that goes to North Point) and taxis are plentiful.

It's really not that far away from anything but if you're worried about not being in the heart of the action, just consider the trade-off: the Kerry's absolute waterfront position with views across Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.

Kerry Hotel Hong Kong has views across Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.

Kerry Hotel Hong Kong has views across Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.

THE SPACE

In a city where space is at a premium, the Kerry has loads and famed Hong Kong architect Andre Fu's design maximises it.

From the moment you pass through the dramatic entrance and into the bright and airy lobby, characterised by soft-toned marble and soaring walls of glass letting in light and views, the property's "urban resort" tag makes sense.

The garden terrace at Red Sugar bar, where the cocktails are sublime.

The garden terrace at Red Sugar bar, where the cocktails are sublime.Credit: Michael Weber

That's especially pertinent when you clock the Base Camp gym and spa, which has to be one of the biggest of its kind in the city and has programs such as outdoor running clubs on the promenade. And then there's that 25-metre infinity pool on the harbour's edge that's open till after dark.

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THE ROOM

There's so much to love about the accommodations here. Most furnishings in the 547 rooms and suites are bespoke from the drawing board of Andre Fu, including the blue carpet textured with patterns to reflect the water beyond, comfy sofas, even in entry level rooms and other custom furnishings.

The Base Camp gym and spa has to be one of the biggest of its kind in the city.

The Base Camp gym and spa has to be one of the biggest of its kind in the city.

Some rooms are "city view", that is, they look inland to buildings. But those that face the harbour do so through floor-to-ceiling windows.

We were fortunate enough to stay in an Executive Sea View Suite, one that was open plan. Others have separate living areas, but we loved the gigantic expanse of window ours afforded.

THE FOOD

 The entrance to Kerry Hotel Hong Kong.

The entrance to Kerry Hotel Hong Kong.

They love to eat in Hong Kong and the Kerry offers plenty of opportunity to do so.

The decor of the fine dining Hung Tong is a groovy homage to '70s Hongkers with a fabulous modern Chinese menu.

The Club Lounge, for suite guests, offers canapes and cocktails and a quieter breakfast option than the main restaurant, Big Bay Cafe, which serves magnificent buffets to a busy room. With cooking stations including a stunning seafood section and a Willy Wonka-worthy dessert stop, expect to bump elbows with locals who are already onto it.

And then there's that bar. From the neon artwork at its entry to the water's edge of its expansive garden terrace, Red Sugar is sexy and glam and the cocktails are sublime.

STEPPING OUT

Hung Hom is a district characterised by fun, bustly local and student life. There's some terrific shopping five minutes from the hotel, at the Wonderful Worlds of Whampoa, that includes a ship-shaped building housing shops, a cinema and restaurants.

You'll also find traditional stores, cafes and temples in atmospheric back streets.

THE VERDICT

Bravo. Kerry Hotel Hong Kong is a triumphant response to location, local culture and visitor experience.

ESSENTIALS

38 Hung Luen Rd, Hung Hom, Hong Kong; +852 2252 5888. Rooms from around $225. See shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry/

HIGHLIGHT

The glorious, mesmerising view, morning swims harbourside in that lovely pool and the fabulous cocktail terrace.

LOWLIGHT

Our room had several nice lamps but only a single one worked independently to the overheads, and it wasn't even next to the bed, but next to the TV. Makes no sense.

(We checked with maintenance to make sure it wasn't just us not making sense of the light switches.)

Julietta Jameson stayed as a guest of Kerry Hotel Hong Kong.

Our rating: ★★★★½

TripAdvisor ating: ★★★★½

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