The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel review: Where to stay on a Hong Kong shopping trip

The 28-floor hotel has recently joined Accor's upmarket Pullman brand and has begun an extensive makeover. Step into the lobby with marble floors, LED lighting and a 31ft wide digital wall and you get the idea. It's sleek and stylish (although some may find the space a little too dark and modern). Interior design firm LRI Hong Kong who has overseen the renovations has also incorporated elements of a park setting in the design: leaves, trees and flowers adorn the walls, floors and soft furnishings. The hotel boasts 834 rooms from classic and deluxe rooms to the presidential suite. There are two bars, a cafe and a restaurant, 14 meeting rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre, and sauna and steam room. At the very top you'll find the idyllic rooftop garden terrace from where the city views are amazing.

THE ROOM

My executive suite on the 22nd floor (room 2224) boasts views of the bursting metropolis: skyscrapers and highways, Victoria Harbour, parkland, sporting stadiums and neighbourhood lights and lanterns in preparation for the MidAutumn Festival. It has many comforts (large flat screen TV, tub in the bathroom, Molten Brown toiletries, and lounge chair with a footrest to enjoy the views) and is ideal for a business stay. However while my room is quiet and comfortable, the 22nd floor has yet to be renovated – works are scheduled to start in June and be completed by early September – so after visiting some of the updated hotel floors my room starts to look tired. A tour of several updated family and deluxe rooms reveals bright, modern design features such as floating beds with space for luggage below. All rooms have a pod coffee machine and yoga mat.

THE FOOD

Breakfast is served in the all-day restaurant Cafe One on level one (or the executive lounge for executive room guests). The buffet breakfast ranges from noodles and pork buns to waffles and French toast. New lobby bar/cafe Ebb & Flow (open 8am-1am) is an exciting addition. An iPad menu suggests wines to match your meal, the reading space boasts a selection of international and local magazines and its walls celebrate contemporary art. If ordering coffee (made using a speciality Steampunk coffee machine), consider the selection of pastries too (the raspberry and chocolate filled eclairs look especially good). On level 27 you'll find the Deck open-air bar, where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink while surveying the stunning city views, and the Riva restaurant where dinner is served daily. The Riva also hosts regular wine dinners. During my stay we were treated to delicious six-courses (including scallop carpaccio, pan-fried foie gras and roasted lamb rack) matched with wine from Lebanese vineyard Chateau Musar.

STEPPING OUT

If in Hong Kong for shopping, you needn't venture very far as the Park Lane is surrounded by shopping opportunities. Fashion Walk is around the corner (includes DKNY, Max Mara and Armani Exchange) while the Times Square complex and 17-storey mall Hysan Place is a little further afield. You'll also find IKEA and Apple stores close by. Victoria Park is a quiet, pleasant place to recharge in an otherwise busy city. Take a gentle stroll to the ornamental boat lake, or for the fitness conscious, it's a great place for a morning run before the day warms. For sightseeing further afield, such as Victoria Peak and its historic tram, the Causeway Bay metro station is a short walk from the hotel, and only three stops from Central station. On a Wednesday night you may notice traffic jams in the area – it's racing night at the nearby Happy Valley racecourse, a popular pastime for locals and tourists alike.

THE VERDICT

There's a real buzz at the Park Lane, the facelift has excited staff as well as returning guests. The changes are elegant and contemporary, making it an ideal stay for both business and holiday travellers.

ESSENTIALS

Room prices range from HK$1480 to HK$6830.

Orietta Guerrera was a guest of Accor, The Park Lane hotel.