?Although the Pen, established in 1928, is the Grand Old Lady of Hong Kong?s hotels there?s nothing fusty about her. With a helipad on the roof and a tea-time orchestra in the lobby, it stylishly combines the city?s past and its high-speed present.?
Squarely placed in the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui and presiding ? as the name suggests ? over the tip of mainland China, it can sometimes feel as if everyone across the border has simultaneously descended into the streets outside. If you don?t mind the crowds, however, it?s very convenient for museums, the MTR, the Star Ferry and a zillion shops ? plus the classic view of Hong Kong Island, across the harbor.
The Rolls-Royces (in signature Peninsula Green) on the forecourt and the page boys (in white) on the door set the tone. This is carefully nurtured old-school luxury overlaid with a lively air of metropolitan glamour. It?s best exemplified by the giant traditional Fu dog in the lobby, sculpted ? in keeping with the hotel?s desire to embrace old and new ? by American Pop artist Jim Dine. Staff tends to remain loyal ? two of the hotel?s restaurants are named after former general managers ? and so the service is, famously, excellent. Be prepared to have eager young men leaping forward to wipe the humidity off your sunglasses. There?s an indoor pool, a spacious spa, and a fitness center with an open-air terrace, all of them with stunning views towards Hong Kong island.
All 165 rooms in the original building and 135 rooms in The T...