The Peninsula Hong Kong

With its imposing location overlooking the cultural destinations lining Victoria Harbour's north shore, The Peninsula Hong Kong certainly plays up its advantages. As the oldest property in the city, it's certainly no secret, and the hotel's long and storied history makes it a draw for travelers and locals alike. Stepping inside, the vibe is lively and grand -- ceilings soar, authentic Botero sculptures and paintings line the floors and walls, and packs of guests, tourists, and locals sip tea and clink glasses all around. In fact, the hotel's ground floor -- while certainly feeling lavish -- belies its quite lofty reputation; it feels like its arms are open for far more than then moneyed clientele that pass through the rooms in the floors above. That being said, don't expect to show up here in your best athleisure outfits. There are dress codes in place at the hotel's restaurants, bars, and cafes, which helps keeps things upmarket, if not exactly tranquil. In any case, the floors above stay peaceful, as do the amazing pool and spa -- both of which have stellar city and harbor views. 

You can't really beat The Peninsula's location if you're looking to be centrally located in Tsim Sha Tsui. It's also essentially on the waterfront, separated from Victoria Harbour by only a handful of the city's museums. A two-minute walk leads to the Avenue of the Stars, where you'll find great views of the nightly light show across the harbor on Hong Kong Island. Mall-packed Nathan Road is also just outside the hotel's doors, while the busiest streets of the neighborhood are within a five-minute walk (you'll find all manner of bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops in every direction). It's a 10-minute walk to Kowloon Park if you're in need of some green space. There are entrances to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station all around, and it's only one stop to Admiralty on Hong Kong Island (two stops to Central). Budget about 45 minutes to the airport using the MTR and Airport Express, or around 30 to 40 minutes in a taxi (depending on traffic). 

The rooms here are sharp and have subtle Asian touches that make them feel refined and locally inspired. Expect a blend of sober dark hues alongside shades of tan, white, and cream, plus subtle floral accents and silks. An abundance of windows keeps every room bright, though depending on how much you're willing to shell out, your views will vary. Higher floors that face south will have the best views of the harbor and skyline, while others may look onto neighboring buildings. The marble bathrooms are another highlight, with separate showers and soaking tubs in all rooms, plus premium bath products and plenty of vanity space. Other standard features include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, business-ready desks, bedside tablets, touch-panel climate control, Nespresso machines, and multi-charger adaptors. Daily fruit and newspapers, sound systems, and Italian-designed furniture all add to the high-end vibe. Suites here are particularly luxurious, and of the hotel's 300 units, 54 fall into this category. They come in an array of configurations that range from posh to opulent, culminating in the Peninsula Suite, which has a private gym, astounding harbor views, butler service, and chauffeurs. 

To call The Peninsula feature-packed would be an understatement. With the amount of buzz found throughout the hotel's common areas, it's perhaps no surprise that dining and drinking are a big draw here. The hotel's High Tea service, which takes place in the lobby cafe, is the city's most famous. No reservations are taken, there are dress codes, and you'll want to arrive early to avoid the lengthy lines that form every day. Aside from that, there are several bars, as well as gourmet restaurants serving everything from French fare (at Gaddi's, which includes an exclusive chef's table) and Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine at Spring Moon. Buffet, Japanese, and Swiss restaurants are also part of the mix. Twenty-four hour room service is available.

Indulgence of a different kind is on offer in the hotel's luxury shops, found on the ground floor, as well as in its stunning spa. There are 14 treatment rooms plus a couples' treatment room with harbor views. The marble and hardwood interiors feel relaxed and luxe without being overtly ostentatious. After your treatment, the indoor pool, which opens to a wide terrace with harbor views, is a fine way to continue unwinding. A poolside cafe provides light bites. There's also a spacious gym with modern cardio and weight-training equipment. 

The Peninsula is currently the only hotel in Hong Kong with its own helicopter pad, and shuttles to the airport as well as private aerial tours of Hong Kong are available. Want to feel even more pampered? The hotel has a fleet of chauffeured Rolls Royces for airport transfers and other transit needs. Numerous ballrooms and event spaces are also available for weddings and business gatherings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.