Where once rickshaws clogged the streets, now there are scarlet red taxis. And where the Star Ferry once reigned on Victoria Harbour, now there are subway and car tunnels underneath (even though the Star Ferry still runs), and the The Peninsula Hong Kong has been there for it all. We were lucky enough to be in Hong Kong last week, when "The Pen," the original one and flagship of the luxury hotel chain, celebrated its 82nd Anniversary with the publication of its own book, "Our Hong Kong."
Unlike most other luxury hotel soirees, the late morning event at The Peninsula welcomed all guests and staff to the historical lobby for tea tastings, bites of local Hong Kong specialties, and a few words from Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and. Shanghai Hotels Group and the strikingly gorgeous Ms. Rainy Chan, the General Manager of the Peninsula HK. You see, this book that The Peninsula published on its own has been in the works for several years, and it tells the stories of the staff—their favorite spots in the city, cherished Hong Kong memories from their childhoods, and where to find the best egg waffles.
Guests will get this book for free. There's no barcode or price listed in the cover, but there is a removable pop-up map that plots all the locations mentioned in the book, illustrated in watercolors. Each location has been researched, verified and approved to star in "Our Hong Kong," so that guests may make their own trips to taste the best of the city.
You know, it's funny to watch how the public reacts to the simple presence of The Peninsula. Out front, just at the center of the main fountain with the impressive facade of the hotel behind, a constant stream of tourists and locals pose to have their pictures taken. Stepping inside is something else altogether, like a religious occasion that calls for wearing your nicest outfit and setting aside hours and hours for afternoon tea. On Thursday the 11th however, the pomp moved outdoors when the party included a lion dance performance in the drive, open for all to see. That's what you'll find in the video above, but to see it live, just stay at the hotel and read page 3 of the book for all the details.
[All photos and video: Cynthia Drescher for HotelChatter]
Comments (0)
Post a CommentReturn to » Party Crashing the 82nd Anniversary of The Peninsula Hong Kong
Join the conversation!