Hong Kong is brimming with luxury hotels, from old-world colonial properties to the understated boutiques in the heart of the city. Luxury Lifestyle Magazine’s Hong Kong contributor Faye Bradley visits the five-star JW Marriott Hotel for a weekend urban staycation.
Hotel
Part of the world-renowned Marriott Group, JW Marriott remains true to its five-star expectations and world-class hospitality from the moment you arrive. Perched strategically above Pacific Place mall, a high-end shopping centre on Hong Kong island, the hotel is easily accessible by MTR train and offers convenient taxi services from the lobby. Other hotels in the area include The Upper House, Island Shangri-La and the Conrad.
Room
We stayed in the Executive Premium room with harbour views for two nights and had executive lounge access throughout the stay. The reception staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, showing us where facilities and restaurants were on our way up to the room after check in. The room was generously-spaced, and boasting panoramic views of the iconic skyline. We were greeted with a bottle of champagne and an assortment of fresh fruits upon arrival with a hand-written welcome note for a personalised touch. Like many urban hotels, the design was simple and minimalistic, appreciated by many business travellers who frequently fill the occupancy here. The bathroom was elegant and stocked with Aromatherapy Associates amenities for a luxe touch.
Food and drink
There’s no shortage of restaurants at JW Marriott, in fact, there are seven food and beverage options for the culinary adventurer. During our stay, we tried the Fish Bar, an al-fresco restaurant by the pool with a selection of fine seafood and meats to choose from. We had a set menu during our visit, and tried a seafood and non-seafood variety.
Highlights of the experience included the clam chowder, a starter infused with double cream, Applewood smoked bacon and dill for a flavoursome soup, and the seared foie gras, a warm and rich dish with a buttery taste.
For mains, we tried the tender USDA Nebraska rib-eye 8oz served with creamy mashed potatoes and broccolini and the lobster linguine, my personal favourite of the tasting, using a whole Boston lobster matched with mushroom, white wine, Parmesan cheese and cream sauce. Dessert was light and consisted of a delicate liquorice lemon cream dish with peppermint citrus compote and candied lemon.
Other restaurants include the famed Man Ho Chinese restaurant, serving authentic Cantonese dishes and homemade dim sum. JW Cafe offers all-day dining and breakfast buffets, Flint for seasonal set lunches and dinners, The Lounge for afternoon tea and the popular Sunday Brunch, Dolce 88 for pastries and snacks, and Bar Q88 for divine cocktails and whiskey.
With the executive lounge pass, we were entitled to unlimited snacks and dining throughout the day at the venue, which serves a range of Eastern and Western flavours. Breakfast here is quaint, with classics like eggs, bacon, pastries, dim sum and more. Drinks are also served all day so it’s really an all-inclusive experience and well worth the price.
To do
Facilities at the hotel include a stunning outdoor swimming pool, which may be a little overpopulated on weekends, but if you wait at the Fish Bar and keep an eye out, it’s worth the wait. There’s also a well-equipped 24-hour gym for fitness junkies. There’s plenty to see and do nearby, with the mall connecting directly to the train services. At Admiralty (where the hotel is located), there are a variety of shopping options, dining, cultural heritage monuments and leisure activities.
In a nutshell
With its central location and easy-access facilities, JW Marriott is a treat for the urban business traveller, a couples’ short retreat or for a family staycation. The service is accommodating and coincides with the hotel group’s worldwide reputation.
Factbox
JW Marriott Hong Kong is currently offering a Summer Staycation package, which includes a 24 hour stay in a Deluxe room (flexible check-in and check-out times), daily breakfast at JW Cafe (for up to 2 adults and 2 children), HK$1,000 dining credit per room, free upgrade to Premier Harbour View room, free parking, and access to the swimming pool and gym facilities.
Prices start from HK$2,300 per night and the offer is available until 31 August 2020.
Address: Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong Hong Kong
Phone: 852 2810 8366
Website: marriott.com