They don’t make hotels like the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers anymore. The landmark Kowloon hotel in a prime spot at the corner of Salisbury and Nathan Roads was the first Sheraton hotel in the Asia/Pacific region, first opening more than four decades ago at a time when Sheraton Hotels were constructed with much better bones, and were built on a far grander scale than some of the Sheraton properties today. Yet, in an industry that values constant reinvention and innovation, this middle-aged beauty solidly holds her own among the flashier properties in both Kowloon, and across the harbor on Hong Kong Island.
Interior decoration and design feels like something out of a vintage James Bond film, and like many things in the old British Crown Colony is equal parts East and West. Staid British pomp meets the mystical feelings and flavors of the East in this concrete edifice with grand staircases and scenic glass elevators that whisk guests to the upper floor Towers Lounge for Towers guests (the hotel’s equivalent of Sheraton Club for those purchasing Towers accommodations) where breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and concierge assistance can be enjoyed. There’s also a bar and oyster bar with subdued evening lighting that allows for spectacular views of the harbor.
Those harbor views are almost omnipresent, available from a number of guest rooms fronting Salisbury Road, as well as from the roof top pool terrace, with several whirlpool baths and covered lounge areas. Harbourview guest rooms have glass bathroom walls so the view of the harbor can even be enjoyed while showering or brushing teeth over stylish clear glass basins around which are crowded more amenities than one might typically expect in a Sheraton (toothbrush, anyone?) Guest rooms require key cards to operate electrical outlets and lighting, so it helps to request extra keys at check-in if you’re sharing a room or want to charge your electronics while you’re out. SPG Members also have access to a dedicated lounge on the 11th Floor.
Breakfasts are a sumptuous affair in The Cafe, which offers buffet meals throughout the day. In the morning it’s not surprisingly overflowing in abundance with all manner of breakfasts both East and West, from dim sum to the Full English. For those wanting traditional Chinese cuisine in a gracious setting, Celestial Court is your go-to, and be sure to try the egg tart with bird’s nest for an only-in-Hong-Kong dessert treat. The hotel also offers a Japanese restaurant, Unkai, and a lobby bar.
In this vibrant, ever-changing city, there is always a new hotel to go check out, but for those wanting a solid, dependable property that has a great location and plenty to remind of the Hong Kong of yesteryear without feeling outmoded, the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers is certainly the best choice.
Some meals were provided by the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers in preparation for this story. For more photos from the visit, check out the author’s Instagram.
