I love old hotels – not the ghost stories and apparent haunting in these places.
I can do without those. Have lived in a few old buildings – never experienced anything and never want to – lets keep it that way!
To me it’s just the notion of walking through a room, hall or passageway just like many have done decades or centuries ago.
This was the anticipation I had when I walked into the lobby of the Peninsula Hotel in Kowloon, Hong Kong last month.
Despite being established in 1928, this hotel looks thoroughly modern, with more clean and contemporary designs, I had to close my eyes for a while to imagine how it was almost a century ago – when passengers from ships arriving in the harbour across the road would check-in after months at sea.
Likewise, those disembarking from the Trans Siberian Railway in Kowloon which used to be the last stop of the train line that links Europe – would cross the road and check-in to rest after a long and tiring journey.
Part of the harbour in front of the hotel has been reclaimed and is now home to the Hong Kong museum of art and the Hong Kong Space Museum.
Similarly, all that is left of the last station on the Trans Siberian rail link is the clock tower.
Thus, one can’t really see the significance of the Peninsula at a glance. Only a part of the opulence and warmth that has greeted generations of guests to the Peninsula is visible.
To cut a long story short, the husband Terence and I were here to check out what all the fuss was about dining at the Felix, located at the 28 floor of the Peninsula hotel.
As the lift neared the 28th floor, the lights began to dim. I did not expect it and though we had to spend the evening in the lift because of a power outage.
But, thankfully, this was a special effect preparing us for the dining experience at the Felix.
The highlight was of course the amazing view of Victoria harbour and the nightly light and sound display which starts at 8pm daily. The blinds on the floor to ceiling windows kind of obstructed the view a little though.
Terence picked the Felix experience, and me Chef Kaji’s Tasting Menu. Both come with wine pairing. But this is optional if you’d like to do away with alcohol.
The Felix Experience:
My choice: Chef Kaji’s Tasting Menu:
The menu, prices and options attached below. For more go to hongkong.peninsula.com
Maria Dass the World 