Kowloon Shangri-La
| Company type | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | June 17, 1981 |
| Founder | Kuok Group |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong |
| Products | Hotel accommodation, restaurants |
| Parent | Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts |
| Website | www |
Kowloon Shangri-La is a prestigious five-star establishment operated by the Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts group. Positioned on Mody Road in the Tsim Sha Tsui East district, it offers sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and the skyline of Hong Kong Island. This hotel serves as a counterpart to the Island Shangri-La located in Admiralty.
History
The origins of this hotel are intertwined with the growth of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts brand, which commenced with the launch of the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore in 1971. The Kuok Group, responsible for developing the Singapore site, initially placed it under the management of Western International Hotels. In 1979, Kuok expanded into hotel management through Kuok Hotels, overseeing resorts in Penang and Fiji.
On 1 August 1978, a management agreement was finalized with Western International for the new Hong Kong property. The Shangri-La Hotel officially opened its doors on 17 June 1981, managed by Westin Hotels—Western International’s new identity as of January 1981. Two years later, in 1983, Kuok Group formed Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd., leading to the hotel's rebranding as Kowloon Shangri-La.
In April 1991, management duties were transferred from Westin to Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011, the hotel organized a photography exhibition showcasing images submitted by guests over three decades. A judging panel including photographer Water Poon and Anthony Lau, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, selected the winning entries.
Awards
Kowloon Shangri-La maintains a strong reputation as a premier luxury hotel throughout Asia and is frequently highlighted in Condé Nast Traveler. Its accolades include:
- Certificate of Excellence from Daodao.com (Trip Advisor China), awarded in 2013
- Inclusion in World's Top Hotel Gold List by Condé Nast Traveler, from 1997 through 2013
- Best Hotels for Service (Asia) in Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Awards (UK), 2011
- Golden Pillow Award for China's Top 10 Most Popular Business Hotels, received in 2009 and 2011
- Recognition as one of China's Top 10 MICE Hotels by China Hotel Starlight Awards, in both 2011 and 2012
- Named among China's Top 10 Best Business Hotels by Travel + Leisure (China), for 2010 and 2011
- Ranked sixth among Hong Kong hotels in Guide to the World's Best Hotels T+L 500 by Travel & Leisure (USA), from 2003 to 2011
- Listed among Top 25 Luxury Hotels in China by Tripadvisor UK Travellers' Choice in 2012
- Featured as one of the Top 25 Hotels across Hong Kong / Macau / Taiwan by Tripadvisor UK Travellers' Choice, in 2010
Design and construction
Located within the vibrant tourist area of Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon Shangri-La enjoys convenient access to high-end shopping along Canton Road as well as attractions such as Temple Street Night Market and Chungking Mansions.
The lobby showcases Italian Statuario marble complemented by two murals depicting the Shangri-La Valley, created by British artist Malcolm Golding. The hotel's architectural and interior design was directed by Y Shibata & Associates (Japan), Don Aston Designers Asia Ltd., and Bilkey Llinas Design Ltd. An intriguing feature includes a daily change of elevator carpets at midnight that correspond with each day of the week.
In 2003, Malcolm Golding revisited to refurbish his original murals painted over two decades earlier. Utilizing bamboo scaffolding, he restored his portrayal of a "lush tropical valley bordered by dramatic mountains" encircling an artistic rendition of a Chinese palace.
Rooms and suites
The property comprises a total of 679 accommodations, crafted by LRF Designers Limited, which include 638 standard guest rooms and 41 suites. These suites, varying from Executive to Presidential categories, average approximately 450 square feet, ranking among the most spacious on the Kowloon Peninsula. Numerous suites provide unobstructed views of the Hong Kong Island waterfront. The exclusive "Horizon Club" occupies floors 19 through 21.
Restaurants
Under the guidance of the Executive Chef, the hotel manages five distinctive dining establishments, complemented by the Lobby Lounge and Tapas Bar—both conceived by Bilkey Llinas Design Ltd. Notably, the Tapas Bar received the "Wine by The Glass Restaurant Award" in 2011.
Previously, the hotel was home to Napa, a trailblazing Californian fusion eatery led by Chef David Monson for twelve years until its closure in 2005. At the same time, the French bistro Margaux was replaced by Angelini, an Italian restaurant.
- Angelini – Italian
Angelini, directed by Chef Alessandro Angelini, earned a spot among "Hong Kong's 50 Finest Restaurants" in 2008. The venue seats 69 guests and showcases design work by Zanghellini & Holt Architect.
- Cafe Kool – International
As the largest dining area with seating for 322 patrons, Cafe Kool offers an international buffet curated by Chef Lou Kuok Kam. The interior highlights hardwood ceilings and marble accents designed by Bilkey Llinas Design Ltd.
- Nadaman – Japanese
Specializing in Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine alongside teppanyaki and sushi bar options, Nadaman is led by Chef Takao Kojima. Originating in Osaka in 1830, this location marked Nadaman’s inaugural overseas branch upon its opening with the hotel in 1981. The mini-kaiseki menu is refreshed monthly. Designed collaboratively by CL3 Architects Ltd. and Kanko Kikaku Sekkeisha Consultants & Designers Ltd., Tokyo, Nadaman was ranked among the top ten hotel restaurants globally in 2005 and recognized as Hong Kong’s Best Japanese Restaurant in CNN Travel's Best Eats 2010.
- Shang Palace – Chinese
Shang Palace holds one Michelin star for its Cantonese cuisine under Chef Cheung Long Yin and appears in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau 2020 edition. Designed by LRF Designers Ltd., it accommodates 160 guests and underwent comprehensive renovations before reopening in September 2012.
- Deli Kool – Delicatessen
Located on the mezzanine level with seating for 24, Deli Kool is led by Chef Jonathan Gallet and specializes in artisan breads, pastries, and desserts.
Corporate social responsibility
Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong actively partners with community organizations such as Christian Action, facilitating guest donation initiatives, arranging charitable visits, and providing sponsorship for event spaces. Their programs include educational visits and workshops for students from Ebenezer School & Home for the Visually Impaired, a Tree-Planting Challenge conducted with Friends of the Earth, a Mid-Autumn Festival luncheon for seniors organized alongside The Rotary Club of Channel Islands, as well as food contributions to refugees at Chungking Mansions in collaboration with Foodlink.