The Peninsula Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hong Kong
Company type	Hotel
Industry	Hospitality
Predecessor	Hongkong Hotel
Founded	December 11, 1928; 97 years ago in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Founder	Kadoorie family
Headquarters	Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Area served	Worldwide (luxury hotel clientele)
Key people	Sir Michael Kadoorie (leader of Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group)
Products	Luxury hotel services, restaurants, fashion arcade
Owner	Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Group
Parent	Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Group
Website	www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/5-star-luxury-hotel-tsim-sha-tsui

The Peninsula Hong Kong is a luxury hotel located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, distinguished by its colonial-style architecture. As the flagship establishment of The Peninsula Hotels, which belongs to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group, it first opened its doors in 1928 as the inaugural property under The Peninsula brand. The hotel underwent significant expansion in 1994, integrating both colonial charm and contemporary design features. It is particularly famous for its unique fleet of "Peninsula green" Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

History

Conceived by the Kadoorie family, The Peninsula was intended to be "the finest hotel east of Suez". Although initially slated for a 1924 opening, it officially commenced operations on 11 December 1928, replacing the former Hongkong Hotel. Positioned strategically at the intersection of Nathan Road and Salisbury Road—directly opposite the ocean liner docks and near the Kowloon-Canton railway terminus—the hotel was designed to serve wealthy travelers and passengers arriving by ocean liners.

Soon after opening, The Peninsula became a central social venue, hosting regular events such as Sunday concerts, terrace dinners, and dance nights. It rapidly earned a reputation as a focal point for the community and a magnet for celebrities including Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard.

On 25 December 1941, amid the Battle of Hong Kong, British colonial authorities surrendered at the Japanese command center situated on the hotel's third floor. During the Japanese occupation, the hotel was renamed and designated exclusively for Japanese officers. Following Japan’s defeat in World War II, it restored its original name.

During the war, Colonel Robert Lee Scott Jr. of the USAAF recounted an aerial attack targeting Japanese forces stationed at the hotel in his memoir God Is My Co-Pilot, underscoring its wartime importance.

Currently, The Peninsula continues to operate under the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group, now led by Sir Michael Kadoorie, retaining its position as one of Hong Kong’s foremost luxury hotels.

1994 expansion

In 1994, The Peninsula underwent an extension featuring a 30-storey tower that harmonized with the existing colonial architectural style. The original facade, forecourt, and lobby were carefully preserved throughout construction, with the hotel remaining open to guests during this period.

This new Peninsula Tower includes a helipad designed for VIP transfers to Hong Kong International Airport, reachable within seven minutes by helicopter. The inaugural certification flight in 1994 was conducted by Australian helicopter pilot Dick Smith alongside Civil Aviation Department Director-General Peter K N Lok.

The expansion raised the total number of rooms to 300 by adding 132 new rooms and suites, as well as incorporating ten floors dedicated to office spaces, retail outlets, and additional hotel amenities.

2012 refurbishment

In celebration of its 85th anniversary in April 2013, The Peninsula initiated a refurbishment project. The initial phase concluded in September 2012 and introduced technological enhancements such as touch-screen tablets for guests, a 3D DVD collection, and high-definition televisions. Room interiors were redesigned with a minimalist Oriental aesthetic featuring cream-colored upholstery and accents inspired by vintage luggage. Notably, key public areas including the lobby, restaurants, and bars remained unaltered.

Architecture and facilities

The Peninsula showcases an Italianate design. Its lobby blends elements from both Edwardian and Second Empire styles, highlighted by decorative stained glass, intricate woodwork, along with original carpets and draperies dating back to 1928.

Restaurants and bars

Among the hotel's culinary offerings is the distinguished French establishment Gaddi's, recognized for featuring one of Hong Kong’s pioneering chef's tables. Additionally, the venue 'Felix', designed by Philippe Starck, provides a contemporary dining experience. The hotel also boasts 'Spring Moon', 'Imasa', and 'Chesa', each specializing in Cantonese, Japanese, and Swiss cuisines respectively.

For those seeking a classic experience, The Lobby serves traditional English Afternoon Tea, a nod to Hong Kong’s colonial past.

Fashion arcade

The hotel is home to one of Hong Kong’s longest-standing fashion arcades, showcasing an array of prestigious luxury labels such as Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Piaget, Bvlgari, and Tiffany & Co.. Over the decades, it has also been a platform for notable local brands including Betty Charnuis Clemos during the 1960s, Dickson Poon in the 1970s, and Joyce Boutique throughout the 1980s.

Fleet

Since December 2006, the hotel has maintained a fleet of fourteen long-wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantom cars painted in its signature green hue. This acquisition represents the largest single order ever placed by Rolls-Royce. These vehicles succeeded the previous fleet of Rolls-Royce Silver Spurs.

In popular culture

The hotel's collection of Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows gained attention through its appearance in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. It also played a significant role in the television series Dynasty, serving as a setting for South China Sea oil lease discussions, and was featured in the 1988 NBC miniseries Noble House. That same year, Michael Palin visited the property during his journey for BBC's Around the World in 80 Days.

In 2007, The Dark Knight included scenes shot at The Peninsula, starring Morgan Freeman and Chin Han. The hotel was highlighted in The Amazing Race 27 (2015) as a pivotal location during the Hong Kong/Macau segment and appeared on an episode of Travel Man with Jon Hamm.

Notably, The Peninsula's Spring Moon restaurant is acknowledged as the originator of XO sauce.

Literature

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