Hong Kong is always a good escape from Bangkok. Though it may be another concrete jungle escape, there are plenty of sea views and greenery to feel like an escape.
My favourite side to live on when in Hong Kong would be Kowloon, if only for the hustle and bustle of its busy streets. The newest hotel on this side is Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong, the brand’s global flagship and also the largest Kimpton in the world.
Paying homage to the location, the hotel has a huge feature wall inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic typhoon signals, while the red brick façade is a nod to the century-old historic Signal Tower of Signal Hill Garden next door.
While the downstairs lobby may seem a tad chaotic due to its slightly odd entrance, it is once you reach the lobby on the 15th floor that you get a feel for the hotel. The hotel has 495 rooms, offering uninterrupted panoramic Vitoria Harbour views and Kowloon city views. Though what you’re after is the Kimpton Harbour Suite Balcony because in Hong Kong there are few hotels that offer balconies, especially ones you’re let out on!
As soon as you’re through the door, you’re going to have a mesmerising moment — as you take in the views and the room. As you go from the living room into the bedroom, the views get better, especially once you spot the window-side marble plunge bath. If there ever was an IG bath moment this would be it. The bath is the perfect place to have a late afternoon soak to watch the sun set, though it was a bit of work getting cosy in it.
Once you’ve stopped taking photos from all angles, you’ll notice that the suite features Kohler digital showers, Dyson air purifiers and hair dryers, Japanese Lemnos clocks, Tivoli Bluetooth speakers (which may need unplugging at night) and premium Loveramics porcelain.
Like most hotels in Hong Kong, Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui encourages refillable water bottles, supplied in-room, with water stations just outside the door. Though I would have loved a proper cup for English-style tea rather than just a Chinese tea cup.
It is not just about the room at this hotel. Head to the rooftop, which features a luxurious 20-metre, 28C heated swimming pool. I dislike cold water and heated pools means that no matter the weather, I can always take a dip and take in the views. Aptly name the “Swim Club”, the pool area has ample sun loungers and on a sunny day is great for getting a tan. The Swim Club, which is on the 50th floor, also offers great views of Hong Kong and beyond, and is the scene for good sundowners from the full bar.
Though there is a complimentary social hour from 5-6pm at Birdsong cafe on the lobby floor. Birdsong is the hotel’s barista-driven cafe serving Elephant Grounds’ single-origin beans, paired with daily pastries from the in-house bakery. Hillside is where breakfast is served and it is very substantial. With most breakfast needs being met, including ginger shots and fresh cold-pressed juices, Hillside turns into a modern “dai pai dong” dining with bold twists on Chinese classics at night. Fun fact: A “dai pai dong” is a roadside food stall with foldable tables and chairs that were once very popular in Hong Kong.
The star of the show at Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui is Jija, which though in the hotel, is an independent Chinese bistro inspired by Yunnan‑Guizhou flavours, led by Hong Kong chef Vicky Lau. Inspired by her travels through southwest China, chef Lau offers a modern take on regional dishes. Order the Jija pickles trio, which are seasonal house-pickled vegetables; Lime shredded chicken with aromatic herbs, Sichuan peppercorn oil and peanuts; and the Rushan cheese spring roll with tomato and fennel pollen for starters.
If it is a Chinese meal, there needs to be soup and the Yunnan steam pot chicken soup with Jerusalem artichoke and cordyceps flower is a soothing broth on a particularly cloudy and overcast day in Hong Kong. The Dry-aged roasted pigeon with lemongrass dipping sauce and pigeon jus is definitely a must-order.
The hotel is not short of art either with Hong Kong contemporary artist Angel Hui’s "Embroidery On Plastic Bags – Hong Kong Goldfish Street" being a clear nod to the city’s iconic Goldfish Street. Equally enchanting is Hong Kong-based Filipino artist Katrina Leigh Mendoza Raimann's work. Hong Kong’s maritime history is seen in the polished, hammered steel ceilings in the guest room lift lobbies, resembling the ripples of the Harbour and the starlit mirrors in the shuttle lifts, evoking the night skies once navigated by seafarers.
Though Angsana Spa isn’t open as yet, the fitness centre offers steam, sauna and a vitality pool. A good way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Another perk of the hotel is its location. A hop, skip and jump from the longest road in Kowloon, Nathan Road, it is also a five-minute walk to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, while MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui is right at the entrance. If you’re in Hong Kong to shop, everything you’re looking for is around the corner, quite literally.
It is here, at Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong, where luxury lifestyle hospitality is redefined, but perhaps the best thing about it is that it's pet-friendly.
