Review: Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

Embarking on the next phase of my opulent Hong Kong hotel-hopping adventure, I moved from the Four Seasons Hong Kong to the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong. This hotel is one of two Shangri-La properties in the city, and is indeed a crown jewel within the overall Shangri-La portfolio.

Having enjoyed several delightful stays at Shangri-La North America locations in Toronto and Vancouver so far, I was now eagerly anticipating a stay closer to the brand’s roots in Asia. 

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Booking

Hotel prices in Hong Kong, especially for the prestigious Shangri-La brand, tend to be quite steep.

Generally speaking, cash rates for the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong can vary from $2,640 HKD ($450 CAD) on the lower end to over $5,500 HKD ($940 CAD) per night at the higher end. In my case, I was fortunate to book this stay on a favourable industry rate.

To unlock further benefits at this property, consider booking your stay through Shangri-La Luxury Circle, Shangri-La’s preferred partner program.

By booking through Shangri-La Luxury Circle with an authorized travel advisor, you can enjoy elite-level benefits without having to work your way up to status in the Shangri-La Circle loyalty program. Some of the extra perks include hotel credits, complimentary breakfast, and an upgrade confirmable at the time of booking.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Location

Situated in the heart of Admiralty and adjacent to Hong Kong’s premier shopping and entertainment district, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong boasts an unparalleled location.

The hotel is directly connected to the expansive Pacific Place mall complex, sharing the vicinity with the Conrad and JW Marriott hotels. This area, in addition to high-end hotels, also features a blend of residential towers and government offices.

Additionally, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong’s proximity to key attractions on Hong Kong Island makes it an ideal base for exploring the area, bringing much of the city within easy reach. Hong Kong Park and the Victoria Peak Tram are just moments away, while the vibrant shopping and entertainment options of Central are a mere 10-minute walk or one-stop MTR ride away.

For business travellers, the hotel’s proximity to the Hong Kong Convention Centre is a plus, and is around 10 minutes away on the MTR. And if you’re keen on exploring Hong Kong’s outlying islands or taking the ferry across Victoria Harbour, the Wan Chai Ferry Pier is less than 10 minutes away by car or transit. 

Lastly, accessing the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong from the airport is quite effortless. Simply take the Airport Express to Hong Kong MTR Station, then change trains at Central Station for a one-stop ride to Admiralty Station.

Additionally, from the Mainland China border, the East Rail Line now leads directly to Admiralty Station, following extension works completed in 2021.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Check-In

The Island Shangri-La Hong Kong commands attention with its striking 56-storey tower that stands tall above Victoria Harbour, with prominent “Shangri-La” lettering adorning its pinnacle.

This edifice is just one half of a set of twin towers that resemble a football and have become an iconic part of the Hong Kong skyline. Its companion tower, which houses the Conrad Hong Kong, creates a stunning duo of skyscrapers that proudly stand side by side.

The Island Shangri-La Hong Kong boasts two entrances: one for pedestrians and vehicles located directly off Supreme Court Road, and another accessible through the Pacific Place mall complex.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a sheltered porte-cochère, where the hotel’s entrance is marked with an array of lush greenery and elegant touches.

We were promptly welcomed inside, and our luggage was whisked away to our room without delay.

As you step into the Island Shangri-La’s lobby, high ceilings and elegant marble flooring bring a mix of colonial formality with Asian antiquities that combine to deliver a sense of richness and sophistication.

The lobby is further enhanced by magnificent chandeliers that infuse glamour and refinement into the space. These large-scale chandeliers represent just a fraction of the 771 chandeliers found throughout the hotel.

Rich, sizeable silk paintings are present throughout the lobby as well, complemented by a grand white marble staircase that ascends to an expansive mezzanine level. Adjacent to here is where the hotel’s lobby lounge is prominently situated.

We proceeded to the check-in area, where the essence of old-school luxury was on full display, with mahogany check-in desks and elegant crown mouldings as your gaze shifts upward.

The hotel staff warmly welcomed us and confirmed our stay in the Grand Premier Harbour View Room.

At the time of writing, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong is currently in the midst of a radical transformation from a very traditional style to a very modern style. Thus, in the coming years, you’ll have your choice of which room type to stay in, as renovations are being done a couple of floors at a time.

It’s worth noting that there’s a significant difference in style between the old- and new-style rooms, so you’ll certainly want to be conscious of which one you book or request. Note that the hotel will likely keep around some of its traditional-style rooms, as there are a handful of loyal long-time guests who prefer the older style.

Nevertheless, no matter which room you choose, you’ll be treated to very nice views of either The Peak or Victoria Harbour.

After a brief overview of the hotel’s amenities, the formalities were completed, and the staff provided us with our room keys and directed us to the elevators that would take us to our room.

The elevator lobby showcases bronze mirrored surfaces and luxurious, floral-patterned carpeting. Seven elevators service the hotel: Lifts A–E operate from the ground floor, while bullet lifts F and G exclusively cater to floors 39–56.

A standout feature of the hotel is the breathtaking atrium spanning floors 39–56, which houses the world-renowned Great Motherland of China mural. To fully appreciate this impressive artwork, go for a ride on bullet lifts F and G, which glide all the way up the atrium’s interior.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Grand Premier Harbour View Room

The guest room hallways at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong are adorned with dark oak wood and classic carpeting.

As you step into the freshly renovated Grand Premier Harbour View Room, you’ll be enveloped in an ultra-modern palette of light tones, predominantly featuring grey and white shades. Meanwhile, subtle overhead lighting adds a tasteful hint of elegance to the mix.

Moreover, at almost 500 square feet, the Grand Premier Harbour View Room is quite generously sized for a base-level room, especially in a city known for its tight living quarters.

A plush king bed serves as the room’s centrepiece, accompanied by bedside tables equipped with the latest technology for easy access to plugs, wireless charging, USB-C, and controls for the bedside lighting and curtains.

At the foot of the bed, two ottomans offer a cozy seating option. 

Further into the room, a modern grey upholstered daybed extends across the space, complemented by a desk and ergonomic work chair.

Adorning the desk, a stunning floral arrangement, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, and exquisitely presented chocolates were accompanied by a handwritten note, creating a thoughtful welcome amenity.

Positioned near the entrance, a striking luggage rack with emerald walls and brass accents greets you upon your entry into the room.

Next to it, a pantry features a well-stocked minibar and Nespresso coffee maker, while a charming vintage-style bar cart hosts a tea station. Next to the coffee maker, there’s a tap with on-demand hot and cold drinking water, which I found to be an excellent feature.

A highlight of the room is the opulent marble-clad bathroom, which boasts a single vanity and a walk-in shower and bathtub within a single wet room. The floral pattern on the wall adds a chic touch, and a smart toilet occupies a separate chamber for ultimate privacy.

Finally, as the name implies, the Grand Premier Harbour View Room offers some of the best views at the hotel, with the waters of Victoria Harbour visible among many other skyscrapers in the area.

I found the fresh design to be both stylish and functional, with the luxurious marble-clad bathroom and vintage-style bar cart particularly appealing. The elongated couch at the room’s far end also stood out, offering ample space for relaxation and lounging.

Innovative features such as sliding doors and screens enhance the room’s functionality, while automatic hot and cold water dispensers serve as a sought-after amenity rarely found in hotels – something I would certainly appreciate seeing more of at hotels around the world.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Grand Premier City View Room

After getting acquainted with the Grand Premier Harbour View Room, I was able to tour a few other room types at the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, including both the newly revamped and the time-honoured classic room types.

The Grand Premier City View Room shares the same square footage and revamped aesthetic as the Grand Premier Harbour View Room, complete with a similar layout.

In lieu of sweeping Victoria Harbour views, you’ll be treated to views of the city’s skyline and towering skyscrapers.

Although the bathroom in this room is slightly smaller, it remains well-equipped and showcases a contemporary design with striking features comparable to those in the Grand Premier Harbour View Room.

All things considered, this base-level room is a great choice for solo travellers or couples. Despite not having the breathtaking views of the Grand Premier Harbour View Room, the Grand Premier City View Room affords the same smart technology, modern amenities, stylish décor, and spacious layout.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Premier Harbour View Suite

The Premier Harbour View Suite measures nearly 950 square feet and includes a separate bedroom and living area. All areas of the suite have been refreshed with the hotel’s softer and airier colour theme.

Upon entering the living area, a lengthy L-shaped daybed stretches almost the entire length of the room, with a table thoughtfully positioned just in front, accompanied by two plush armchairs.

The spacious bedroom features a desk with an ergonomic chair and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. Moreover, guests can enjoy stunning Victoria Harbour views from not one, but two vantage points, thanks to windows situated on both sides of the bed.

The urban chic ensuite marble bathroom in the Premier Harbour View Suite is a true standout, as it boasts a lovely mixture of cream and grey with luxurious brass fixtures. The suite is also equipped with a circular bathtub and a long window that connects to the adjacent bedroom, allowing guests to soak in the breathtaking Victoria Harbour views.

As a final touch, those staying in the Premier Harbour View Suite have access to the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge, which offers a range of perks such as complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Harbour View Suite

Although not yet renovated, the Harbour View Suite still holds a certain appeal with its old-school opulence. It may not be right for everyone, but I can certainly understand why some of the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong’s most loyal guests prefer this style of décor. 

The living area showcases blue floral carpets, floral furnishings, classic chandeliers, and rich mahogany accents, lending the space an air of timeless elegance.

Adjacent to the living room, a large desk and ergonomic chair offer a comfortable spot for work or study.

The spacious and luxurious bathrooms feature classic marble finishes, exuding the same sense of elegance of generations past.

In the bedroom, a bold patterned accent wall serves as a backdrop, playfully mingling with the suite’s abundant floral flourishes all around. The view from the room overlooks lush greenery that has high-rise buildings popping up throughout.

The Harbour View Suite could use some updates and modern touches, but it still possesses undeniable charm and character.

Personally, I have a preference for the renovated rooms at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, but if you like the traditional style, then you’ll be pleased to know there will likely be a handful of these rooms and suites still being kept around after the renovations are complete.

Within the renovated rooms, though, I found the jade, emerald, beige, and dusty pink colour combinations to be a bit plain, and I thought they could benefit from some more contrast.

Despite incorporating the latest tech and hardware, the newer-style rooms also feel slightly smaller compared to their older counterparts, given all of the additional high-tech features that have been installed compared to the original rooms. Still, at the end of the day, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong comes with some of Hong Kong’s largest rooms, which is a true luxury in such a densely populated city.

In the end, whether you favour the newer- or older-style rooms at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong will depend on personal taste. While the former boasts updated amenities and the latest technology, the latter comes with a classic charm that some guests might appreciate.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Breakfast

Café TOO is located on the seventh floor of the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, and serves breakfast from 7–10:30 am.

The breakfast offering is very comprehensive, with an impressive spread. There’s a generous selection of breads and pastries, which came with an assortment of cheeses and jams to choose from, as well as Western staples such as waffles and quiches.

If you’re looking for the usual suspects, a cereal station and a selection of fresh fruit, yogurt, and juice are at your disposal. 

For the Western selection, baked beans, porridge, chicken pie, bacon, and sausage are available. You can choose from eggs done in various styles, including scrambled, fried, and even deep-fried.

In terms of Asian specialties, there are Shanghai-style noodles, wontons, pan-fried buns, and other regional specialties. Moreover, South East Asian dishes like bak kut teh and beef rendang are also available.

Among the highlights was a dedicated sushi station with an impressive number of accompaniments. What’s more, in collaboration with local food stall owners, the buffet also features authentic Hong Kong-style items such as fish ball noodles, which are served at dedicated stalls during breakfast and lunch.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Dining

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong is home to no fewer than seven fantastic dining venues, with two of them proudly holding Michelin stars.

Café TOO not only serves an amazing breakfast buffet, but also features 10 unique cooking theatres. Each one focuses on a different culinary style in an open, lively atmosphere for a taste of international flavours, all in one vibrant spot.

On the sixth floor, Lobster Bar and Grill puts a fresh spin on the classic steakhouse vibe in a sophisticated setting, and features a menu of seafood and grilled meats amid elegant décor. It’s a popular drinking spot for nearby office workers in the afternoons.

Up on the fifth floor, you’ll find Summer Palace, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering authentic Cantonese cuisine in a refined, tranquil environment.

Nadaman is also located on the fifth floor, and introduces a modern flair to traditional Japanese cuisine in a sleek, contemporary space. The restaurant blends classic flavours with innovative presentations for a creative experience.

Petrus is perched atop the 56th floor, and is the hotel’s second Michelin-starred venue. Here, contemporary French cuisine takes centre stage in a luxurious setting with breathtaking views of the city.

For those in search of a quick bite, Island Gourmet on the fifth floor has a selection of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, salads, and other tasty treats in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Lastly, I stopped by the Lobby Lounge located on the ground floor of Island Shangri-La Hong Kong. The lounge offers a wide range of beverages and snacks throughout the day, as well as live music performances in the evening.

I decided to treat myself to a cappuccino, and I must say, it was served very elaborately – and didn’t taste bad either.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Horizon Club

The Horizon Club is the executive lounge here at the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, located on the seventh floor of the hotel. The lounge used to reside on the top floor, but due to the pandemic, it was moved to a lower level.

The Horizon Club is exclusively reserved for guests staying on dedicated floors or with Shangri-La Diamond status. If you choose to book a Horizon Club room, you’ll be treated to a slew of additional perks, including a dedicated check-in and check-out service, complimentary daily breakfast, all-day beverages, and evening cocktails and canapés.

Plus, the Horizon Club offers views of Victoria Harbour, and you can also take advantage of the adjoining landscaped rooftop garden.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong – Other Facilities

Located on the eighth floor, the swimming pool at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong is a hidden gem. Right across from the greenery of Hong Kong Park, the heated, 90-foot-long pool feels like a little slice of paradise in the heart of the city.

It’s worth noting that the pool is part of the larger spa area here, including the fitness centre, which is not yet complete and is currently in the midst of renovations to the hotel’s newer style. 

Conclusion

My stay at the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong was certainly a unique experience, considering that I caught the hotel in the midst of its ongoing transformation from old to new. 

The modern rooms flaunt the latest amenities and technology, including some very impressive feature like a hot-and-cold drinking water tap, while the classic rooms offer a sense of opulence and charm that might strike a chord with guests who yearn for the good old days.

As for the hotel’s public areas, they predominantly embrace the hotel’s original classic aesthetic, and it’s unlikely they’ll undergo a makeover due to the iconic history behind the property.

Nevertheless, the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong remains a top-tier hotel and a standout within the Shangri-La portfolio. With generously sized rooms and suites, a remarkable buffet selection, and first-rate dining establishments, it would make for a fine choice as a luxurious address for your next trip to the city.