Review: Rosewood Hong Kong

What we loved: The harbour view from the room was nothing short of spectacular, and the hotel felt like a luxury residence rather than a busy city hotel. Service was flawless from arrival to departure, and the Manor Club lounge, particularly watching the harbour light show through floor-to-ceiling windows, remains one of the most memorable hotel experiences I’ve ever had.

What we didn’t love: Holt’s Café, while beautiful and offering great variety at breakfast, felt noticeably more chaotic during peak hours compared to the serene ambience found throughout the rest of the hotel. After experiencing the calm and privacy of the Manor Club, the contrast in energy was quite striking.

How to book: This hotel is independent (not part of a major chain), so a points-based redemption doesn’t apply in the traditional sense. Cash rates vary depending on demand. Using a preferred-partner program like Prince Collection is the best way to unlock added value through perks like breakfast or room upgrades through no added cost to you.

Rosewood Hong Kong – About the Property

The Rosewood Hong Kong is the flagship property for Rosewood and the grand scale is evident. With over 400 rooms, it retains an intimate ambience.

Despite its size, the hotel never felt crowded – elevators were always readily available, the lounge was serene, and the grand hallways and common areas maintained a residential-apartment feel rather than a standard hotel vibe.

The public areas are immaculately maintained and modern, with no visible wear or tear. Even the arrival driveway and car drop-off is literally and figuratively elevated as the drop-off zone is one level higher than street.

As a result, arriving by vehicle feels like entering a calm oasis while still being in the middle of one of Hong Kong’s busiest neighbourhoods. This sense of calm luxury struck me as possibly unmatched among urban city hotels worldwide.

The hallways themselves are furnished with sofas, books, curated décor, and small seating areas. A tasteful, understated design that feels more like a high-end apartment building than a hotel corridor. In many ways the property strikes the perfect balance of grandeur and homeliness.

The rooms feel like serene, lived-in apartments even though everything is brand new. Marble bathrooms, unique furnishings, thoughtful design touches, and modern amenities are in every single room and every detail signals that this hotel spares no detail.

I had a chance to visit the hotel’s cocktail bar, and its ceiling décor — hourglasses that tip and fill — was possibly the most creative I’ve ever encountered in a hotel bar.

Location

Rosewood Hong Kong sits right on Victoria Harbour at Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, in Kowloon. Because of this, it offers spectacular water views and easy access to both the harbour promenade and the energy of Tsim Sha Tsui.

The hotel is about 32–35 km (roughly 20 miles) from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which translates to around a 26-minute taxi ride under normal traffic conditions.

Guests can also reach central and other parts of Hong Kong with ease: the hotel sits close to the MTR (subway) via East Tsim Sha Tsui / Tsim Sha Tsui stations accessible underground or via short rides, which makes getting around the city straightforward. Because of this connectivity, exploring Hong Kong’s many attractions is very convenient.

From where you step out of the hotel, you are near the waterfront, whether you’re after an easy stroll to soak in the harbour atmosphere or to visit nearby cultural and shopping areas.

The area feels vibrantly urban. You’re in a tourist hotspot, but unlike isolated resort zones, the streets are alive with local residents, workers, and a steady hum of activity. It’s a lively but manageable slice of Hong Kong.

Taxis or ride-share (Uber or local equivalents) are easy to catch given the hotel’s prime location, and the underground pathways connecting to East Tsim Sha Tsui / Tsim Sha Tsui stations offer a reliable, weather-proof way to move around.

Booking

We secured an industry rate with Manor Club access included for our stay.

Given typical cash rates at a property of Rosewood’s calibre and location, using an industry or negotiated rate — or a booking via a luxury-travel partner — represents strong value. With Manor Club access built in, many of the hotel’s premium services (breakfast, lounge access, evening hors d’oeuvres) were effectively included.

Because Rosewood Hong Kong is an independent hotel, conventional loyalty-program points don’t apply. If booking through a partner like Prince Collection, you can often access enhanced amenities such as room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, and property credit at competitive rates, making the stay even more appealing.

Notably, a one-category room upgrade is guaranteed at time of booking when booking with us, so you’re guaranteed a Harbour View Room.

I used my Platinum Card^® from American Express for the stay to earn 2× points on travel purchases. The card fulfilled its purpose well given the high-end nature of the stay.

Rosewood Hong Kong – Check-In Experience

We arrived late via taxi from the airport with several large suitcases. Despite the busy car drop-off area, staff immediately appeared to collect our luggage and tag it. The bags were delivered directly to our room and staff addressed me by name throughout the stay, from arrival to departure.

Check-in was seamless. We were escorted to the Manor Club lounge to complete check-in, then shown promptly to our room. There was no visible friction, no long waits, only smooth, effortless service.

The welcome amenity (a bottle of wine) and swift luggage handling set a tone of genuine hospitality.

I really enjoyed the key cards, which were made of wood and square in shape, showcasing a picture of Hong Kong’s skyline.

Rosewood Hong Kong – Club Grand Harbour View Room

Our accommodation was the Club Grand Harbour View Room, approximately 570 square feet, a generous size in Hong Kong standards, striking the balance between spaciousness and cozy intimacy.

The view over Victoria Harbour truly lives up to its promise. From the room you gaze directly over the water and the skyline – this is a panorama permanently etched into my memory.

The décor is refined and understated. The room atmosphere evokes a luxury apartment rather than a hotel room. Twin beds were neatly arranged with a seating area positioned perfectly for harbour-side viewing. The living-space layout feels thoughtful and comfortable.

A minibar and beverage station were fully stocked, with a good selection of teas and coffees. These were replenished both morning and night. Electrical outlets were plentiful even by the sofa, which is a thoughtful detail for travellers with devices.

The bathroom stands out. It features marble from floor to ceiling, dual sinks, and luxurious fixtures. A Dyson hair-dryer added a touch of modern convenience. 

At turndown, we found little snacks, and even items such as cord cables and glasses cleaning cloths. These small touches are subtle, but noticeable, and I find more and more luxury hotels doing both.

The entire room really felt like a well-designed, lived-in apartment: elegant yet comfortable, modern yet warm.

Rosewood Hong Kong – Manor Club (Breakfast, Lounge & Evening Canapés)

Dining and lounge access via the Manor Club instantly set this stay apart. The Manor Club offered breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors d’oeuvres that easily doubled as a full dinner.

The culinary spread was diverse and plentiful, with a mix of Western and local options. Staff cleared plates almost instantaneously and timed drink refills with uncanny precision — just as a glass emptied or a new plate was laid out, a server would appear.

The lounge itself felt refined and serene. Rather than a chaotic buffet hall, Manor Club offered intimate nooks and seating areas, giving a sense of exclusivity and calm. Compared to a traditional restaurant setting, the lounge felt far more personal and private: a place to unwind, reflect, or savour a slow meal.

One evening stands out: enjoying a drink while watching the harbour light-show through the lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows. That moment alone justified the stay.

Although I only used the club facilities and did not dine in the hotel’s other restaurants, the presence of multiple Michelin-starred restaurants on property suggests the hotel’s dining pedigree is formidable. Even if those remain elusive due to demand, the Manor Club alone delivers an experience worthy of a return visit.

Rosewood Hong Kong – Other Facilities (Gym, Pool & Deck)

The hotel’s infinity-edge swimming pool overlooks Victoria Harbour and offers one of the most stunning city-pool views I’ve ever encountered. The pool deck is lined with comfortable loungers, perfect for relaxing with a drink or soaking up the cityscape.

The gym deserves a mention as well. Unlike many hotel gyms that feel like basement afterthoughts, this one features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water letting in natural light and creating an uplifting ambience. It was a refreshing space to work out without the claustrophobic feel typical of many urban hotel gyms.

Conclusion

The Rosewood Hong Kong offers a rare combination of grandeur and intimacy. It remains a flagship property that feels timeless and refined.

Whether you stay in the Club Grand Harbour View Room or a suite, the attention to detail — from personalised service to elegant room design, from lounge-level hospitality to harbour-side views — ensures you feel truly valued.

For travellers seeking a luxurious city base in Hong Kong, whether on cash or via industry/partner rates, Rosewood Hong Kong stands out as a top choice. Its Manor Club alone may justify a stay.

It is ideal for anyone looking for understated luxury, privacy, and seamless service in the heart of Kowloon. The only person I’d not recommend is someone who will only return to the hotel for sleep and nothing more – the Rosewood Hong Kong will be difficult to leave even in a city as alluring as Hong Kong.

In short, I have never stayed at another city hotel that made me feel more at home, more cared for, or more inspired to return.