Rosewood HongKong
Rosewood Hong Kong has been crowned as the world’s best hotel by several prestigious rankings, a title that naturally sets high expectations. However, as someone who has experienced multiple top-tier luxury properties worldwide, I found that this hotel, while impressive in many aspects, doesn’t fully live up to its reputation. Whether it’s the room details, design, or the overall service experience, Rosewood Hong Kong falls behind its sister properties and other top global hotels.
Rooms: Lacking the Ultimate Sense of Luxury
While the rooms at Rosewood Hong Kong meet the standards of a high-end hotel, they don’t quite match the level of refinement found in other Rosewood properties. For instance, the thread count of the bed linens here is noticeably lower compared to the same room category at Rosewood Madrid, making the sheets feel less soft and luxurious. Given Rosewood’s reputation for offering top-tier bedding, this was a bit of a letdown.
Though the view of Victoria Harbour is one of Rosewood Hong Kong’s selling points, the room’s overall experience doesn’t quite compare to the open, expansive feel of Rosewood Tuscany. Not only does Tuscany offer a more breathtaking view, but the interior details—like the leather finishes on the wardrobes and the overall decor—are far superior. In comparison, Rosewood Hong Kong’s rooms feel more functional than indulgent, lacking the opulence one would expect from a world-leading hotel.
Dining: Chinese Restaurant Shines, Surpassing Western Fine Dining
One of the true highlights of Rosewood Hong Kong is its dining, especially at the Chinese restaurant. The Chenpi Banquet, a signature offering, is superb and far exceeds the quality of the three Michelin-starred Western restaurants in Hong Kong. The creativity in ingredient use, flavor combinations, and attention to detail in every dish showcases a deep understanding of Cantonese cuisine at its finest. Compared to the city’s more renowned Western fine dining options, Rosewood’s Chinese restaurant stands on a whole different level of excellence.
That said, while the Chinese dining experience is exceptional, the overall variety of restaurants feels somewhat limited. When compared to other top-tier hotels around the world that offer a broader range of cuisines and innovative culinary experiences, Rosewood Hong Kong could benefit from expanding its dining options.
Facilities: Well-Equipped Gym, Mixed Pool Experience
The fitness center at Rosewood Hong Kong is fully equipped, catering to the needs of its large guest base. With a wide range of strength training and cardio equipment, it provides everything from casual workouts to more advanced fitness routines, ensuring that guests of all preferences can find something suitable.
The pool, on the other hand, offers stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbour but falls short in comfort. The water temperature is noticeably cold, and after a swim, there are no warming facilities such as heated towels or a thermal area to help guests transition from the cold water to the warmth of the surroundings. This lack of attention to detail detracts from what could otherwise be a truly luxurious poolside experience.
Conclusion: A Reputation That Exceeds Reality
As someone who has stayed at several Rosewood properties globally, I feel that while Rosewood Hong Kong excels in service, dining, and facilities, its reputation as the "world's best" is somewhat overstated. The rooms lack the same sense of luxury as Rosewood Madrid or Tuscany, and the pool’s shortcomings further diminish the overall experience. The one truly outstanding aspect is the Chinese restaurant, which surpasses even the city’s Michelin-starred Western establishments.
In summary, Rosewood Hong Kong is certainly an excellent hotel, but it falls short of being the ultimate luxury destination. For those in search of flawless, top-tier luxury, other Rosewood properties or world-class hotels may offer a more complete and refined experience.
