Fodor's Expert Review Island Shangri-La

The type of hotel that will appeal to a whole gamut of well-heeled guests from society types to business travellers, the Island Shagri-La charms with equal parts overblown pageantry and elegant old-world interiors. From immaculate bell boys in bellhop hats to beautiful views of the Peak from some rooms, the hotel’s aesthetics are a pleasure, matched by the staff’s distinguished service.

room

Rooms at the Island Shangri-La are classically elegant with handsome cherry woods, stately furnishings and thick carpet delivering the good looks. Standard rooms come with Peak or Harbour views. Rooms are located off a grand, 16-story high atrium, complete with a jaw-dropping mural entitled Motherland of China hanging the length of it that’s well worth spending a few minutes admiring.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some with a penchant for modern design might find the decor a little old fashioned by Hong Kong standards. We would opt for a Peak room, but it’s down to personal preference.

bathroom

Fed up with minimalist, boutique chic? Then you’ll appreciate the glamorous old-fashioned looks of the bathrooms (forgetting for a moment the bathtub TVs that shatter the illusion of the past). L’Occitane bath products add an opulent touch.

lobby

The Island Shangri-La hits you head on with its old world style from the get go in the form of a Gatsby-esque lobby. Asian decorative touches add a sense of place and grand crystal chandeliers hammer home the opulence.

pool

The large outdoor pool is just another element of the Island Shangri-La’s many highlights. Outside of winter and monsoon season, the pool is an oasis of peace and calm.

spa

The gorgeous spa rooms serve a range of treatments from facials to full body massages. Should you want independent down time in the spa, outdoor and indoor Jacuzzis and steam and sauna rooms are the place to kick back.

Complimentary yoga classes are provided for all guests.

gym

In addition to the top of the line machines in the well-equipped gym, personal trainers offer one-on-one workouts tailored to guests.

dining

Eight restaurants make sure nobody leaves the hotel bemoaning a lack of choice. For an occasion, the one Michelin-starred Summer Palace is a sumptuous place to indulge in some of the finest Cantonese cuisine you can find. The fine dining options continue with French perfection in the form of Petrus, housed within a Louis XIV style dining room. On a lighter note, the extensive buffet at Café TOO is a sight to behold.

drinking

Nightly lounge jazz stimulates the ears in the relaxed Lobster Bar and Grill, which serves a great selection of creative and classic cocktails.