As dusk settled in and the city lights across the bay twinkle to life, I took my drink to the terrace of the Kerry Hotel Red Sugar Bar, drew a deep breath, and basked in the thought that I had arrived at a truly magical place. Whoever had the idea of offering welcome drinks here knew what they were doing.
Just getting to the Red Sugar was a sensual delight. Asian art festoons the walls throughout the hotel – mostly modern, but all complementing the Far East vibe of the location. A subtle “signature scent” with jasmine at the core softly permeates public spaces and halls. The management calls it “Walk in the Woods” – an apt phrase typifying the ambience of this urban resort’s getting-away-from-it-all feel while perched on the edge of old-worldly Hung Hom Bay in Victoria Harbour across from the busy-ness of a world class city.
Feeling peckish, I was spoiled for dining choices. Tempted to stay at the Red Sugar or the adjoining Hung Tong Chinese restaurant, I opted instead for the funky casual feel of the Dockyard. It’s billiards, darts, musical hangout serving Asian hawker-style food and more gourmet-oriented fare. The design is industrial chic with exposed ceiling and high-top tables – perfect for a beer and nosh before exploring a bit of the city. The place even has its own app – browse the menu and pay digitally!
The Kerry Hotel is a short walk from the Hung Hom Ferry Pier, the Whampoa MTR Station, and the Hung Hom Train Station. Of course I followed my touristy instincts and chose the ferry. Part of the historical tapestry of Hong Kong, the Star Ferry is well worth the fifty Singapore cents (round trip).
Back at the Kerry – by MRT to Whampoa station and a short walk this time – I was eager to chill out in my premier sea view room. Especially by typical Hong Kong standards, the room was, well, roomy! Nicely equipped with a large flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee, WiFi, and high-quality toiletries, the room (like 60% of the Kerry’s rooms) boasted an astounding view of the harbour. That view, whether from the room, the Red Sugar, the pool, or the lobby is like a living trademark of the Kerry Hotel.
No, I didn’t make it for the opening of the breakfast buffet at 6 a.m. However, my 9 o’clock entrance found a magnificent spread of breakfast goodies – pastries, cereals, fruit, cheese, Asian and Western dishes, and much, much more. I like my eggs sunny side up with a yolk just slightly hard. Picky? Yeah, that’s me! Eager to please, the fry cook gave personal attention while dealing with a dozen other orders (maybe none as specific as mine).
For those desiring more exclusivity in their morning dining experience, above the din of the Big Bay breakfast sits The Club on level eight. Here, guest will find breakfast served serenely in the Club Lounge of this “concierge-level” club. Rooms on this level are more exclusive, as well. And the lounge in the evenings offers drinks and go-along with flair framed by the trademark harbour view.
After breakfast on day two, it was time to try the luxury of the 25-meter heated swimming pool and the Kerry Sports Base Camp, a sports facility above and beyond what one might expect in a typical hotel fitness center. It offered adventures in running, hiking, boating, and more. A jacuzzi, steam bath, and sauna rounded out the offerings. Oh, that felt soooo good! With an appealing exercise venue like this, I found myself dreaming of lunch in the Lobby Lounge offering a variety of street food creations, free-flow dim sum, and the jewel box cake and dessert counter. Yes, the Sports Base camp will see me again.
Promising myself to return for a longer stay, I bid a fond farewell to the Kerry Hotel. New, scrupulously clean, well-appointed, luxurious yet understated, staffed with finest – it deserves a place among the best that Hong Kong has to offer.
Sea view to die for. Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
Posted by Janice Leong on Thursday, January 11, 2018
Sun rise
Posted by Janice Leong on Thursday, January 11, 2018
Award winning gym – Base Camp Kerry facility.
Posted by Janice Leong on Thursday, January 11, 2018