The Pottinger
"How did it strike you on arrival?We had trouble finding the entrance to The Pottinger at first (it’s actually located on Stanley Street), but were pleasantly surprised when we walked into the beautifully designed lobby. Soaring ceilings, tiled floors, high-backed chairs, and dramatic silk screens all channel the hotel’s historic setting—on the granite-slab Pottinger Street (a Grade I historic site) in Central. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The Pottinger's 68 rooms welcome well-groomed professionals and couples, as well as local residents who come for staycations and the excellent on-site restaurants and bars. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Reinforcing the heritage concept, the rooms have Chinoiserie-chic touches like pale pink silkscreen headboards, poppy-colored red accents, and creamy leather furniture. While we loved the design, our 250-square-foot classic room looked right into another building. We’d recommend asking for a higher floor level, or upgrading to a premier room category. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?A comfy king-size bed came with crisp 300-count linens and fluffy goose-down pillows. We’d look forward to sleeping here again. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The Pottinger pours on the perks, including a Nespresso machine in every room, powerful hair dryers, and complimentary local snacks (almond cookies and crispy chips among them). Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The classic and deluxe rooms don’t include bathtubs, but the spacious marble shower and Elemis amenities were fair consolation. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The Wi-Fi’s free, and you’ll also get to borrow a Handy phone (loaded up with data) while you explore the city. Room service: Worth it?There are two room service menus available: a late-night snack menu (mostly Chinese and western comfort foods), as well as an all-day Italian menu from Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italiano. If you’re torn about what to order, we’d suggest signatures such as the Tuscan sausage rigatoni, roasted lamb rack, and tiramisu. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.There is no spa, gym, or convenient parking but boy do we love the restaurants and bars here. Serving classic Italian in a romantic environment, Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italiano is perfect for a date night (plus fantastic breakfast), while two-Michelin-starred Ta Vie takes diners on a French-Japanese gastronomic journey. For drinking, we’d recommend booking a high-tea menu with cocktail pairings on the terrace of The Envoy, where you’ll be surrounded by tropical plants and trendy Hongkongers. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the notable photography by revered Hongkonger Fan Ho. In the hallways and on the walls of some rooms, the black-and-white images (most of which are originals) tell the story of Hong Kong through the 1950s and 60s. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?We loved the airy and feminine design of The Pottinger, but we were let down by the views from the lower-level rooms. And again, there's no gym or spa. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It’s tough to find a better location than The Pottinger, which honors its namesake heritage street with tasteful contemporary Chinese decor, museum-worthy photography, and destination restaurants and bars." - Kate Springer
