Hullett House

"How did it strike you on arrival?In the center of Tsim Sha Tsui, the 19th-century colonial Hullett House (formerly Hong Kong's Marine Police Headquarters) has an imposing white facade and manicured lawns that aren't hard to miss. What is tricky to spot is the entrance, on the eastern side of the hotel. Once you arrive, you'll be taken to your room in an old-school lift for private check-in, hardwood floors creaking as you walk. Nice. What’s the crowd like?You might assume that this heritage hotel maintains a Victorian-era aesthetic inside and out, but the high-design suites are an unexpected contrast. Each has its own dramatic theme—see the Ma Wan Suite (channeling a Confucian temple) and the Deep Water Bay Suite (overflowing with contemporary Chinese pop-art). Not surprisingly, the Hullett tends to attract travelers looking for an out-of-the-box experience. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.We stayed in the super modern Deep Water Bay Suite, which wows with bright white, bold red and an eclectic collection of pop art and sculpture. Luxurious and a little bit wild, the 800-square-foot suite is spacious enough for a living area and dining table. The best part, though, is the private balcony overlooking Tsim Sha Tsui and Victoria Harbour. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Atop our king-size bed was a mountain of feather and foam pillows and breathe-easy cotton linens. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Little details such as a welcome fruit basket, a totally free mini-bar (including alcohol), nightly sweets, and cool mood lighting made this hotel stand out. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Every bathroom is slightly different depending on the room, but we loved our spacious setup in the Deep Water Bay Suite. Crimson-colored walls, white tile floors, and mirrors all around cocoon a stand-alone bathtub and rain shower. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?There is free Wi-Fi, but we weren’t impressed by the speed, which seemed too sluggish to stream videos. Room service: Worth it?Go for the in-room breakfast experience (complimentary for all guests) on your private balcony. A butler will set up an elaborate spread of croissants, jams, fresh juices, and omelets. The harbor views are great of course, but we also loved the people-watching from this perch above a busy corner of Hong Kong. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Every suite includes a personal butler who will help you with everything, from a private tour of the premises to shoe shines, laundry, reservations, and more. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Hullett House has several excellent restaurants and bars, all with an architectural story. We’d recommend the glamorous Heritage Parlour for a glass of bubbly or afternoon tea, The Stable for grilled surf ‘n’ turf and a whisky (upstairs in the attic), Mariners’ Bay for a pint of local beer (and a peek into the former jail cells), and Hoi Wan Heen for high-quality Cantonese. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Given the lofty price tag at this design hotel, we were disappointed that there was no spa, gym or pool on site. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Design lovers and architecture enthusiasts will find themselves at home at the eclectic Hullett House, where each suite showcases a visual theme." - Kate Springer