Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Hotel · Soho ·
Elegant rooms with 24/7 butler service, free Wi-Fi, and fine dining
Elegant rooms with 24/7 butler service, free Wi-Fi, and fine dining
"Ask my seven-year-old his favorite hotel, and he’ll tell you it’s the Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong, home to an entire family floor with a toy train chugging through the hallway and suites with secret slides and spaceship beds straight out of Howl’s Moving Castle. These OTT accommodations are part of a top-to-toe revamp of the 30-year-old grande dame that blends its old-world opulence with a modern edge. Other fresh touches include the reimagined Shangri-La Suite, a maze of glossy marble and hand-painted walls; a botanical-heavy spa; and modern Hokkien-style diner Ming Pavilion. Luckily the classics remain unchanged: Service is still unparalleled, and chichi Cantonese mainstay Summer Palace continues to dole out the shrimp dumplings that have earned it a loyal following." - CNT Editors
"Ask my seven-year-old his favorite hotel, and he’ll tell you it’s the Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong, home to an entire family floor with a toy train chugging through the hallway and suites with secret slides and spaceship beds straight out of Howl’s Moving Castle. These OTT accommodations are part of a top-to-toe revamp of the 30-year-old grande dame that blends its old-world opulence with a modern edge. Other fresh touches include the reimagined Shangri-La Suite, a maze of glossy marble and hand-painted walls; a botanical-heavy spa; and modern Hokkien-style diner Ming Pavilion. Luckily the classics remain unchanged: Service is still unparalleled, and chichi Cantonese mainstay Summer Palace continues to dole out the shrimp dumplings that have earned it a loyal following. From $520. —Chris Schalkx" - CNT Editors
"I regard Island Shangri‑La on the opposite side of Victoria Harbour as a palatial, long-standing luxury choice when visiting Hong Kong." - Matt Ortile
"Majestically positioned above Pacific Place in Admiralty, this East‑meets‑West grand dame immerses guests in the city’s bustle with a palatial European‑style lobby, dazzling chandeliers, and a breathtaking 16‑storey Great Motherland of China landscape silk painting. Rooms come with a range of vistas, but a harbour view is a game‑changer for the quintessential Victoria Harbour experience, and Horizon Club rooms are perennial favorites—spacious, contemporary, and equipped with cutting‑edge tech for modern comfort." - Faye Bradley
"How did it strike you on arrival?The palatial European lobby with sky-high ceilings, thick marble columns and wafting piano music tells you everything you need to know. By the time you approach the check-in desks, a bellhop will have whisked your luggage off to your room. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Because of its Central location by Pacific Place Mall and multiple office towers, the hotel is often booked with business travelers delivered in Mercedes-Benzs or Jaguars. But many leisure travelers and families come for the swish atmosphere on weekends and holidays. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The 565 rooms encircle a vast atrium with a banyan tree-filled garden and a hand-painted 16-story silk mural—the largest Chinese landscape artwork in the world. In use since 1991, the wood-paneled rooms feel dated compared with some of the more contemporary hotels around town. But many people come to the Shangri-La precisely because they love this old-world atmosphere—mahogany furniture, marble bathrooms and enormous in-room desks that make you feel like a titan. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The views alone qualify the lofty room rates. About half of the rooms overlook the harbor, while the rest frame the lush Peak mountain—not a shabby alternative. Each room has a comfortable sitting area by the windows where steaming green tea and fresh fruit greet you upon arrival. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?As soon as you see the king-size bed—classic mahogany headboard, silk bed runners, towering stack of pillows—you’ll want to jump right in. In our Deluxe Harbour View Room, we were pleasantly surprised by the in-room mini bar, daily snacks, and split-second butler service—on call 24 hours a day. We also appreciated the little details, such as the multi-plug sockets, electronic curtains and pillow menu. Inside the mini bar, we found some enticing surprises, such as the locally brewed Island Ale (exclusive to the hotel and redolent with bergamot, ginger and zesty citrus). If you can upgrade yourself to a Horizon Club suite, it's more than a treat. These rooms come with complimentary breakfast at panoramic Petrus French restaurant on the top floor, as well as access to the next-door Horizon lounge, where you’ll be spoiled with all-day snacks, afternoon tea, evening happy hour, private check-in, and more. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The Island Shangri-La takes its European ethos seriously—expect a classic marble bathroom, deep-soak tub (with an LCD television), rain shower, and a bidet. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free and fast. Room service: Worth it?Home to one of the strongest food and beverage teams in Hong Kong, the Island Shangri-La will create a mini restaurant in your room, complete sterling silver cutlery, white tablecloths and sommelier service should you wish. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The bartenders at the Lobster Bar & Grill know how to mix a well-balanced cocktail. Whether you order a signature or put in a special request, they won’t miss a beat. We’d highly recommend visiting in the evening while the band is playing. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Foodies will love the lineup at the Shangri-La: Surf ‘n’ turf at Lobster Bar & Grill, excellent Chinese at Summer Palace, authentic tea in the lobby lounge, and French cuisine with 180-degree harbor views at Restaurant Petrus. The spa, gym and outdoor pool terrace are also worth a visit. The pool is heated to about 80 degrees in the winter so you can enjoy a few laps in the morning surrounded by Hong Kong’s cloud-piercing skyscrapers. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?We were celebrating a birthday at the Island Shangri-La and the staff surprised us with a cake and candles in our room, as well as a complimentary round of drinks at the bar. We’ve also heard from visitors with children that the staff go out of their way for little ones, leaving floating toys in the bathtub or stuffed animals on the bed. It’s these thoughtful touches that keeps travelers coming back. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Conveniently located in the heart of Admiralty, right by Hong Kong’s major fashion and finance centers, the hotel promises a fantastic location, great views, personable staff, and classic European elegance." - Kate Springer
