Long a global beacon of hospitality and affectionately referred to as The Grande Dame of Asia, The Peninsula Hong Kong is synonymous with the highest standards of luxury, service and comfort.
The Peninsula recently unveiled the first phase of its landmark HK$450 million room enhancement programme, which will see all 300 guestrooms and suites transformed, with the opening of the new Tower rooms and suites, further confirming the hotel’s commitment to experiential luxury.
Conceived by the in-house design team and assisted by Gettys as the executive interior design firm, the overall concept focuses on simple details that are beautifully synchronised. With an accent on classic modernity adhering to the design principles of simplicity and chic elegance, the new rooms boasting a bespoke luxury residential feel, with an aesthetic that melds the distinctive design touches and practicality present in today’s luxury yachts, motorcars and private jets, taking The Peninsula guest experience to the next level.
Set in a warm, neutral palette of cream, bone, caramel, walnut and dark chocolate, refined artisan detailing includes stitching on the leather-finished wardrobe, wall panels and vintage travel trunk-inspired drawer handles. Additionally, highly-glossed burl wood cabinetry, screen doors, chairs and sofa detailing frames the walls and doors to create an ambiance of sumptuousness and refined comfort.
Freeform art installations inspired by Chinese ink paintings and depicting details found in flora and fauna feature in every guest room, while three-dimensional curvilinear reflective metal blossoms, leaves and branches made of laser-cut bronze-lacquered stainless steel create whimsical compositions on the walls. Soft furnishings are also inspired by calligraphic floral design, and lend a soft, Chinoiserie-inspired touch, while artist-commissioned photographic works pay homage to the city’s growing influence as a global arts hub.
However, in this new hi-tech age, it is the personalised in-room technology experience that truly sets The Peninsula apart. While continuing to preserve its magnificent 84 year heritage, this iconic property has also enthusiastically embraced today’s fast-changing world with the introduction of revolutionary in-room technology as designed and developed by The Peninsula Hotels’ Electronic Services Department (ESD), a pioneer and industry leader in the research and development of innovative guestroom technology and setting new standards of guest personalisation.
“Innovation is – and has always been – an integral part of The Peninsula Hotels’ DNA,” says The Peninsula Chief Operating Officer, Peter Borer. “The guest-focused technology we are unveiling will elevate our guests’ stays to a whole new echelon of experiential luxury.”
The only hotel company in the world with its own research and development facilities to design, build and customise its own equipment, all in-room technology is developed and then tested to perfection by the ESD, comprising a team of 27 electronic, software and hardware engineers who are able to respond to guests’ every need through a combination of observation, innovation and technological know-how.
Located in Aberdeen, ESD General Manager Research and Technology, Ingvar Herland, and his team of white-coated engineers strive to provide user-friendly, intuitive technology for today’s increasingly demanding and sophisticated hotel guests to further enhance comfort and the overall hotel experience.
Tasked to deliver what guests want before they know they want or need it, the twin mantras of ESD are “technology is all about people” and “you shouldn’t have to think – it just happens”. This means that every element must serve guests, help them unwind and keep them connected, informed and at their best. At its heart, the issue has always been a continual evolution of design and always asking how something works and whether they can do it better.
The stunning new décor within each room and suite located within The Peninsula Towers reflects the provision of high-level personal technology, which has also been subtly installed in furnishings and walls.
Offering customised interactive digital bedside and desk tablets pre-set in one of five languages – English, French, Traditional and Simplified Chinese and Japanese – which also changes all facilities and information throughout the entire room according to the guest’s preference. full control of all in-room functions is a mere touch away via the wall, bedside and desk tablets, including the in-room compendium of restaurant menus, hotel services and the new “PenCities” virtual city guide.
The impressive lacquer desk is also complete with high-speed Internet access, international Internet radio, weather panel, iPod docking station and more, while The Peninsula’s signature en suite marble bathrooms offer LED touch-screen panels for terrestrial and Internet TV and radio. Mood-lighting with a customised ambient spa setting delivers a luxurious, integrated light and sound experience for indulgent relaxation.
State-of-the-art audio visual centres with flat-screen, Blu-ray LED televisions offer a vibrant, enriched entertainment experience via tablet with terrestrial TV, 90 Internet TV channels, 460 Internet radio stations and complimentary HD movies, iPod/iPad docking station, memory card reader and soundbar speaker system with powerful sub-woofers. Wireless connection to personal electronic devices and to the all-in-one fax/printer/photocopier/scanner also enables the seamless functionality of a home office, plus multiple device chargers for added convenience.
The Grande Dame of the Far East defies her age with The Peninsula’s current refurbishment, heralding the magnificence of her new interior designed attire, as she also keeps abreast of the times and proves that she is one tech-savvy gal who will continue delighting guests for decades to come.