For my business trip in Hong-Kong I simply chose an hotel close to my office at Time Square ; Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay is in the town center of HK and more precisely in the shopping/business district. It means you can easily walk to the subway or even to Convention Center and this is very pleasant.
Globally the experience was not bad, I was not expecting too much as I was here for work ; by the way I could feel a bit luxury inside especially at the top floor where you can find a very trendy bar Club 28 – known in the whole city – and an infinity pool overlooking all HK buildings. The restaurant at the first floor is quite basic although breakfast was very good with plenty of choice.
Well, to sum up I would say that this hotel is a perfect business hotel with higher quality than Hilton – a challenger. For a leisure trip, I would definitely prefer the Mandarin Oriental or Peninsula where you will enjoy a true VIP stay.
The Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay opened in 2009, is composed of 263 guest rooms and suites in a modern design. I opted for a Racecourse View Room(35sqm) at 230 USD/night.
Living
Nothing exceptional for this big building except the last floor where you can find a pleasant infinity pool, restaurant and bar. Design is pure but too cold to feel cosy, that’s why I think it’s more a business than leisure hotel.
When you pass through the entrance, the lobby is wide and clear with splendid wall sculpture. However there is no soul and the overall is just like an empty shell. Fortunately you can at least admire the views over whether racecourse or causeway bay from floor-to-ceiling windows at every floors.
There is no SPA or tennis court ; actually you just sleep and eat there but no more…
Room
My Racecourse View Room was nice with a stunning view over the Hong-Kong racecourse. The bathroom is very pleasant with a bathtube close to the window and that amazing view.
Do not look for exciting bath product or slippers as they are very cheap ; once again, in this hotel you are just here to sleep… It’s always the same problem with these “Hilton-like” hotels where everything is clean and well-designed but without any soul ; I call this the “Yes, but…” feeling :)
Dining
Probably the unique good surprise of my stay. I tried the restaurant only for breakfast and I enjoyed plenty of choice in a large and lighty room.
3 chiefs are here to cook fastly whatever you ask while waiters/waitresses can bring you some fresh mixed juices upon request. The selection of european and asian food is quite large and appreciable ; if you like big breakfast that allows you to avoid lunch, this is the place. From the first floor you can see the traffic-jam and people walking downstairs ; the view could be better but still nice.
As you can see on pictures I experimented also some room-service food – cooked in this restaurant – and it was also very tasty ; it is really the jewel of this hotel.
Level of exigency
Like the building, service is present but cold without any soul. Of course they can answer to all your needs but without any smile or special touch.
At front-desk people are very professional and can book whatever you need, restaurant, taxi, etc. I appreciated a lot that they write for me in Chinese language the address of the office I had to go as well as the hotel address for return.
Apart the reception, the whole staff is not smily and distant even if they do their job correctly.
Stay from August 27th to 29th 2012
