High tea in Hong Kong

In the lap of luxury at Peninsula Hong Kong

Say "happy birthday" to a legend of Asian hospitality - the Peninsula Hong Kong is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

Located in the heart of Kowloon's business district overlooking Victoria Harbour, the history of the Peninsula can be traced back to December 1928, when the newly built Peninsula became the last stop for European visitors on tours of the Far East. The outstanding building was the result of an order to architects for "the finest hotel east of Suez".

Arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, we are met by RollsRoyce Phantoms in signature Peninsula Green livery, a tradition that stretches back to the '70s.

These Peninsulas on wheels, complete with luxury leather upholstery and walnutveneer interiors, provide a quick tour through the city's streets and leave a trail of admiring eyes in their wake. As the hotel looms, don't be surprised if the chauffeur seems to motor on past the fountain out front. He'll take the first left to get to the entrance, located round the side. Feng shui dictated that this arrangement would invite prosperity as well as guests. 

We say goodbye to the Rolls and walk through the entrance to an elegant greeting from the marbletopped tables and exclusive Tiffany chinaware in the lobby. Though it's late afternoon, guests are still arriving for the hotel's famous Classic Afternoon Tea. It looks too good to miss. This Peninsula tradition takes its cue from the English tradition purportedly established by the Duchess of Bedford in 1830. Sitting down, we're offered a tea menu with its own distinctive array of foods, including savoury sandwiches, hot teacakes and scones.

"This year the hotel has decided to bring back the lively atmosphere of its traditional Afternoon Tea Dances," says Stella Suen, director of public relations. "They take place on the first Sunday of each month, and they're popular - fully booked until the end of the year, in fact."

Okay, you're too late for the tea dances, but the hotel is offering a range of dining and accommodation packages to celebrate its birthday. The return flight on Cathay Pacific plus three nights' stay looks like an especially good deal. Check the website.

Guests staying in the tower extension that sprang up from the classic old building in 1994 get a unique view of Hong Kong. From the living room and bedrooms of the deluxe and grand deluxe Harbour View Suites, you can look down over Victoria Harbour - or how about soaking up Kowloon town from your Jacuzzi? To zoom in on the action, use the telescope in the bedroom.

For the daytime, Hong Kong's shopping experience is not to be missed, but at some point you'll need some relief from the crowds. This is where the Peninsula spa by ESPA comes in, offering a quiet haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.

For food lovers, evening brings Peninsula's 80th Anniversary Culinary Journey - a sixcourse feast that takes in the hotel's four restaurants. The journey begins in the lobby with appetisers of Balik salmon, scallops, snow crab and caviar. Then guests are invited to the second floor's Spring Moon Chinese restaurant for lobster soup. The next course features French flavours served up on the other side of the hotel at Gaddi's. Here, guests are met with ovenroasted sea bass with herbs and roasted American beef fillet with redwine sauce and shallot cream. The journey ends on the 28th floor at the ultramodern Felix restaurant, where a buffet of chocolate dishes comes with a delicious view.

The hotel's longstanding charity commitments to the surrounding community are also being highlighted as part of its birthday celebrations, says Suen, with fundraising activities being organised for needy children and elderly folk.

At a glance

High points: Comfortable rooms and superb views.

Low point: The hotel's dress codes

Find it: Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Pay for it: Until September 15, the "Peninsula Hong Kong Package" offers roundtrips with Cathay Pacific and three nights' accommodation starting from Bt25,700, including airport tax and security surcharge. Call (02) 263 0606 or visit www.CathayPacific.com/th.

Phone it: (852) 2315 3010

Browse it: www.Peninsula.com