Hong Kong - P1 induced 5 day family trip

[amaroo]

Hong Kong - who doesn't love it? The perfect destination for a long weekend.

This trip basically came about due to the spoils of having P1 status. The special attention Qantas showers on these flyers is pretty impressive. I made P1 for the first time earlier this year, and from the get-go I've been super keen in maximising the benefits that come with it ... the #1 P1 benefit - getting premium award seats released. In the 4 months I've held P1 I've requested and been ticketed 6 x F and 16 x J long haul flights.... all at short notice or during heavy travel periods (School hols).

When I called to get these seats released - they did it on the spot 3 x J BNE-HKG-BNE. Then #1 son woke up, changed his mind and decided he also wanted to come.... I was back on the blower requesting another return flight, however they could only release the HKG-BNE in J. Fair enough, no problems I"ll just test out the #2 benefit of P1 - upgrades.

So I purchased the cheapest upgradable BNE-HKG whY ticket ($637), and submitted an upgrade request using my P1 account. Boom - right on T-7 days, the boy was sitting in J

P1 is certainly a powerful tool if you have points to burn!

The Trip

Flight

QF J BNE-HKG-BNE

Hotel

Rosewood Hong Kong

Itinerary

Food

 

[amaroo]

Normally we like to fly down to Syd and enjoy the QF F lounge.... but these days when we're flying to destinations with morning departures - we couldn't be bothered.

So it's the BNE QF lounge for us. This place is newish, but overcrowded and underwhelming. Since our last visit they've opened a third floor (pretty sure it's where the NZ lounge was) .... so the lounge has three floors, two of them are closed by 11am. Brisbane is busy in the mornings.

Upstairs hole in the wall offering....



QF97 J BNE-HKG






The dumplings and barra was pretty nice



The mousse was a different story. Massive portion and not to my taste. It went back minus the smallest spoonful.

 

[Daver6]

I'm upping my exercise regime in preparation for the food to come

 

[amaroo]

Great flight - one of the best crews ever. Landed and through the formalities quick smart, late afternoon is a good time to arrive at HKG.

Loaded the hotel car and we were on our way.

Rosewood is brand new - opened less than 3 months ago. It's an absolutely stunning hotel, located on land the family own on Kowloon. A well known Hong Kong family own Rosewood... think diamond retailers.

We checked-in in our suites and were then invited to take a tour of the hotel... stunning. After a drink in the club, we had to get a move on for dinner.

Check-in view from our suite



Tonight we were eating at Hutong - its located in the UBS building you can see from the photo below. Its a 10 min walk from the hotel.



I had the concierge make the booking at Hutong and asked them to request a window table .... they didn't disappoint.



Lovely meal - recommend eating here.







View whilst waiting for the lift.

 

[amaroo]

We took advantage of their stay 3 pay 2.... in our case stay 4 pay 3. We also used a TA that got us a ton of perks including an upgrade at booking.

Our suite - Grand Harbour Corner Suite, 123m2 of pure indulgence!

The main living room







3 frame view from the living room - from right to left

 

[amaroo]

The 2nd living room





Bedroom - nice touch with your "initials" on the pillow cases





The bathroom also had the largest 2 person shower, It had two of everything - marble seats, rain showers, handheld shower, even a glass towel closet ... you could easily accomodate 6+ people and still have room to swing a cat

Behind the bathroom was an awesome double wardrobe, complete with a his and hers angled shoe shelving - massive is the word



The kids also received an upgraded (actually a double upgrade) they were on the same floor but occupied the other corner of the building.

The ginormous floor/lift foyer, also doubled as relax zone with lounges, chairs and refreshments.

 

[amaroo]

As already mentioned the kids were lucky enough to score a double upgrade at booking

Harbour Corner Suite - exact same layout as ours at 123m2 .... it offered great views of Kai Tak (airport)

Stunning views from this suite also....

 

[amaroo]

The Rosewood exec club / lounge is called the Manor Club. It's located on the 40th floor, access comes included with all suites, and some rooms - it's spectacular!

First the views from the 40th floor balcony... can't seem to get the pano photo to stick very well - pity as it shows Hong Kong at its best.

 

[amaroo]

Some info on the Manor Club (from an in-room brochure). The brochure is not complete as we also had daily full laundry and pressing allowances for both suites.

Both suites came with butlers, but I'm not sure what they do outside of sorting general enquiries. They did look very spiffy - think three piece suits, young and splendid.










The dining area of the club

 

[Major]

I can't believe the fabulous weather you are having. It's so clear

 

[henleybeach]

stunning views from the hotel ! Picked a good one there

 

[amaroo]

I can't believe the fabulous weather you are having. It's so clear

You can get lucky. It rained pretty heavily the day we arrived, and started again on the day we left.

stunning views from the hotel ! Picked a good one there

We normally stay on the Island, however after enjoying our stays at two other Rosewood Hotels (SMdA (Mexico) and Paris) we thought we give this one a go. Glad we did, as it just wasn't the views that were superb.

 

[amaroo]

An easy 10 min walk from the hotel along the avenue of stars and we were at the Star Ferry Pier - who doesn't love this 121 year HK Icon.








Lovely old building on Upper Albert Rd near Government House



Botanical Gardens .... also has a small zoo.



Given the day was so nice we decided to head up to the Peak. The Peak tram is currently out of action due to maintenance so we took a taxi.



The Rosewood Hotel is the building you can see in the middle (Kowloon side) towering over the IC

 

[amaroo]

We haven't re-visited the Peak for around 12 years.... or 20 odd Hong Kong trips ago.

Things are changing. Right next to the Peak Tower is a decent sized development that’s looks to be just about completed, thinking it’s going to be shopping and restaurants.




Escalator with a view - coming down the Tower



Gordon Ramsey even has a restaurants up here. Given we're total tourists today - why not







Back on the Star ferry heading back to Hotel - the Rosewood looks good from the water



Water police/military having some fun...

 

[OATEK]

When my girls were young they would request after-dinner Star Ferry rides before they would agree to go to bed.

 

[Isochronous]

Rosewood photos look terrific!

 

[rbjhan]

Wow Rosewood certainly is stunning!
Last two HK trips stayed at Peninsula and MO, might give this one a go in Oct.
Only problem is I prefer the island...

 

[amaroo]

Wow Rosewood certainly is stunning!
Last two HK trips stayed at Peninsula and MO, might give this one a go in Oct.
Only problem is I prefer the island...

We're also Island people, for the past 12 years FS Hong Kong has been our place. Elsewhere we like MO, Pen, FS, and similar independent operators, but Rosewood is another level above all of these.

If you do decide to stay here make sure you use a Rosewood Elite agent.

 

[amaroo]

Both suites offered terrific views of the light show






Then it was up to the club for pre-dinner coughtails

 

[amaroo]

A new restaurant for us - New Punjab Club

It received its first Michelin star this year. A very friendly casual vibe with delicious food... would recommend this one.