Stopped off in Hong Kong on the...
Stopped off in Hong Kong on the way back from the Phillipines and stayed at the Royal park for 5 days.
Was very happy with the standard of the hotel, rooms very a impressive size and luxuriously decorated. Theres a small office area, a lounger, king size bed and big bay windows to sit in an watch the ant like people scuttle around below. The bathroom features a larged mirrored area with an extra wide bath and excellent shower unit. Theres plenty of marble abound..
There is a full featured gym and swimming pool that starts indoors then ventures out in the open air which is completely free for all guests
The concierge service came in useful once or twice although on the whole i have marked this hotel down for service. Not that everyone wasnt helpful when required, but it did feel a little forced. For example, When we arrived for the first night it was a little late (about 11pm) and all restaurants were closed. We ordered some food at the bar and it felt a bit like i had just insulted the waitresses mother. We were sat under the air con which eventually became too cold so we moved tables, this caused more eye rolling and sighing, then a belated smile when she realised we were looking.
Location is a bit far out, in the Sha Tin district which means switching MTR/Trains a few times or a long bus ride (45 mins to 1 hour) from the airport. So quite far from airport/disneyland/Expo (dont bother with Disney land btw...but thats another matter). A Taxi from Hotel to Airport/Disney will cost you around $220 HKD if you get fed up with public transport (which on the whole is good and cheap if you know where your going, just dont expect any help from the driver or the locals)
On the plus side there are a LOT of shops around the Royal Park, it kept us busy for a day or two just strolling around the massive malls.
The people in the Phillipines were so warm, freindly and helpful, but of course Hong Kong is a world away from that so i think the contrast struck me more than it normally would have done. If your fresh from London/New York/Paris or any other major city im sure you will have no problems with the attitude of the Hong Kongers.
Finally when we went to check out we received our bill which seemed a little expensive ($880). I went back to the room and my girlfreind also asked for the bill and got a different figure (including a restaurant bill we hadnt used). When i returned with my money i asked a different person and got a different bill. I selected the cheapest ($610) and paid that.
Despite the somewhat forced customer service and the not quite perfect location, i would definately stay at this hotel again and recommend it wholeheartedly. I would be less keen to visit Hong Kong again now, but will probally use it as a hub for further exploring asia in the future.
