With its vibrant streets, great shopping deals and good eats, there is no city in Asia that is truly more exciting than Hong Kong. Every moment I take off on Philippine Airline’s Terminal 2 to the minute I land at Hong Kong International Airport, my head always gets a buzz of excitement that only Asia’s World City can give.
This time around, I visited Hong Kong during the two-week long Chinese New Year and even better, I was booked at the iconic Marco Polo Gateway Hotel which sits directly on top of Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex, Harbour City.
I remember checking into the Marco Polo Gateway a few years back and returning now, everything about the hotel is new. From its sleek, minimalist lobby to the modern artwork adorning its walls, the Marco Polo Gateway impresses a lifestyle of modern comfort and hospitality upon its guests.
After checking in, I was quickly ushered into my luxurious 58 square-meter superior suite which has a view over bustling Canton Road. Settling into the space, it was hard not to smile at the welcome basket which contained piping hot jasmine tea, perfect for the cold Hong Kong weather.
Also greeting me was the Marco Polo Hotel’s Handy personal smartphone which allows guests to make unlimited international calls to the United States, China, and even the Philippines for free. The Handy smartphone also allowed me to access the internet as much as I want all around Hong Kong thanks to its unlimited 3G tethering service, keeping me up to beat on my social media as well as work email.
Given that the Marco Polo Gateway is located at the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui at Kowloon, it serves as the perfect starting point to explore Hong Kong. Shoppingeras will love that the hotel’s is literally on one of Hong Kong’s best shopping establishments and is also at close proximity to Mongkok and Sham Sui Po. Foodies will also love that the area at Tsim Sha Tsui is filled with a diverse choice of restaurants and local eateries from the sophisticated to the affordable.
Hong Kong Island and its art galleries located at Soho and Central are also close by with just a short ride on Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry, which for me, is the fastest, cheapest, and most scenic way of crossing Victoria Harbour.
After each day of exploring the ins and outs of Hong Kong (plus joining in on the fun of some lion dances around the area), my suite at the Marco Polo Gateway made sure that I was always well rested thanks to its ultra comfortable bed, down feather pillows, and relaxing deep soak bathtub. Access to the Executive Club Lounge with its complimentary afternoon tea, and early dinner cocktails ensured that I was always pampered. It also helped that many of the Marco Polo Gateway’s staff are Pinoy, lending some extra warmth and familiarity for Filipino travellers like me.
The Marco Polo Gateway was truly a door to the world of Hong Kong while giving travellers the comfort and pampering they deserve after a long day of shopping and exploration.
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A big thank you to the Marco Polo Hong Kong’s Samantha Poon and Angel Wang for making my stay at the Marco Polo Gateway extra special as well as with the surprise birthday treat at the Marco Polo Gateway’s Three On Canton. I hope to see you again soon!
