Passport Newsletter, 1992 March
NEWS FROM HONG KONG
HOTELS---Here are two new hotels that are challenging the supremacy of the Regent, Peninsula, and Mandarin:
- The Island Shangri-La is beautiful, luxurious, and has the largest guest rooms on the island, with huge marble bathrooms and views of either the harbor or the peak. Health club, gym, and outdoor pool with a bubble enclosure for winter swimming.
The hotel encompasses the 39th-55th floors of Pacific Place, on Supreme Court Road, Hong Kong. US$220-$335, double Tel: 852-877-3838. In the U.S., 800-359-5050
- The Hyatt Grand, adjacent to the Convention and Exhibition Centre, does not have the best location, but it's distinctly a deluxe establishment. We particularly like its Regency Club floor, offering extra amenities and a private indoor pool on the 30th floor. The regular rooms are quite spacious and have lovely, fully equipped marble bathrooms. Grissini, its Italian restaurant, is outstanding, and its Chinese restaurant is elegant. Fitness center. US$210-$335, double. 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
Tel: 852-5-861-1234. In the U.S., 800-233-1234.
SHOPPING---Rocky Jewellery and Watch Co., a tiny shop, has an excellent selection of watches at good prices.
Ask for Lily Chik, the manager, and do a bit of bargaining. 26c Mody Rd., Tsimshatsui, Kowloon Tel:852-368-0185.
- Etro (Milan) is a chain of swanky shops that specialize in stunning paisley-patterned shawls, throws, afghans, luggage, ties, etc. We couldn't resist their tote and errand bags. Locations: BE10 Basement Shop, Peninsula Hotel Arcade (852-739-6883), and Mitsukoshi Tsimshatsui Store, G/F Lippo Sun Plaza No 28 Canton Rd., Kowloon (852-375-3262)
- K.S. Sze & Sons, on the mezzanine floor of the Mandarin Hotel, is our favorite shop for jewelry. Outstanding designs, top quality, and very good prices and service. It also gets high marks for reliability: Ask for Rhonda Lung. Tel: 852-524-2803.
The shop in the new Hong Kong Museum of Art, across, from the Peninsula Hotel and next to the Space dome, is filled with interesting gift possibilities, ceramics, and books. Tel: 852-734-2126.