My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new series of travelogues on the Mr.M blog. Thanks to the exceptional hospitality of the United Nations World Tourism Organization – UN Tourism, the institution that hosted me during this Asian adventure, as well as the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel itself, I had the opportunity to experience one of the most authentic luxury experiences in the heart of Hong Kong.
Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is part of Harbor City, the largest shopping complex in Hong Kong. When I first saw the facade of the hotel on Canton Road, I immediately felt that I was in for something special. Hong Kong is a city of contrasts, a city where East meets West, where skyscrapers touch the clouds and traditional junks sail calmly through the harbors. And precisely in this dynamic environment, the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel represents an oasis of peace and luxury.
THE HISTORY OF THE MARCO POLO HOTEL CHAIN: A STORY INSPIRED BY THE GREAT EXPLORER
Marco Polo Hotels is a Hong Kong-based hotel company that operates hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the Philippines and is wholly owned by Wharf (Holdings) Limited. The story of this hotel chain is deeply rooted in Hong Kong tradition. Wharf’s first hotel adventure was the Hong Kong Hotel, opened in 1970.
Not long after in 1982, after an ambitious project to transform the complex into today’s Harbor City, Wharf opened its first wholly owned hotel in the same year – the Marco Polo Hotel, an impressive building with 440 sophisticated rooms that is still a symbol of discreet luxury in Hong Kong. Inspired by the legendary Venetian explorer and merchant Marco Polo, the hotel chain has a name that symbolizes travel, discovery and the fusion of cultures. Marco Polo Hotels has deep roots in Asia, offering a hospitality experience that is warm, efficient and distinctly Asian.
Later in 1996, Wharf was sold to Omni Hotels North America and the Hong Kong hotel division was rebranded as Marco Polo Hotels Group. Later, Marco Polo Hotel was renamed Gateway Hotel and Hong Kong Hotel became Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. This transformation marked a new chapter in the history of the hotel, maintaining the heritage of hospitality but adapting it to the modern needs of travelers.
HONG KONG: THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
Before I begin today’s in-depth review of the hotel itself, I need to share with you why Hong Kong is such a special destination. This city is a symbiosis of Chinese tradition and British colonial past, a place where billionaire skyscrapers adjoin traditional markets, where smoke from local restaurants mixes with the smell of luxury boutiques.
Tsim Sha Tsui, the neighborhood where the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is located, is the cultural and commercial heart of Kowloon. With over 450 shops of all kinds, three hotels, an art gallery and more than 70 food and beverage establishments, including Michelin-recommended restaurants and over 30 restaurants with harbor views, Harbor City provides visitors from around the world with an incredible all-in-one shopping, dining and entertainment experience.
In the immediate vicinity of the hotel, there are sights such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Space Museum, Hong Kong Cultural Center and 1881 Heritage. The hotel is also in close proximity to the Star Ferry Terminal and MTR subway stations, making it a perfect base for exploring both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
MARCO POLO SUITE: MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME
My stay in the Marco Polo suite was a real pleasure. The hotel has more than 585 luxurious rooms and suites, many of which offer breathtaking views of the waterfront of the famous Victoria Harbour. The suite I stayed in combined elegance with functionality in a way that you rarely find anywhere else.
The spacious layout of the suite immediately made me feel at home. A separate bedroom with a king size bed and premium bedding ensured a restful sleep after a long day of exploring the city. The living room was equipped with comfortable furniture, a flat screen TV with international channels and an elegant desk, perfect for working or simply enjoying the fantastic view.
The bathroom was equipped with a bathtub and separate shower, luxury toiletries and a hair dryer. Every detail was carefully thought out. The Nespresso coffee machine and tea set allowed me to start the morning at my own pace, while watching the city slowly come to life with a cup of coffee.
All rooms are equipped with international TV channels, coffee and tea making facilities, refrigerator, telephone, hair dryer and safe. The free Wi-Fi was fast and reliable, which was crucial for my needs.
But what really made the difference was the view. Being in the morning and opening the curtains to a panoramic view of Victoria Harbor with junks, ferries and the coastline of Hong Kong Island is an experience not to be forgotten. Every evening at 8 o’clock, I was able to observe “A Symphony of Lights”, a light show that transforms the city skyline into a kaleidoscope of colors.
THE CONTINENTAL CLUB LOUNGE: EXCLUSIVENESS AT EVERY MOMENT
The Continental Club at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel offers luxurious accommodation with full business facilities and exclusive privileges, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. As a Continental Club guest, I had access to a private lounge that was my personal oasis during my stay.
The Continental Club is located on the 17th and 18th floors, and the lounge accepts children 13 years and older. The lounge was spacious, with panoramic windows offering a spectacular view of the harbour. The interior was elegant but comfortable, a combination of contemporary design with warm tones that invite relaxation.
The morning breakfast at the Continental Club Lounge was a real treat. The food selection included everything from continental fare with fresh croissants and French pastries, to Asian specialties such as dim sum, congee and fresh fruit. I could also order à la carte dishes from the menu, including made-to-order omelets, pancakes and eggs Benedict with salmon or bacon with avocado.
Afternoon tea was an elegant afternoon snack, a selection of sandwiches with thin slices, scones with clotted cream and jam, and refined sweets carefully created by the pastry chefs. This ritual, with a cup of Earl Gray tea, has become my favorite part of the day.
Evening cocktails with hors d’oeuvres are provided. Each evening, the lounge served a selection of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits, along with an excellent selection of selected snacks. Whether it was fresh sushi rolls, mini burgers, or local specialties, the food was fantastically decorated and delicious. Butler service was discreet but always present when needed.
The club lounge was extremely comfortable and spacious with excellent butler service. The selection and presentation of food from breakfast, afternoon tea to snacks were impeccably executed. What particularly impressed was the attention the staff paid to each guest, they remembered my preferences after the first day and were always ready with a recommendation or additional service.
CUCINA: ITALIAN CULINARY JOURNEY
Cucina is the pinnacle of Italian cuisine in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Cucina is a restaurant featured in the Forbes Travel Guide of Four-Star Restaurants as of 2020. This exceptional restaurant offers an extraordinary culinary experience. Located on the sixth floor of the hotel, this restaurant was one of the main gastronomic revelations during my stay in Hong Kong.
Their master chefs demonstrate their skills in the open kitchen and showcase their creativity with the finest Italian cuisine. The very concept of an open kitchen gives a special charm, I could watch the chefs skillfully prepare pastas, risottos and main courses with a precision that speaks of years of experience.
The ambiance of the restaurant is elegant but affordable. Stunning views of Victoria Harbor add a touch of romance to every meal. For an even more memorable dinner, guests can enjoy Hong Kong’s “A Symphony of Lights” light show every night at 8pm.
The menu was carefully thought out, combining classic Italian recipes with contemporary interpretations. I started with prosciutto and mozzarella di bufala, a simple but perfectly executed dish where the quality of the ingredients spoke for itself. I have the opportunity to watch their chefs prepare gourmet Italian specialties.
For the main course, I chose handmade tagliatelle with black truffles, the pasta was al dente, the sauce was rich and creamy, and the truffle aroma was intoxicating. Every bite was pure pleasure. On the second night, I tried the seafood risotto, with fresh shrimp, mussels and calamari.
Their stylish bar features cocktails that are absolutely out of this world and an extensive wine list from around the world. The sommelier recommended a fantastic Tuscan wine that complemented my experience perfectly. The bar was also a great drinks-only destination with creative cocktails inspired by Italian ingredients.
Here you can enjoy an exceptional view, original Italian food with an Italian head chef and professional staff. The service at Cucina was amazing, the staff were knowledgeable about every aspect of every menu and detail about every dish, and beyond that they were extremely attentive and warm, I just felt like I was at home. They recognized me after the first visit and always had a recommendation ready for me.
Cucina can accommodate up to 120 guests and is the perfect venue for any occasion, from intimate dinners to private parties. Whether you are looking for a place for an idyllic romantic dinner for two or a place to celebrate with friends, Cucina is the ideal place to create unforgettable moments.
MARCO POLO HONG KONG: OTHER HOTEL SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel offers much more than just accommodation and an amazing dining experience. The hotel has an outdoor pool, lobby lounge, gym, all-day dining Cafe Marco on the first floor offering a wide selection of gourmet cuisine from around the world and the renowned authentic Italian restaurant Cucina.
The outdoor pool on the roof was a real refreshment after a day of sightseeing. Surrounded by greenery and overlooking the city, it was a quiet area for swimming or simply sunbathing on the deckchairs.
Cafe Marco was the perfect place for everyday or buffet meals. Cafe Marco serves dishes from international cuisines made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The buffet breakfast was impressive, with a wide selection, from Asian dishes such as noodles and dim sum, to Western options such as eggs Benedict and French toast.
The Lobby Lounge was an elegant space for everyday meetings or an afternoon drink with comfortable bar armchairs and special ambient music, it was a perfect place to socialize or simply to observe other visitors and guests of the hotel.
MARCO POLO HONG KONG HOTEL LOCATION: IN THE HEART OF EVERYTHING
The location of the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is simply unbeatable. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is located in the best commercial, shopping and business center of the city. You are literally in the center of Hong Kong, with everything the city has to offer at your fingertips.
Harbor City is the largest shopping center in Hong Kong, including 70 restaurants, one large cinema, art gallery, observation deck and about 450 shops. This means you can spend the whole day shopping without leaving the complex. From Louis Vuitton and Gucci, to Zara and Uniqlo, every fashion taste will definitely be satisfied.
The Star Ferry Terminal is close by, so you can enjoy the beautiful view of Victoria Harbor at night. Riding the Star Ferry to Central on Hong Kong Island is an unforgettable experience, for just a few Hong Kong dollars, you get a spectacular view of the symbols of Hong Kong – the skyscrapers.
Tsim Sha Tsui and East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations are a few minutes’ walk away, making the whole of Hong Kong easily accessible. I walked to Wong Tai Sin Temple, Victoria Peak, and Central, all easily accessible by public transportation.
MARCO POLO HONG KONG: HONG KONG THROUGH THE EYES OF LUXURY
A stay at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel was not just accommodation, it was an experience of Hong Kong through the prism of luxury and exceptional hospitality. I woke up every morning with great excitement, knowing that another day of exploring this fascinating city awaited me, with the certainty that peaceful relaxation and relaxation at the hotel always awaited me.
Hong Kong is a city that stimulates all your senses, starting from the street noise, through the rich smells of street food, the neon light reflecting on the wet asphalt after the rain. But having a place like the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel to come back to was invaluable to me. The silence, the comfort of the bed, the view of the harbor and the rich gastronomic experience, these are the moments that transform the trip into an incredible moment to remember.
WHARF HOTELS: COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AS A PHILOSOPHY OF LUXURY
Marco Polo Hotels is part of the prestigious Hong Kong group The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd, a company that has been shaping the urban landscape for decades through exclusive real estate, strategic investments in communication technologies and key port operations, creating a strong foundation on which this luxury hotel brand is built. This stability and infrastructure allow the hotel to maintain the highest standards without compromise.
Named after the Venetian merchant of the same name, the brand transformation was a strategic vision focused on addressing evolving guest behavior and adding numerous enhancements. Marco Polo Hotels is not just a hotel chain, it is a philosophy of travel, discovery and fusion of cultures.
At the heart of the rebranding strategy are three key pillars: Experience Enrichment, Connectivity, Sustainability and Responsibility, which represent the new philosophy of the Marco Polo Hotels brand. These principles are not just a declaration, but are felt in every detail of the stay: through artistically designed gastronomic concepts, carefully curated events, commitment to sustainability and genuine connection with the local community.
MARCO POLO HONG KONG: WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THIS HOTEL?
Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is not just a place to sleep, it is a destination in itself. The combination of historical heritage, contemporary luxury, exquisite cuisine and unbeatable location make it one of the best hotels I have experienced in Asia.
For those planning a trip to Hong Kong, I highly recommend considering the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. Whether you are traveling alone, with your partner or with your family, the hotel offers an experience that will enrich your trip and create memories that will last for years.
The Tsim Sha Tsui location strikes the perfect balance, far enough away from the tourist crowds of Central, yet close enough to everything Hong Kong has to offer. Victoria Harbor is your neighbourhood, Harbor City shopping is your lobby, and the whole city is your playground.
The Continental Club Lounge adds a level of exclusivity and comfort that transforms a stay from ordinary to extraordinary. And Cucina? It’s a restaurant that would be a destination in itself, even if you weren’t a hotel guest.
Hong Kong is a city that never ceases to surprise, a city where you can try dim sum at a local cha chaan teng in the morning, shop in luxury boutiques in the afternoon, go to the top of Victoria Peak in the evening, and end the day with cocktails while watching the incredible skyscrapers. And during all of that, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel was a kind of refuge for me, a place of peace, luxury and a perfect escape from the busy rhythm of the city.
I want to thank the United Nations World Tourism Organization – UN Tourism for the opportunity to experience Hong Kong through the eyes of luxury and the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel for the exceptional hospitality that exceeded all my expectations. This trip was not just about seeing the city, but about creating a true destination experience in a way that will stay in my heart forever.
If Hong Kong isn’t already on your bucket list, let this blog post be your reason to add it. And once there, know that the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is waiting to make your trip unforgettable.
Have you already had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong, this unique city where the oriental tradition seamlessly intertwines with the futuristic rhythm of life? Or maybe you are just planning to discover the magic of Hong Kong, its colorful districts, markets, world gastronomic scene and distinctive skyscrapers that leave no one indifferent?
Feel free to leave your impressions, comments or questions below the text, or contact me via email and social networks. All information is available on the CONTACT page.
See you soon, with a new story from the heart of the Far East!
With Love from Hong Kong,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, as well as other local partners who have selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.