Hong Kong - Explore Hong Kong Island

HOLIDAY INN-GOLDEN MILE
852-2369-3111
www.holidayinn.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/hkgkl?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/hi/1/en/hotelsearchresults

I have stayed at the Holiday Inn-Golden Mile on three occasions, from 2004-2007. They must be doing something right.

I’ve frequented this hotel with groups from two to twenty-three. Each time, the hotel management, staff and concierge were helpful, professional and courteous. Most importantly for a tour leader, they made everyone feel comfortable and have been true to their word – no extra cost surprises.

Their Café Vienna restaurant offers a convenient, wonderful breakfast buffet with a great range of hot and cold western and Chinese food. It is expensive if you have to purchase it, but I have always negotiated for it to be included as part of our package.

The hotel is located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui on Nathan Road. It doesn’t offer great views, but it’s right by the MTR train station and a short stroll to Victoria Harbour’s Promenade and Kowloon’s Star Ferry.

Just walking to and from this Holiday Inn is a memorable adventure for newbies. Nathan Road has to the unofficial capital of “copy watches”, “copy purses” and “tailor suits”.

I look forward to my next visit to Hong Kong, my second favorite city, and the Holiday Inn-Golden Mile.

PEARL ON THE PEAK

Pearl on the Peak is one place where its vituals, vista and vibrations live up to the hype.

The acclaimed restaurant, opened in Fall 2006, offers fantastic views of Hong Kong due to its unique location in the Peak Tower and its floor to ceiling glass walls. Its ambiance is geared for intimate dining; however, the staff's attentiveness made it a night-to-remember for our group of 14.

Chef Geoff Lindsay of the highly acclaimed Pearl Restaurant in Melbourne, Australia helped create this jewel of the Orient. Lindsay was selected Australia’s 2005 Chef of the Year. His touch and culinary talent is evident in Pearl on the Peak’s diverse, scrumptious dishes and outstanding presentations.

I'm not one much for fancy food; give me a good BBQ sandwich, a baked potato, cole slaw and I'm happy. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised how tasty and filling everything was. The seasonal entree selections included beef, lamb, fish, seafood and pasta. All 14 of us came away from the table with big smiles on our faces.

Pearl on the Peak also has an outdoor terrace that provides a more informal setting with the same great panorama. One note of caution; the weather on top of Victoria Peak varies greatly and changes often. I suggest eating inside - if the weather is nice, you can have dessert or a nightcap outside.

A night here is not cheap. It cost the 14 of us about $1000 for dinner, drinks, tax and tip. However, I’d do it again in a New York minute. How many times in your life do you have an opportunity to have a world-class meal in a world-class restaurant offering a world-class view?