"Junk Bay" – as Tseung Kwan O is also known – was long one of Hong Kong’s backwaters, east of the city proper, a dormitory town that didn’t do much but sleep and eat.
Then the MTR – the territory-wide subway system – opened up a station, providing fast and easy transport in the area. Then shopping malls threw open their doors. And, most recently, the Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, to give its full title, welcomed its first guests.
It’s a great hotel, not least for its location, which is right above the MTR, in easy reach of the city and the new cruise terminal at Kai Tak. Yet the hotel's also handy for some of the more picturesque parts of Hong Kong, such as the seaside town of Sai Kung and the beaches and country park to the east.
The Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East's lobby provides a fitting introduction to the hotel — Photo courtesy of Crowne Plaza
Starting from the very top, one of the hotel’s killer apps is Cielo, the al fresco rooftop restaurant and bar on the 47th floor, something of a rarity in Hong Kong.
With views of the harbor and city, it’s an ideal place to unwind and have a great evening out, indulging in world-class cocktails along with a wide selection of wine. The casual Italian fare includes home-styled dishes and specialty pasta. And don’t miss out on Cielo’s signature mocktail: TKO Fizz.
The hotel’s contemporary design embraces a rich palette of colors, textures, patterns and fabrics to create a refreshing and visually stimulating effect. Dark wood and glass matched with clean-cut lines and contemporary furnishings in earth tones grant a warm yet relaxed atmosphere.
Did we mention that all 359 rooms and suites come with magnificent views?
All rooms are also equipped with top-notch amenities for guests’ convenience, including a 40-inch, high-definition Sharp LED TV; iHome docking station with Bluetooth speaker, alarm clock and radio; ergonomic desk chair by Herman Miller; Simmons mattress; RFID door lock; and high-speed wireless internet.
All rooms enjoy spacious bathrooms with a bathtub and separate glass-enclosed rain shower cubicle.
Club Floor guests receive a number of privileges, such as complimentary daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés, as well as access to the exclusive Club Lounge.
Apart from Cielo, there are two other restaurants: a specialty Chinese and an all-day diner that’s very much East meets West.
A spa under separate management is also on the premises, as is an 80-foot outdoor swimming pool.
The Crowne Plaza also benefits from an especially well-designed garden, which is popular for weddings, parties and events.
