WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The neoclassical grey stone façade belies a stylish and contemporary interior. The marriage of quirky and classic design elements is found throughout the hotel. Service is always impeccable and prompt. The concierge staff are especially helpful in directions and competent.
WHERE IS IT?
It’s situated away from the hustle and bustle of Causeway Bay, yet a mere three minutes’ walk will get you to exit F of Causeway Bay MTR station, where a bewildering selection of international and local restaurants are found amid the high-end branded boutiques.
HOW MANY ROOMS?
The 188 rooms – ranging from 380 sqm to 600 sqm – are divided into five categories: Superior, Premier, Deluxe, Grand Luxe and Executive Suite. Each of the six penthouses takes up 1,000 sqm to 1,900 sqm. The rooms on each floor are different in design and feel so that guests can be ensured of a new environment with repeated stay.
ROOM FACILITIES:
Every creature comfort is taken care of here. From fluffy pillows to a fully-equipped kitchenette, stocked with design-savvy appliances, cutlery and crockery. An iron, ironing board, in-room safe, mini ladder (for reaching pans on high shelves) and a portable radiator are neatly tucked away in the spacious cupboard. Ironically, I used the radiator to combat the over-zealous air-conditioning system. The room felt chilly even when the air-conditioner was adjusted to a low fan at 30 degrees unless you switched it off.
RESTAURANTS:
There is no restaurant other than the 133 lounge, which serves complimentary healthy breakfast of boiled eggs, yoghurt, muesli and fruits. A fine selection of cold cuts and cheese platter as snacks is served only from 1600 to 2400. Don’t fret, head for the restaurants in Causeway Bay instead.
BARS:
The 133 lounge, which resembles a chic European living room, is ideal for intimate chit-chat over cocktails, especially when there are live jazz performances on Friday and Saturday.
BUSINESS FACILITIES:
A 200-square-metre room with a copier, fax, binder, scanner and two computer terminals. Wireless broadband internet is available throughout the hotel.
LEISURE FACILITIES:
The 24-hour gym, which overlooks part of Victoria Park, is well equipped and quiet. The library was the find – well stocked with hip coffee-table books and paperbacks on various topics, ranging from travel to photography, self help to architecture and all else in between.
Browsing through the shelves was a pleasurable experience, somewhat like lounging in the living room of a new friend with books as clues to the person’s character. The range of the DVD collection was also commendable. Blockbuster titles, art-house films, musicals and even anime were available. (Thanks Musetta for recommending The Holiday, a romantic comedy starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black).
VERDICT:
The hotel can be best described by the title of a book I found in the library, called Hotel As Home by Gary Chang. It certainly lived up to it in every respect.
PRICE:
Until August 31, a US$160 Superior Room promotion guarantees a free upgrade to a Premier or Deluxe Room.
CONTACT:
133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hongkong, tel 852 3477 6888, www.lansonplace.com
Lucinda Law
