The Peninsula Hong Kong is unveiling the first phase of its landmark room enhancement programme. The opening of the new Tower rooms and suites underscores the hotel’s commitment to defining the future of experiential luxury.

Culminating in a HK$450 million project that will see all 300 of the hotel’s guestrooms transformed, the enhancement programme began on 8 January 2012.

The launch of the newly renovated guestrooms in The Peninsula Tower have paved the way for the transformation of guestrooms in the Original Building, which sit below the offices in the Tower, and will be unveiled in April 2013 to usher in the hotel’s 85th anniversary celebrations.

“Today, we’re celebrating both the re-launch of an icon, as well as cementing this hotel’s place firmly in the future,” said The Peninsula Hotels’ Chief Operating Officer, Mr Peter Borer.

“Innovation is part of The Peninsula’s DNA and the guest-focused technology we are unveiling will elevate guest stays to a whole new echelon of experiential luxury.”

With an accent on Classic Modernity, which adheres to the design tenets of simplicity and chic elegance, the new rooms showcase the finest materials and craftsmanship. Boasting a bespoke luxury residential feel, with an aesthetic that melds the distinctive design touches and practicality present in today’s luxury yachts, motorcars and private jets, the new design takes The Peninsula guest experience to the next level of in-room comfort.

Set in a warm, neutral palette of cream, bone, caramel, walnut, and dark chocolate, refined artisan detailing includes stitching on the wardrobe and wall panels and vintage travel trunk-inspired drawer handles. Highly-glossed burl wood cabinetry, screen doors, chairs and sofa detailing frames the walls and doors to create an ambiance of sumptuous, refined comfort.

Functional objects such as multiple, dual-voltage (110V/240V) electrical power sockets with universal adaptors and chargers have been concealed within flawlessly finished, dark chocolate burl wood and glass cabinetry, with touch-of-a-button access.         

Conceived by the in-house design team of The Peninsula Hotels and assisted by Gettys as the executive interior design firm, the overall concept focuses on simple details that work in beautiful synchronisation.

Freeform art installations feature in every guest room, inspired by Chinese ink paintings and depicting details found in flora and fauna. Three-dimensional curvilinear reflective metal blossoms, leaves and branches made of laser-cut bronze-lacquered stainless steel create whimsical compositions on the walls. Soft furnishings are also inspired by calligraphic floral design, and lend a soft, Chinoiserie-inspired touch. Artist-commissioned photographic works referencing vignettes of noteworthy properties within the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group property portfolio line the walls of the corridors, with sculptural renderings by leading Hong Kong-based artists adorning the suites, paying homage to the city’s growing influence as a global arts hub. 

The Peninsula’s signature en suite marble bathrooms – with dual wash basins, a large and luxurious bathtub, separate shower stall and private toilet – have been seamlessly integrated into the new guestroom design. Here, LED touch-screen panels, located on the wall and bath-side, enable viewing of terrestrial and Internet TV and radio. Mood-lighting with a customised ambient spa setting delivers a luxurious, integrated light and sound experience for indulgent relaxation.

Revolutionary in-room technology sets new standards of guest personalisation, with fully-customised interactive digital bedside and desk tablets pre-set in one of five languages, according to guest preference. Full control of all in-room functions is a mere touch away via the bedside and desk tablets, which enable access to the in-room compendium of restaurant menus, hotel services, the new “PenCities” virtual city guide, and personalised streaming terrestrial TV, and Internet TV and radio with noise-cancelling earphones. LED touch-screen panels located on the walls also offer full mastery of the in-room facilities, including mood lighting and curtain control. Wall panels also feature valet call, weather, thermostat, language and privacy options at a convenient touch. 

A vibrant, enriched entertainment experience is now possible thanks to the in-room tablets, which deliver a suite of integrated platforms for terrestrial TV, as well as 90 Internet TV channels and 460 Internet radio stations, streaming independently on both the tablets and the television.

A state-of-the-art audio visual centre in each guest room features a 46-inch flat-screen, Blu-ray LED television – with a 55-inch model in all suites – ideal for watching a personalised selection of complimentary HD movies available – and Internet TV, as well as an iPod/iPad docking station, memory card reader and soundbar speaker system with powerful sub-woofer, to deliver the ultimate surround-sound experience. Wireless connection to personal electronic devices and to the all-in-one fax/printer/photocopier/scanner, enables the seamless functionality of a home office, with multiple-device chargers integrated into bedside cabinet drawers for added convenience. 

To enable the streaming of high-volume digital data, fibre optic cabling in each room yields powerful complimentary high-speed wired and wireless internet access. As a result, guests are able to enjoy long distance VOIP calls in-room at no charge, as well as when travelling within the hotel’s Rolls-Royce fleet, ensuring supreme convenience, luxurious comfort and above all enjoyment, throughout their Peninsula stay.