We have stayed around 15 times at The Peninsula Hong Kong, over the last 20 years or so, and booked this room four months prior to our stay.

Unfortunately, our stay was not up to the extremely high standard, that we previously enjoyed or expected, for the following reasons.

Despite our previous numerous stays we were initially shown to a smoking room on a smoking floor - walking past some rough looking types puffing away in the corridor. Our guest relations host gleefully advised that all the smoke had been cleaned out of the room and that we were sure to enjoy our stay. We advised her that we would not be staying in the room and to please find a NON smoking room.

She made a call and we were advised that there was a non smoking room available on a non smoking floor - but at a lower room category than we had booked. We inspected the room and accepted it.

The room in the main building was much as we remembered it. Lovely linens, down pillows/comforters on the bed, large wardrobes and a good sized marble bathroom. The yellowing fax machine in the desk console and the large TV armoire (with flat screen TV) looked like ancient relics of last century….. To be fair we were advised the current renovation works, in the guest rooms in the main tower, will include technology updates.

After a long flight we were tired and ordered some room service. On my previous stays I had always ordered lobster bisque. Unfortunately, this time it wasn't up to the standard that I had remembered - barely warm, insipid flavoured bisque with a few tiny pieces of lobster.

We had breakfast in the Lobby. I was disappointed to be advised, when I ordered a dish that I fondly remembered (orange pancakes/crepes), that it had been taken off the menu a couple of months ago. My decaf cappuccino tasted like it had been made with instant coffee and the bircher muesli was just OK.

The Lobby, so famed at The Pen, was missing some of the international feel of times past. It was very cold outside and every time the main entry doors were opened (which was often) a wave of chilled air washed through the Lobby. Perhaps it's about time that some thought is given to incorporating an air lock (or other solution) that would work with the existing heritage architecture?

Champagne afternoon tea in the Lobby was OK - but not great. It took a long time to receive our pots of tea, long after the tiered tray of sandwiches/cakes had arrived, and after our repeated requests. As usual they were very busy and there was a long line of customers waiting to obtain a table.

We had lunch at the beautiful Spring Moon restaurant with a group of friends. Great food, however, we were disappointed that, despite our request, all the dishes (to share) were brought out at once - instead of staggering them.

We were also not advised that part of the hotel is under renovation (currently main tower guest rooms).

So, all in all this time, our stay at this landmark Hong Kong was somewhat disappointing.

These is no aspect of my stay at the Peninsula that does not elicit a smile and fond memory. The property reflects all the regal opulence you would expect of this storied name, yet has retained a comfortable and warm atmosphere. The staff were welcoming and unceasingly pleasant. My room was very well appointed and had a lovely view over the front court to the river beyond. I have stayed in many of the high end hotels in Hong Kong. This is by far the best.

You really must stay in this hotel at least once in your life. So many other reviewers have laid out all the wonderful points of the hotel so I'll refrain here, and just add my exclamation point to the existing acclaim.

The Peninsula is my absolute favourite hotel in Hong Kong. Stunning view of the harbour, phenomenal service and top notch restaurants and food. The rooms are very comfortably furnished. Everything works perfectly, even though it is not my preferred style (I usually like it very modern). The spa is wonderful. We've held a few parties at the Peninsula (in various suites and restaurants and funciton rooms) and everything is always perfect. I LOVE IT!
PS It has a great pool too and you can arrive by helicopter, if you wish...