If you want to know why I’m so big on brand loyalty, how we were graciously treated for all of a few hours in Hong Kong says it all. “A few hours” in this case means landing around 2pm and departing at midnight. It’s roughly 30-40 minutes via taxi from the airport to most of the city. Our bags were checked through to Los Angeles, so there was no waiting for luggage. We each had a carry-on.
Once we got to the airport’s very fast and efficient taxi line after clearing customs, it was not much after 3pm when we made it to the Central part of Hong Kong (the other main part is Kowloon, separated by the bay). The driver waited briefly while the hubby acquired some local currency, just enough for to pay for our cabs and some tips. Where were we?
At the Four Seasons Hong Kong, courtesy of a call from our friends at their sister hotel in Kuala Lumpur where we had just stayed. We were familiar with the hotel from a previous visit to Hong Kong in 2017. So instead of watching the clock at the airport, we had the most lovely afternoon — first in the hotel’s Executive Club, followed by a quick clean up and clothes change in the spa. We then walked to the Landmark complex (a shopper’s dream come true and location of a newer Mandarin Oriental hotel) for our spectacular “last supper” at L’Atelier Joel Robuchon. By 9pm, we were back at the hotel to gather our belongings and were then transported swiftly to the airport for the flight home. We have great appreciation for their lovely hospitality and plan on returning the next time we are in Asia.
A colossus of cuisine was lost in August last year when Chef Robuchon died at age 73, having been awarded 32 stars total in his lifetime — a record. His imprimatur lives on in his signature style and exquisite cuisine. I believe his teams are committed to carry on his traditions and high standards. If there’s one of his restaurants where this big spring trip takes us, we’ll be there — this was our fourth visit (previously in Hong Kong, plus last year in Paris and before that London). In the U.S., there are locations in New York’s Meatpacking District and in Las Vegas at the MGM.
Below: One actually can live on bread and wine .. and spectacular butter. Fourteen varieties of bread, all made daily on the premises, and all incredible.
Below, top row: bird’s eye view into the kitchen, aka “L’atelier” (workshop); artistic burrata and tomatoes; bottom row: the best baby lamb chops; make that one can live on bread, wine AND chocolate. The establishment is well deserving of their three Michelin stars.
Below: 26 seconds of Hong Kong on a remarkably bright, clear day — from the hotel’s 46th floor balcony:
Hong Kong was the end of our three weeks for Spring 2019. Here are my “winners & losers” from this trip:
WINNERS:
Vietnam. There’s a reason virtually everyone comes away having enjoyed their time in this country. Great people, food, culture.
Vietnam Airlines: Five flights, all on time, great service. I would fly EVA again as well (Taiwan’s airline). Cathay Airlines is always great — I am happy they are an American/One World partner.
Four Seasons Hotels: I don’t get compensated for my recommendations (why is that?); I simply think they do a great job. Rosewood Hotels is right up there as well. Whatever your brand is, be consistent and let management know when they do something right, not just when you have a complaint.
Advance planning: It pays off in spades. Visas. Airport greeters. Tours. Pre-arranged and nothing missed.
Malaysia: Very enjoyable and our 70th country, therefore a winner!
Asia travel in general: The tendency for so many Americans is to head east (i.e., Europe). I say go west! For U.S travelers living west of the Mississippi, traveling to numerous gateways is easy. So much to do and see in so many countries. And it can be done very economically. And a whole lot easier to get award seats.
LOSER:
Humidity. Enough said.
