The Convenience Factor

I’ve been to Hong Kong more times than I can count, so I’m quite familiar with the roads, so if you are looking for a hotel with convenience, The Excelsior is one of them. It’s not spectacular…actually, it’s far from it, but if you are looking for a hotel in the center of a bustling location, then Excelsior would pretty much fit that profile.

The Arrival. Upon check in, we were told that the Club Level Non-Smoking Twin One Bedroom Suite did not exist, even though we were able to book it. The one bedroom suites only came with a king bed and only existed on a smoking level floor. Anyway, to make a long story short, we chose to go with the Club Level 1 Bedroom Suite on the Smoking level. They offered to push the two twin beds (that made up the King bed) as far apart as possible…which was about a foot. Oddly enough, I read on someone else’s review that they found themselves in the same predicament. Anyway, since we opted for the Club Level One Bedroom Suite, a full buffet breakfast, light lunch, and afternoon tea and cocktails were included. There was also complimentary bottle of wine, a large box of chocolates, fresh fruit, and Chinese tea upon our arrival.

The Room. Tired and haggard would be a good term for the room. There were open electrical lines, ajar windows that couldn’t close, peeling wallpaper, a not so cleanly toilet and very battered furniture. From afar, it was a very basic room, but when you actually start to sit and actually use the facilities, you’ll find that it is high time The Excelsior goes through a major renovation. Please see pictures and decide for yourself. Let’s just say it wasn’t worth what we paid. Oh yeah. I almost forgot. The in-room safe was unbolted to the floor. Technically, I could pick it up and walk away with it.

The Service. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. A trait that I was a bit surprised at since service and helpfulness are often not part of the “vocabulary” in Hong Kong. Most people could care less about what you wanted and care even less about trying to helping you out.

The Dining. We only ate our complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel and that was…uh…how should I put this nicely…not so great. But breakfast was breakfast and if you just stuck to the basics: an egg, a piece of toast, and orange juice, then everything was OK. Let’s just say it was wonderful to have a Starbucks across the street.

The Departure. Check out was pretty normal. Everyone was courteous and professional.

Hindsight, I think I could have done without all the complimentary gifts and amenities and preferred the same room at a more reasonable rate. The room rate was about HK$5000/night (approximately US$625/night). Honestly, I wouldn’t stay there again since Park Lane is right next door. Between the Park Lane and The Excelsior, Park Lane wins.

Stayed here recently for 3 nights and it was great. Location is good as its near the MTR, Starbuck is just across the street at WTC. Time Square is just a few minutes walk too. There's also a 7-11 nearby for those who wants to save on water instead of buying it in the hotel. Staff are friendly too. The only downside is that the bed they gave us is 2 single bed joined together instead of 1 queen size bed.

I guess I can't add much to what others have written, here is what stood out for me:

I had no choice but to stay here, my work uses this hotel. I was here for two weeks and will return several times this year so it's just as well it's an OK hotel.

Lobby; as someone else said, it's like a bus station, with airline crew check in desk - not really a good look. Fortunately i was upgraded to the Executive floor so I didn't have to put up with that.

Rooms: Decor reminds me of a 1970's Australian country hotel. But the beds are beyond superb, very very comfortable. Bathroom and all in-room amenities were very good standard. Rooms service (e.g. housekeeping) were efficient and faultless. They sent around a form asking for your preferences (e.g., pillows, ice in room, newspaper) and my every need was met.

Exec Club Lounge: very nice, excellent service although limited food variety. Staff here make all the difference; they remember your name and preferences like they have vaults for brains but at the same time are very friendly and pleasant girls. On an exec floor I would have expected free internet access, but that was not to be (see below).

Location: actually I don't like the location much, it's so busy in downtown Causeway bay but if you are there for the shopping it's certainly convenient. There is, as someone else said, a Starbucks about two steps from the side entrance which is the place to go for anything you need, including internet access for $2.50 (AUD) a day versus about $30 a day (AUD) for the hotel rates. Why hotels have not worked out that anyone with half a brain won't pay that for in-house internet is beyond me.

Main gripes: internet access charges are insulting and there is NO POOL. In crowded causeway bay after two weeks I desperately needed somewhere outside to go and sit; I ended up paying to use the pool at other hotels on my days off.

My review is based on having stayed here over 12 times.

Excellent location in Causeway Bay near shopping and subway.

The unpleasant, noisy, always crowded lobby is frequented by flight crews who have their own check-in desk. Once you get through the lobby, however, the upstairs hallways are quiet and rooms are fairly well soundproofed. Rooms are small but very functional and comfortable, and have all essential amenities. Some have harbor views but that costs extra.

Satellite TV includes CNBC and USA Fox News, but not HBO. Internet, which should be free, is HK$ 130 per day.

The hotel will provide a free Herald Tribune newspaper daily on request.

For meals, avoid the noisy coffee shop which lacks its own room and is crowded into hallways and aisles on the second floor. For breakfast I usually bring in much better coffee and fresh juice at less than half the price from the Starbuck’s immediately next door. An even better Pacific Coffee Company is located 8 mins walk away in Windsor House shopping center. For other meals, the hotel’s room service selection and quality are very good.

Service is efficient but mechanical, as is usual in Hong Kong.

Comparing Excelsior to the other standard business hotel neaby, Park Lane: Park Lane has larger rooms and a much quieter lobby, but Excelsior has much better room service selection and quality. Therefore if given a choice, I’d still prefer Excelsior.