Hong Kong isn’t exactly known for wide open spaces. Yet, as I stepped into the Harbour Grand Kowloon, it felt like the city finally exhaled. Nestled on the Whampoa waterfront, this hotel is a rare jewel — a sanctuary where oversized rooms meet endless ocean views, and luxury doesn’t have to shout to be heard.
HARBOUR HAVEN ELEGANCE
From the moment I arrived, the grandeur was undeniable. Fountains greeted me outside, flanked by soaring glass windows framing Victoria Harbour like an oil painting. Inside, an opulent staircase spirals beneath a cascading chandelier that practically begs for a cinematic entrance. Weddings and films love this space for a reason — it’s dripping with old-school glamour.
The Harbourview room I called home for the weekend was enormous by Hong Kong standards. Big enough to stretch out, the room had warm lighting, plush carpets, and a king-sized bed positioned perfectly to take in the postcard-worthy view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. A cosy sofa sat by the window — perfect for reading, or, let’s be real, just zoning out to the soothing movement of the water.
Walking into Harbour Grand Kowloon, I couldn’t help but notice the charm of its interiors — homely, warm, and comfortable, yes, but perhaps veering a little towards “nostalgic.” But here’s the thing: comfort reigns supreme. Families, couples, and anyone in search of quiet refuge over Instagram sheen will feel right at home. I left reluctantly, but not without soaking in every last drop of its magic.
SKYLINE SERENITY OASIS
Harbour Grand’s perch in Whampoa whispers luxury and serenity — a contrast to the ceaseless buzz outside. But the crown jewel? The rooftop infinity pool. Perched high above the city on the 21st floor, it offers a literal bird’s-eye view of Hong Kong’s skyline and the vast South China Sea.
Stretched out on a sunbed, utterly transfixed, the crystalline blue of the pool unravelled in front of me — and beyond it, the vast expanse of ocean on one side and Hong Kong’s edgy skyline on the other. It was like sipping champagne with your eyes. If there’s a better spot for a lazy afternoon under the sun in Kowloon, I’d be surprised. Lounging poolside, cocktail in hand, it’s easy to forget the buzz just minutes away.
The gym shares the same view, so if jogging on a treadmill staring out at the harbour isn’t motivation enough, nothing is. And after poolside lounging or scenic sweating, there’s no better way to refuel than The Promenade, tucked just off the lobby. The service is unnervingly efficient for a breakfast rush of business travellers and tourists alike. The congee? Silky. The dim sum? Pleasingly plump. And don’t get me started on the almond croissant — flaky, buttery perfection. The international buffet, meanwhile, is a foodie’s dream.
The hidden star, however, lies across the street — a tucked-away robatayaki joint that feels like a portal to Japan. Oak furniture, smoky grills, and seafood-turned-art make up the scene. Jewelled sashimi shines, dried blowfish intrigues, but cod and A5 Wagyu steal your soul. Pair with sake, stay forever.
With that pool, that gym, that breakfast, and that ocean view, Harbour Grand Kowloon isn’t just a hotel — it’s an oasis in one of the world’s most energetic cities. And isn’t that what good travel is about? Balance.
FACT BOX
Where: 20 Tak Fung Street, Whampoa Garden, Kowloon, Hong Kong — 999077 Call: 852 2996 8006 Web: www.harbourgrand.com/kowloon
Awarded ‘Best Food Writer in the Country’ by the Indian Culinary Forum, WACS and the Ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.
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