Hong Kong's Ocean Park finally welcomed its first hotel since opening more than four decades ago. Prudence Lui checks into this much-anticipated property with her teenage daughter, and finds a destination that enthrals all ages
Location
Nothing beats its location. The property stands right next to the entrance of Ocean Park and a stone’s throw from the eponymous MTR station. As footbridges connect Ocean Park Station to the hotel, there are no traffic worries as it took me less than five minutes to walk the distance.
Since the MTR connection to the south side of Hong Kong Island debuted few years ago, it offers visitors additional means of access other than traditional buses. Travelling time from Admiralty Station to the park now takes only four minutes.
The hotel is also located close to hiking and jogging trails that lead through some of the Hong Kong’s finest coastline and country parks.
Rooms
Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel’s rooms are spread across three eight-storey towers.
My daughter and I stayed in the twin-bed, 29m2 Premium Room of Marina Wing which overlooks the swimming pool. The room was outfitted in the ocean theme, and even my teenage daughter was delighted by the creative interpretation of the aquatic decor as she tried to count the number fish patterns – seen on panel walls near the bed and the bathroom – she could pick out. I noted that there were no sharp-edge furniture in the room, so kudos to a kid-friendly design that’s indeed kitted out for families.
I loved the abundance of USB and electrical plugs on the walls, which easily catered to the numerous electronic gadgets I brought. I thought it would be more convenient if there was an additional wall socket near the coffee/tea corner as I preferred to make both my capsule coffee while boiling hot water simultaneously.
In addition, the hotel also offers 14 themed guest rooms specially targeting families with kids with their animal motifs – think Whiskers Submarine (Ocean Park’s mascot sea lion), Bao Bao Paradise (panda) and Redd Forest (red pandas).
Facilities
It was during the hotel’s soft-opening period when I stayed, so the Central Lagoon was not yet open. Its scheduled opening is today (February 19).
The landscaped 1,410m2 swimming pool has an upper pool for practice laps, as well as toddler and kid pools for families with young kids. Aside from the fitness centre that’s open 24/7, there is also a Harnn Heritage Spa on-site whose opening date is still not available at press time.
As a city resort hotel under Ocean Park’s umbrella, don’t miss the signature 16m-high floor-to-ceiling aquarium that spans across three floors of the hotel.
For large groups, a dedicated check-in area is provided.
F&B
There are four F&B options spread across the property. The Marina Wing where I stayed offered access to the 171-seater, all-day Marina Kitchen & Marina Café and the 126-seater Pier Lounge & Pier Bar.
My breakfast at the Marina Café on a Sunday morning was spiced up by the appearance of two of Ocean Park’s characters, which was clearly a fun moment for both kids and adults who lined up for the photo opportunity.
In the Club Wing, there’s a 92-seater Canton Bistro for classic Cantonese cuisine, as well as a 118-seater steakhouse called Prohibition Grill House & Cocktail Bar.
Service
Friendly and highly responsive. I only realised that I had left my jacket in my room after checking out. I called the hotel to check and within 15 minutes, I received both a call and email asking what would be the best way for me to collect my stuff.
Verdict
It is not only ideal for family and multi-generational travellers, but also for FITs and business travellers as the Club Wing offers elevated experience.
No. of rooms 471
Rates From HK$2,950 (US$376)
Contact details
Tel: (852) 3555 1688
Website: www.oceanparkmarriott.com
Email: mhrs.hkgop.generic@marriotthotels.com
