Long referred to as the ‘dark side’, Kowloon is no longer hiding in the shadows of Hong Kong Island. In fact, the Kai Tak area, specifically, is one of HK’s most exciting neighbourhoods at the mo’ – being the former site of the old Hong Kong airport, Kowloon Walled City and current location of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Kai Tak Stadium.
Also new in the hood is the Dorsett Kai Tak, a sleek and modern, pet-friendly hotel from which to launch your Kowloon adventures from.
Location
For concert go-ers and sports fans, the Dorsett Kai Tak boasts an unbeatable location right next to the Kai Tak Sports Park, which includes the Kai Tak Arena and irridiscent, purple, spaceship-like Kai Tak Stadium. Not only is this the site of the upcoming Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, but mega-popular concerts including Coldplay, Jay Chou, Nicolas Tse and more.
Getting there is a swift 30-minute drive from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and those coming from the city for a Kai Tak staycation can also choose to arrive by ferry from North Point.
Rooms
With a total of 373 rooms and suites ranging from 23 sqm to 390 sqm, most come with sweeping views of the surrounding area – the Kai Tak Outdoor Sports Ground, the Kowloon City skyline, or the sparkling Victoria Harbour. Geared towards groups or families, the Premier Triple Room and Premier Family Quad Room also accommodate three or four individuals respectively. A selection of Suites at the Dorsett Kai Tak also come with pantries, dining areas and private balconies, offering a more homey and spacious feel to your stay.
Our Studio Suite was a spacious 40 sqm (430 sqft) with a comfy king-sized bed, lounge area with sofa seating, in-room pantry and walk-in massage shower. As a pet-friendly property, the room was prepped with a dog bed, food and water bowls, and even some goodies from the hotel’s dog treat partner, Buddy Bites.
Dining
The Dorsett Kai Tak has two F&B outlets – Siete Ocho, which serves Spanish and Sichuan fusion cuisine (a combo we’ve never encountered before that works, surprisingly) and Jin Bo Law, a rooftop bar concept from London with crafted cocktails, DJ nights and open-air, poolside city views. Daily buffet breakfast is also served at Siete Ocho, where guests can choose to sit indoors or outdoors for a breezy start to the day.
Facilities
Besides a 24-hour gym, Dorsett Kai Tak also has a rooftop infinity pool on the 15th floor at the Jin Bo Law terrace, which is open from April to October. For special events and celebrations, the Grand Ballroom can fit up to 250 people while a multifunctional room can host meetings for up to 12.
What else
The hotel is big on sustainability with no plastic bottles in sight. Instead, a filtered water faucet is available in each of the rooms to fill up your own or Dorsett Kai Tak’s reusable water bottles. There’s also plenty of greenery incorporated into the hotel’s design that’s not only easy on the eyes, but helps with natural cooling. Plus, around 40% of the hotel’s parking spaces are fitted with electric vehicle chargers.
For those who appreciate an extra-long lie-in, there’s also the option of a 26-hour stay – where the check-in time is flexible and all you need to do is make your request 24 hours ahead of time (subject to availability, of course).
Verdict
Pet-friendly and with a prime location next to Kai Tak Stadium in one of the most interesting ‘hoods of Hong Kong, the Dorsett Kai Tak is the perfect hotel for those coming to town for a big-ticket event, looking to get immersed in the local culture or bringing their four-legged friends along. Did someone say staycation?
Check out Zico’s experience at the Dorsett Kai Tak:
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