Checking Into the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel: The Sheltered Urban Oasis
The view from our room looking onto the central lagoon
The Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is one of the newer additions to the city, opening in late 2018. It’s situated right on the doorstep of Ocean Park’s entrance in Wong Chuk Hang, a mere 15 minutes away from Admiralty.
Beautiful tropical fish all swimming along nicely
Like its namesake next door, the hotel carries an oceanic theme with installations and sculptures dotting the premises. But its most impressive feature is inarguably the 15-metre tall aquarium showcased in the hotel lobby, a dramatic mass sparkling under daylight and vibrant with life.
Schools of fish above the reception area
The modern urban oasis comprises three low-rise towers: the Pier Wing, Marina Wing and Club Wing, the last of which is geared towards business travellers. An external walkway surrounded by lush green foliage under trellis canopies allows guests to get around the complex and enjoy alfresco dining options. With its distinctive architecture, the hotel is smoke-free and has green elements incorporated throughout, from the use of environmentally-friendly materials to vertical planting for solar sharing and an auto-watering system using raindrops.
The walkway makes for a romantic setting at night
Rooms
Subtle hints of oceanic elements. I loved the bench addition to the rainshower that lets you just sit down and relax.
Hands-down my favourite spot!
Guestrooms are divided into city versus pool views and designed to be warm and inviting, featuring a soothing palette of natural colours, modern furnishings and subtle oceanic-inspired decor. Sleek without going over the top.
Nothing beats a steaming mug of coffee in the morning
The journal I bring with me everywhere and some of my favourite items
My favourite spot was on the long couch lining the windows, it was perfect for winding down after a day with a glass of wine (or book) in hand. If you are a travelling family looking for something more extra — fear not as the hotel also has you in mind with three types of Ocean Park themed guest rooms!
The pair of Libratone BIRD speakers we bring with us on staycations, they allow for pairing and look so cute together too!
Facilities
The hotel provides floaties in the pool but you they get quickly snagged up by learning swimmers
It was the only time I had gone tanning for over a year
The highlight of our visit was the central lagoon in the complex’s heart. The beautifully landscaped swimming pool features an upper area for adults to lounge and enjoy the jacuzzi and a toddler pool for kids to have a splash of adventure. At the time of our visit, only the upper area was open due to social distancing measures.
The hotel also offers spa services at HARNN Heritage Spa, a premium Thai brand for skincare, body care and aromatherapy products. The spa menu includes Thai-styled massages, facials and body scrubs, all available by appointment.
Dining
Prohibition’s cocktail bar leading into the restaurant area
The hotel has several restaurants featuring international and Chinese cuisines, all serving WWF-certified sustainable seafood from approved suppliers.
The Prohibition Mule served in a stunning display
We opted for dinner at the Prohibition Grill House and Cocktail Bar, an American steakhouse concept with a range of cocktails and shrubs inspired by the Prohibition era. The Prohibition Mule cocktail made quite an impression — notes of infused smoke oak, berries, elderflower and bitters were encased in a leather bag, not unlike ones used for smuggling alcoholic drinks during the 1920s.
Thoughts
Our experience at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel came as a pleasant surprise. While we were content to just stay in our room or hang out by the pool, I honestly loved walking around the complex. The decor ties well with the oceanic vibes and having outdoorsy elements surrounded by low-rise buildings (so rare for Hong Kong!) made it feel like an urban retreat away from prying eyes. Needless to say, the balance of having a secluded location while maintaining proximity to the city centre makes it an experience hard to beat — we’ll be back for sure.
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