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It’s been a couple of years of unhelped turmoil for Hong Kong’s well-loved flagship theme park, Ocean Park. The teasing ups and downs of closures have resulted from both political and COVID-19 factors—a situation which the park could not foresee. So while we hope that, like with all businesses, 2021 will take a turn for the better, we’d like to make one thing straight—Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel continues to run, despite the park closure. The family-friendly resort, in fact, is very self-sufficient—featuring facilities from the expansive swimming pool to the heavenly spa.
On a recent trip to the themed hotel, we rediscovered a hidden gem with plenty to offer. Although Ocean Park was unfortunately on one of its closed periods during our visit, the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is an urban respite that welcomes all—families, friends, children, dogs—to experience an array of dining, leisure and comfortable accommodation away from city crowds. We visited the Wong Chuk Hang hotel for a two-night stay during the festive period.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
South Island location
Secluded away in Ocean Park’s Wong Chuk Hang location, the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel whisks you away from downtown bustle. Being a Sai Kunger, I’m not all too familiar with south side regions, so coming out to the opposite end of the city always has its surprises—new openings, unfamiliar hiking trails and an often different dining scene. It was peaceful and intimate at the time of our visit, perhaps due to the closure of the park.
Image courtesy of Marriott Hotels
Design
Opened in February last year, the hotel certainly feels new and modern, particularly in its design. Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted with a massive 16-metre high cylindrical aquarium in the main lobby, spreading over three floors. Guests can marvel at the vibrant array of fish and coral swimming in the aquarium from either of the multiple floors it spans over.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
There are subtle hints of Ocean Park-themed interiors within the hotel design—murals on the walls, occasional mini sculptures—but it doesn’t feel over-the-top. The hotel aims to attract families, business travellers and couples so it can appeal in its minimalist design.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Room
Housing 471 guest rooms and suites, the hotel splits the accommodation into three six-floor towers—the Pier Wing, Club Wing and Marina Wing. We stayed in the Deluxe Room facing the park, with picture-perfect views of the luscious swimming pool. As the most basic room, amenities well actually well-equipped with a complimentary set of welcome refreshments (snacks and drinks).
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
We brought our dogs so there was an adorable subscription box package from Vetopia’s Buddy Box, filled with treats, a plush toy and puppy pads.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Facilities
The swimming pool is a major part of the hotel’s layout, perched smack bang in the centre of the hotel, surrounded by the three towers. Expansive and interactive (there’s a designated kids’ pool with slides), guests can take an outdoor plunge for a refreshing morning swim or soak in the warm jacuzzi.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to experience the pool due to government closures, but typically, we can imagine this facility being the star of the show.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Another notable element of the hotel during our stay is how dog-friendly it is. From the accommodating, genuine animal-loving staff to the generous distribution of dog toilet bins and cleaning services, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel strives to welcome all. Pooch owners would be most delighted to hear about the expansive dog park with photo-friendly spots including a floral swing. There’s also a gym and a spa (HARNN Heritage Spa) onsite for wellness seekers.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Dining
There are five F&B options at Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel—Marina Kitchen, Pier Lounge & Pier Bar, Canton Bistro, Prohibition Grill House and Cocktail Bar and Marina Cafe.
We ate dinner the first night at Marina Kitchen, an international cuisine restaurant. The Family Share Set Dinner menu (HK$1,268 for two adults and one child) comprised a generous mix of sharing platters, appetisers, mains and dessert. Our meal began with a delicate plate of crispy calamari and chips, meatballs and creamy guacamole quesadillas for starters. The meal followed with soup and salad—one each per person.
For mains, we shared the BBQ Pork Spare Ribs and Grilled Salmon and the Spaghetti Carbonara. Dessert was a decadent assortment of sweet treats. Set at a very reasonable price, the meal was a hefty and scrumptious dinner set perfect for a small family. We also had our buffet breakfasts here in the mornings.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
The Festive Afternoon Tea at the Marina Kitchen is a must-try for staycation stoppers or for those looking to get their Christmas holiday sweet treat fix.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
After our afternoon tea, we experienced the mocktail making class at Pier Lounge and made a refreshing booze-free fruity drink for a post-meal activity—an offer available with the Festive Chill Package.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Overall
Our stay at Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel was welcoming from the moment we arrived. Staff catered to every need and the restaurants serves both Western and Cantonese fare. The hotel provides all the facilities you need for a staycation—a rejuvenating spa, a state-of-the-art pool, gym and five restaurants to try. Although Ocean Park is closed, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel remains a popular spot for families and dog-friendly staycations—the perfect hotel for an urban staycation.
Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, +852 3555 1688, marriott.com