Home of the hidden Mickeys

A visit to Hong Kong Disneyland wouldn’t be complete without a stay in one of their hotels. The Disneyland Hotel, based on turn-of-the-century architecture combined with all the modern amenities known to hotel life, is a Victorian girl’s dream come true. Plush lounge chairs covered in discreetly opulent chintz, gorgeous large chandeliers drape luxuriously from ornamented ceilings and quaint moldings are only a few of the things that separate this deluxe hotel from the rest of the pack. The sweeping grand staircase down the back leads to a maze (shaped in the form of Mickey’s face). Elegantly-trimmed shrubs dot pathways done in mellow brick, while a port, so ships from Hong Kong can dock directly at the hotel, done in forest green wood stands quietly by the hotel’s view of the South China Sea. Here, the life of Walt Disney’s Main Street pulses in the quietly imposing architecture. Touches of Disney are all around, from the hidden Mickeys to glass slippers hidden in bouquets of crystal on heavy chandeliers. The rooms are lovingly-designed, unlike the spare accommodations of most rooms. Generously-sized twin beds flank a room with a balcony of amazing views. Pick from the garden or ocean view – either way, you’ll come out a winner. The bathroom is impeccably-designed, with a separate shower and tub and a flat screen TV to while away the time while soaking in a luxurious hot bath.

The Disney Hollywood Hotel is an entirely different experience altogether. More modestly-priced compared to Disneyland Hotel, the art deco designed hotel is charming with its colorful blue-washed exterior and jazz-age features. With 600 rooms and a garden the size of Hong Kong (OK, an exaggeration), the Disney Hollywood Hotel offers a great area to relax with the kids. A huge pool, in the shape of a piano, dominates a space that’s punctuated by Old Hollywood street signs like Mulholland Drive and Cadillacs parked by a hill for guests to pose next to.

No matter which hotel you choose, each offers an adventure unique to their Disney philosophy. That way, you can’t go wrong.

* * *

The garden view room at Disney Hollywood Hotel retails for HK$1,100, while the garden view room at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel retails for HK$1,900. For reservations, call +8521-830830.

* * *

Filipino guests get a free breakfast! From March 15 to May 31, visitors from the Philippines who stay at either the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Hollywood Hotel receive one free breakfast for up to four people at one of the hotel’s signature restaurants during their stay. The promotion applies to new reservations only and includes one breakfast per person per stay (up to four people). For more information or to book this offer, guests should contact their local travel agent.