Island Shangri-La Lobby Lounge – a Restful Oasis in a Restless City

The Lobby Lounge at the Island Shangri-La on Hong Kong Island serves as a restful oasis in the heart of a restless city. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails, it offers live music most days, starting at 2 or 3 pm and ending at 7 or 9 pm.

Following a doctor’s appointment in Happy Valley, I caught a taxi to Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, which is perched atop Pacific Place Hong Kong, an upscale shopping mall on Hong Kong Island. This post contains affiliate links.

Traffic was heavy, so I entertained myself by counting the number of BMW‘s we tailed along the way.

In fact, all three of the vehicles we followed were BMWs. I remember reading once that Hong Kong had the highest number of BMWs per capita in the world. I believe the same goes for Mercedes-Benzes and Rolls-Royces.

After I got out of my taxi, I noticed that the car behind us was a BMW, too!

Island Shangri-la Lobby

Actually, my original destination wasn’t really the Shangri-La. I had planned on taking a short cut through the hotel lobby to the mall downstairs, where I could pick up some groceries at the Great Food Hall, the large international supermarket in the mall’s basement.

Then it would be a short walk to the Admiralty MTR Station, which is the Southern terminus of the East Rail Line. The entire journey would be in air-conditioned comfort!

But not before taking a few pictures of the hotel’s beautiful lobby, which was clad is exquisite Italian marble. There was a lovely floral display at its center. I found the sophisticated interior space absolutely captivating.

Best of all, there was a quartet of highly talented musicians playing beautiful music, which provided a soothing backdrop to the lovely surroundings.

I remember hearing 甜密密, a nostalgic Mandarin melody popularized by Taiwanese songstress Teresa Teng. There were also selections from the popular musical, Le Misérable.

If you’re not familiar with 甜密密, which can be loosely translated into English as “Sweet as Honey,” you can listen to the song HERE. It is one of my all-time favorite Chinese songs. I’m sure you will find it as enchanting as I do!

Island Shangri-La – Lobby Lounge

The melodious music was the final straw. Shopping at the Great Food Hall would have to wait! I simply couldn’t resist having a glass of wine in the Lobby Lounge of the Island Shangri-La. I wanted to soak up the relaxing ambiance and enjoy the euphonious music.

I ordered a glass of Stonier Chardonnay (HK$140; US$18; 610 baht) from Victoria, Australia, which was crisp and refreshing. It practically danced on my palate!

It was layered and complex with a bouquet of cashew nuts, straw, citrus, honey, sourdough and mocha oak. The creamy viscosity of the yellow peach and honey flavours was balanced by savoury notes of toast and a satiating finish reminiscent of alpine water filtered through stone. Source: Stonier

I was served a delightful medley of complimentary roasted almonds, briny green olives, and those crunchy Japanese coated nuts, whose name I can’t remember.

They offered a carefully crafted balance of savory, salty, and unami, making a harmonious accompaniment to the Chardonnay. I nibbled on them between sips.

Total damage, including 10% service charge: HK$154; US$20; 670 baht)

Other Food and Beverage Outlets

The Lobby Bar is one of several food and beverage outlets at the five-star hotel. In addition to the Lobby Lounge, there is a Lobster Bar, which serves bar snacks and artisanal cocktails.

The hotel’s other restaurants serve everything from pastries and international selections to Japanese, French, seafood, and regional Chinese cuisine.

Island Shangri-La – Overview

The Island Shangri-La is a five-star hotel, which is located atop the Pacific Place shopping in the heart of Hong Kong Island.

Two other five-star hotels are located within same cluster: the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong and the Conrad Hong Kong.

The Verdict

Taking time to chill at the Lobby Lounge of the Island Shangri-La on my way home broke up the lengthy trip from my doctor’s office in Happy Valley to the Northern New Territories, where I live.

The wine was excellent, the snacks were yummy, the staff were professional, and the surroundings were sublime.

This would be a great place to meet friends over afternoon tea or evening cocktails! I give it an enthusiastic one thumb’s up!

Island Shangri-La Location

Lobby Lounge, Island Shangri-La – Level 6, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong.

The Island Shangri-La is within walking distance of the Admiralty MTR Station, an interchange station served by the Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, East Rail Line, and South Island Line. 

Importantly, you can walk all the way from the hotel to the stadium in air-conditioned comfort – a major plus during Hong Kong’s long hot and very humid summers.