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Hotels
Celebrities Interview / Parting Thoughts
Explore the heart of Hong Kong Island
Julian Schweikert
Chief Concierge, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
Hotel Industry Career : 15 years plus
About Me
I was born in Germany and, when I finished school, enrolled in a one-year work-abroad programme, in France. Then I joined the Kempinski in Berlin and worked there for eight and a half years, including a three- year apprenticeship programme unique to Germany in which I was able to train in all the departments of a hotel, plus studying at a hotel school one day a week. I moved on to Abu Dhabi for three years at the Emirates Hotel, which was an amazing experience before copming to Hong Kong to take up my current role as Chief Concierge at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong.
What I like about Hong Kong the most :
The city and its compactness, while it can simultaneously be so diverse. There’s such a contrast between, say, the local feel of Jordan and the buzz and glamour of Tsim Sha Tsui. And it’s all so convenient.
Take the Star Ferry to Central and walk around. Go up the hill and visit Tai Kwun, the new heritage hub. Follow Hollywood Road and check out the side streets there, among the oldest in Hong Kong. Explore inside the PMQ and its local design shops. Take the “ding ding”, the tram, and enjoy a relaxing ride through the busy streets.
Bonus Recommendation :
If you have time, take a tour of the south side of Hong Kong Island, which includes the beaches of Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, and Stanley village as well. All these spots are easily accessible, and it shows a completely different side of Hong Kong.
Extra Tip :
You must try a dim sum meal. Besides enjoying the variety of dim sum dishes, you can also observe the large gatherings of family and friends, sometimes with 8 to 12 people eating together. You don't see that in Europe. In Asia you appreciate the importance of the family unit.
Last Advice:
Stay longer if you can, maybe 4 or 5 days. Explore the outlying islands and the beaches, or hiking trails in Sai Kung. And if you get the chance, spend a day in Macau. You can get there by taking the new Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge, which is a spectacular engineering feat.
