27
Sphere 33
the door, their smiles infectious. Order had been
restored to the universe.
Why is it that I feel this way? Certainly some
of it has to do with familiarity, a hotel that is as
beautiful as it is comfortable, and the sincere
relationships that have been formed with the
staff. But it also has to do with the level of
professional and personal service, the
world-class views of the Hong Kong skyline,
and the attention to detail in the immaculate
rooms and among the always gracious
housekeeping personnel.
Then, there is the remarkable food. At some of
the most odd times when I am back in the United
States I find myself craving the fugu and grilled
asparagus of the Robatayaki, the opulence of
the grand buffet, and the steamed fish of the
Hoi Yat Heen. Even as I write this those cravings
are returning in force, as is my desire to visit the
Harbour Grand Kowloon again... real soon!
William Nixon,
Chairman and CEO of Policy
Impact Communications in Washington, DC,
has been a loyal customer of the Harbour Grand
Kowloon for more than a decade.
At fourteen I learned that a special place is more
than a location. It’s a feeling. I recall standing
on the lava cliffs of Maui, watching a Pacific
sunset as surf pounded the rocks below. Music
from the open-air bar was Chicago’s “Colour My
World” played by the house band. That was 40
years ago, but I have held on to that feeling
ever since.
It is the same sense of place I experience each
time I arrive at the Harbour Grand Kowloon.
Inevitably my flight from Washington, DC,
lands an hour or two before midnight. After
18
hours in the air I anticipate my arrival at the
elegant waterfront landmark with almost as
much affection as I do returning home. Over the
years, the staff have become more than friends
--
Jonathan, Queenie, William, Paul, James, the
doormen and housekeeping staff -- their sincere
attention not only attends to my needs and
comfort but can even inspire me to feel better
about myself.
On one occasion a mistake was made by my
office. I was placed in another luxury Hong Kong
hotel, a majestic marble monument that was
as beautiful as hotels
come. The room was
spacious, modern and
comfortable. I was
bone tired and the bed
was wonderful. Still, I
did not last the night.
Shortly after midnight,
I called my staff in
Washington where it
was noon and asked
them to correct the
mistake. I repacked
my suitcase and called
a car.
As we pulled into
the circular drive of
the Harbour Grand
Kowloon, warm lights
welcoming me well
past two o’clock in the
morning, Queenie and
her staff were waiting at
HArbour GrAnd Kowloon
Home away fromHome
