...and the curious history of the Peak Galleria, Victoria Peak

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Then and Now Hong Kong - The Historic + Amazing Peak Hotel

...and the curious history of the Peak Galleria, Victoria Peak

Foreword

This is not me lamenting the loss of another amazing iconic building, after all it vanished 90 years ago it is more about wishful thinking on my part and knowing that when it comes to knocking down iconic buildings then in Hong Kong norhing will change, I like futuristic skyscrapers as much as anyone, I can imagine Hong Kong looking like a scene from a Blade Runner movie with flying cars and millions of drones in 25 years time but at what cost… surely there is a place for the past and the future?

Unfortunately we are talking about Victoria Peak here with some of the highest land prices in the world and nothing and I mean nothing is sacred

click on the image to enlarge

The Peak Hotel | Victoria Peak | Hong Kong - late 1920’s

In the Stehen King Book the Shining, the star was a creepy hotel called the Overlook Hotel up in the mountains of Colorado in the USA, well in Hong Kong we used to have Peak Hotel and it was magnificent!

Amazingly there is still one building in the picture (bottom right, black structure) which still exists today, it was a shelter for Rickshaw pullers and Sedan Chair Coolies at the time and is now the historic Peak Lookout Resraurant formely the Peak Cafe, these days the space in the bottom left of the image is the Peak Tower connected ro the Peak Tram.

I have been mesmerised by this image since I first saw, what a truly iconic hotel and call it a trick of light but it was a lot smaller than it actually looked, it was initially just a simple conversion of a single house and then they jusy kept adding bits over the years., which probably explained the shoddy workmanship that led to it’s demise in 1938.

Whenever I stand at this site (over 6,000 times) I cannot help but feel nostalgic with those “if only” and “what iff” thoughts pop into my head and yes, there are still a few boundary | retaining walls visible if you know where to look

I alwats lament the fact that most Hong Kong residents know nothing of the history of Victoria Peak, some historical factors come into play but this hotel for some time was a major talking point in Hong Kong until like many buildings in Hong Kong, it was deemed unfit to repair, rebuild and refurbish and so it was eventually replaced by a modern building.

Call me old fashioned but money isn’t everything (unless you live in Hong Kong!) some old buildings are worth saving, the great cites in the world have a nice mix of old and new, we have a mix of decrepit old buildings from the 1960’s and lots of modern skyscrapers!

Over the years whilst talking to people and doing research I heard some rumours about the Hotel, one being that it was set on fire to get insurance money (just prior to the invasion of Hong Kong by Japanese Forces, also some misinformation claiming that it was NOT the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels who bought the Hotel in 1922 and owned the land until roughly 1990 and then the rumours of a secret deal to create the Peak Galleria Mall which turned out be true and what a very curious deal that was…

All will be revealed!

Comprehensive Report on the Peak Hotel at Victoria Peak, Hong Kong and the Peak Galleria Mall that is now on the site at Victoria Peak

Introduction

The Peak Hotel, once a prominent establishment at Victoria Gap near the summit of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, was a significant landmark in its time. Opening in the late 19th century, it catered to visitors seeking respite from Hong Kong’s heat and offered stunning views of Victoria Harbour and Pok Fu Lam. Destroyed by a fire in 1938, the hotel’s site is now occupied by the Peak Galleria complex. This report provides a detailed timeline of the hotel’s history, construction details, ownership, the circumstances of its destruction, and explores why no hotels have been built at Victoria Peak despite its status as a major tourist destination.

Timeline of the Peak Hotel

1875: N.J. Ede constructs a house named Dunheved on the property at Victoria Gap, near the future upper terminus of the Peak Tram.

1881: Alexander Findlay Smith, a Scottish former railway man, petitions for the right to build a funicular railway (the Peak Tram) to connect Victoria Gap to Hong Kong’s Central district.

1888: The Peak Tram begins operations, significantly improving access to Victoria Peak. Around the same time, Findlay Smith purchases Dunheved from N.J. Ede and converts it into the Peak Hotel, initially as a bar and restaurant with 20 bedrooms for summer visitors.

1890: The Peak Hotel is sold and completely rebuilt into a three-story structure, reopening as a more substantial establishment.

Early 1900s: The hotel undergoes expansions, including the addition of a fourth story and a two-story annex with views toward Pok Fu Lam. A further extension doubles the annex’s size and adds a third story, enhancing its capacity and appeal.

click on the image to enlarge

The Peak Hotel | Sales Confirmation of the Hotel in 1922 to Hong Kong & Shanghai Hotels as referenced from the official company website

1922: The hotel is purchased by the owners of the rival Hongkong Hotel for HK$600,000 (approximately US$75,000 at the time, or roughly US$1.3 million in 2025 dollars, adjusted for inflation).

1936: The Peak Hotel closes due to poor construction and ongoing deterioration, which made maintenance unsustainable.

1938: A fire destroys the Peak Hotel, sealing its fate. The site is later cleared, and no hotel is rebuilt in its place.

Post-1938: The site remains undeveloped as a hotel, eventually becoming the location of the Peak Galleria complex, a shopping and entertainment hub, in the late 20th century.

Construction Details and Costs

Initial Construction (1875): The original structure, Dunheved, was a private residence built by N.J. Ede. Specific construction details and costs for Dunheved are not documented in available sources, but it was likely a modest house suited for the cooler climate of Victoria Peak.

Conversion to Peak Hotel (1888): Alexander Findlay Smith converted Dunheved into the Peak Hotel, adding a bar, restaurant, and 20 bedrooms. The conversion likely involved minimal structural changes, focusing on adapting the existing house for commercial use. No specific cost for this conversion is recorded.

Reconstruction (1890): After its sale, the hotel was rebuilt into a more imposing three-story building. The new structure was designed to accommodate more guests and capitalize on the Peak Tram’s accessibility. Construction costs for this rebuild are not explicitly documented, but the investment was significant enough to create a “commodious and well-appointed” facility.

Expansions (Early 1900s): The hotel saw multiple expansions:

Addition of a fourth story to the main building.

Construction of a two-story annex with views toward Pok Fu Lam and Lamma Island.

A further extension that doubled the annex’s size and added a third story. These expansions suggest ongoing investment to meet growing demand, though exact costs are unavailable. The purchase price of HK$600,000 in 1922 provides a benchmark for the hotel’s value after these expansions, indicating significant capital investment over time.

Construction Quality: The hotel’s later deterioration was attributed to poor construction, likely due to the use of substandard materials or inadequate engineering for the Peak’s humid and typhoon-prone environment. This poor construction contributed to its closure in 1936.

Number of Rooms

Initial Capacity (1888): The Peak Hotel opened with 20 bedrooms, designed primarily for summer visitors escaping Hong Kong’s heat.

Post-Expansion (Early 1900s): The exact number of rooms after the expansions is not specified in available sources. However, the addition of a fourth story and a three-story annex suggests a significant increase, likely doubling or tripling the original capacity to accommodate growing tourist and residential demand. A conservative estimate would place the total at 40–60 rooms, though this is speculative based on the described expansions.

Ownership

N.J. Ede (1875–1888): The original owner of Dunheved, who sold the property to Alexander Findlay Smith.

Alexander Findlay Smith (1888–1890): Converted Dunheved into the Peak Hotel and sold it shortly after the Peak Tram’s opening, capitalizing on the increased accessibility and demand.

Unknown Owners (1890–1922): After Findlay Smith sold the hotel, it changed hands, and the new owners oversaw its reconstruction and expansions. Specific ownership details during this period are not well-documented.

Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels (1922–1938): In 1922, the hotel was acquired for HK$600,000 and this is all acknowledged on the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels official website, they bought the Peak Hotel!

Opening and Closure

Opening (1888): The Peak Hotel opened around the same time as the Peak Tram, capitalizing on the new funicular railway to attract summer visitors. It began as a modest bar and restaurant with 20 bedrooms, catering to those seeking cooler temperatures and scenic views.

Closure (1936): The hotel closed due to structural deterioration caused by poor construction. The humid climate and frequent typhoons likely exacerbated wear on the building, making maintenance uneconomical.

Destruction (1938): The hotel was destroyed by a fire in 1938, after which the site was not redeveloped as a hotel. The fire marked the end of the Peak Hotel’s operational history.

Circumstances of the 1938 Fire

Details of the Fire: The fire that destroyed the Peak Hotel in 1938 is noted in historical records, but specific details about its cause, extent, or response are scarce. The fire likely started due to electrical faults, flammable materials, or an accident, given the hotel’s poor construction and the era’s limited fire safety standards. No primary sources confirm the exact cause.

Casualties: There are no documented reports of casualties from the fire. Given the hotel’s closure in 1936, it was likely unoccupied or minimally staffed at the time, reducing the risk of loss of life.

Insurance Scam Speculation: There is no direct evidence suggesting the fire was an insurance scam. The hotel’s closure two years prior due to deterioration suggests it was no longer a viable business, reducing the incentive for arson-related fraud. However, without detailed records, the possibility cannot be entirely ruled out, though it remains speculative and unsupported by available sources.

Interesting Stories and Facts

Strategic Location: The Peak Hotel was strategically located at Victoria Gap, near the upper terminus of the Peak Tram, offering panoramic views of Victoria Harbour to the north and Pok Fu Lam to the south. Its location made it a popular retreat for wealthy expatriates and summer visitors.

Architectural Evolution: From a modest house (Dunheved) to a three-story hotel with a multi-story annex, the Peak Hotel’s expansions reflected the growing popularity of Victoria Peak as a destination. Its “commodious and well-appointed” accommodations were a draw for tourists.

Peak Tram Synergy: The hotel’s opening coincided with the Peak Tram’s launch in 1888, a deliberate move by Alexander Findlay Smith to capitalize on increased accessibility. The tram and hotel together transformed Victoria Peak into a desirable destination.

Exclusivity of the Peak: From 1904 to 1930, the Peak Reservation Ordinance restricted Chinese residents from living on the Peak, making the hotel part of an exclusive expatriate enclave. This policy was repealed in 1930, but it shaped the hotel’s clientele during its peak years.

Cultural Significance: The Peak Hotel was part of a broader trend of summer retreats for Hong Kong’s elite, similar to Governor Sir Richard MacDonnell’s summer residence built in 1868. Its destruction marked the end of an era for such establishments on the Peak.

Why Are There No Hotels at Victoria Peak Today?

Victoria Peak attracts 7–10 million visitors annually, making it one of Hong Kong’s top tourist destinations. Despite this, no hotels have been developed at the site of the former Peak Hotel or elsewhere on the Peak. Several factors likely contribute to this:

Land Cost and Availability:

High Land Prices: Victoria Peak is among Hong Kong’s most exclusive residential areas, with premium property prices. For example, a 4,000-square-foot apartment on Plunkett’s Road was listed for HK$454.96 million (~US$58 million) in 2024. The cost of acquiring land for a hotel would be prohibitively expensive, especially given the limited return on investment compared to residential or commercial developments like the Peak Galleria.

Limited Developable Land: Hong Kong’s mountainous terrain and strict land protection policies restrict developable land on the Peak. Much of the area is designated for residential use or public parks, with the summit occupied by a radio telecommunications facility. The Peak Galleria and Peak Tower already occupy prime commercial space, leaving little room for large-scale hotel development.

Historical Land Allocation: The Peak’s land was historically divided into Farm Lots and Rural Building Lots, tightly controlled by the government. Modern zoning and conservation policies further limit new construction, prioritizing residential exclusivity and public access over commercial hospitality projects.

Government Restrictions:

Zoning and Conservation Policies: The Hong Kong government enforces strict zoning regulations on the Peak to preserve its natural beauty and residential character. The Peak is designated as a mix of residential areas, public parks, and tourist facilities, with no apparent provision for large-scale hotel development. The Peak Reservation Ordinance (1904–1930) historically restricted non-expatriate development, and modern policies continue to limit commercial sprawl.

Heritage and Environmental Concerns: The presence of historic sites, such as the Grade II Peak Lookout building and Victoria Peak Garden, suggests a focus on preserving cultural and natural heritage over new construction. Environmental regulations likely discourage large hotel projects that could disrupt the Peak’s ecosystem or skyline.

Economic and Operational Challenges:

Proximity to Central: Victoria Peak’s proximity to Central (accessible via a 10-minute Peak Tram ride or bus) means visitors can stay in luxury hotels like Mandarin Oriental, or Four Seasons, which offer nicer views and superior amenities. Building a hotel on the Peak may not be economically viable when demand is adequately met by nearby accommodations.

Operational Costs: Operating a hotel on the Peak would involve high maintenance costs due to the humid, typhoon-prone environment, as evidenced by the Peak Hotel’s deterioration. Logistics, such as staff commuting and supply delivery via the Peak Tram or winding roads, would further increase costs.

Market Saturation: The Peak Galleria and Peak Tower already provide retail, dining, and entertainment options, reducing the need for a hotel to serve tourists. The focus on day-trip tourism (e.g., via the Peak Tram) means visitors may not require overnight stays on the Peak itself.

Hong kong and Shanghai Hotels Group’s Strategy:

Focus on Existing Assets: HSH, which owns the Peak Tram and Peak Tower, has prioritized commercial and retail developments over hotels at the Peak. The Peak Tower and Peak Galleria generate steady revenue from tourism without the operational complexities of a hotel. HSH’s flagship property, The Peninsula, is in TST Kowloon and the group may see no need to compete with itself by developing a hotel on the Peak.

Historical Context: HSH’s lack of interest in modernising and running the Peak Hotel as a going concern suggests it never really prioritized hotel development at Victoria Peak. Its acquisition of the Peak Tram and Tower focused on transportation and retail, aligning with its broader portfolio strategy.

Speculative Strategy: HSH may view the Peak as better suited for short-term tourist activities (e.g., tram rides, dining, and shopping) rather than long-term hotel stays, given the area’s residential exclusivity and limited land.

Speculative Reasons:

Residential Exclusivity: The Peak’s status as a residential enclave for Hong Kong’s elite (e.g., billionaires like Lee Shau Kee and Jack Ma) may discourage commercial hotel projects to maintain privacy and exclusivity. Local residents might oppose a hotel due to increased traffic and noise.

Tourist Behavior: Most visitors to the Peak are day-trippers, arriving via the Peak Tram for views and dining before returning to Central or Kowloon. The lack of demand for overnight stays reduces the incentive for hotel development.

Cultural Preservation: The government and HSH may prioritize preserving the Peak’s historical and natural character over commercial expansion. The Peak Lookout restaurant, housed in a historic building, exemplifies this focus on heritage over new development.

I should point out that there was a plan to build a boutique Hotel at 27 Lugard Road at Victoria Peak over a decade ago around 2014, plans were approved and then rescinded by the Government. (And that is another story)

Conclusion

The Peak Hotel was a significant part of Victoria Peak’s history, evolving from a modest residence to a prominent hotel that capitalized on the Peak Tram’s accessibility. Its destruction in 1938 by fire, following years of deterioration, marked the end of its legacy. Despite its prime location, no hotels have been built on the Peak since, likely due to high land costs, limited developable land, strict government regulations, and the economic viability of nearby hotels in Central.

The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Group, while a major player at the Peak through the Peak Tram and Tower appears focused on retail and tourism infrastructure rather than hospitality development. The Peak remains a residential and tourist hub, with its allure preserved through careful land management and a focus on day-trip experiences.

Comprehensive Report: The Peak Hotel Site at Victoria Peak, Hong Kong – Post-Fire History, Land Use, and Ownership

Introduction

The Peak Hotel, once a prominent landmark at Victoria Gap near the summit of Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, was a significant part of the city’s colonial and tourism history. Established in 1873 and destroyed by fire in 1938, the hotel’s site has undergone significant transformations, evolving from a parking lot and government apartments to the modern Peak Galleria shopping mall. This report provides a detailed analysis of the site’s history after the fire, its post-World War II development, the ownership of the land, and clarifies the roles of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group (HSH) and Hang Lung Properties. It also includes relevant facts and stories to provide a comprehensive understanding of the site’s evolution.

The Peak Hotel and Its Destruction

The Peak Hotel was originally established in 1873 by Alexander Findlay Smith, a Scottish entrepreneur who also introduced the Peak Tram, Asia’s first cable funicular, in 1888. The hotel began as a bar and restaurant in a house named Dunheved, purchased from N.J. Ede, and was later expanded into a four-story Victorian-style structure with additional annexes.

It offered panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Pok Fu Lam, making it a popular destination for colonial residents and visitors seeking respite from Hong Kong’s heat.

In 1922, the hotel was acquired by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group (HSH), the owners of the Peninsula Hotel, for HK$600,000. However, poor construction and the Peak’s humid, misty climate led to its deterioration. The hotel closed in 1936 and was destroyed by a fire in 1938, leaving the site vacant.

Aftermath of the 1938 Fire

Following the fire, the Peak Hotel was not rebuilt. The site, located at Victoria Gap near the upper terminus of the Peak Tram, remained largely undeveloped immediately after the fire due to the economic and social disruptions caused by World War II (1941–1945 in Hong Kong). The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during the war halted significant development on the Peak, and the site’s use during this period is not well-documented. It is likely that the land, owned by HSH at the time of the fire, remained under their control but was not immediately repurposed due to the wartime context.

Post-World War II Development

After World War II, Hong Kong experienced rapid economic recovery and urban development. The Peak, historically a prestigious residential area for colonial elites, saw increased interest in its land for both residential and tourism purposes. The Peak Hotel site, left vacant after the fire, underwent several transformations in the post-war period.

Peak Mansions (1928–1990)

Before the fire, in 1928, a luxury apartment block called Peak Mansions was constructed adjacent to the Peak Hotel by the Shanghai-based firm Credit Foncier D’Extreme-Orient, designed by Belgian architect Gabriel van Wylick. This building, located in front of the hotel, was not affected by the 1938 fire and continued to operate as a residential complex. In 1956, the Hong Kong government purchased Peak Mansions for use as housing for senior government employees.

The apartments were home to notable figures, such as police commissioner Roy Henry (1979–1983), and were cherished by residents for their views and proximity to the Peak Tram. A personal account from a former resident of the apartments (that would be me!) recalls living in Peak Mansions in 1972 after the Kotewall Road landslide, highlighting its role as a temporary home for families and its connection to the Peak’s community.

Parking Lot and Government Use

By 1972, the former Peak Hotel site itself, distinct from the Peak Mansions site, was being used as a parking lot, as you noted. This is corroborated by historical accounts indicating that the area around Victoria Gap, including the former hotel site, served as a car park adjacent to the newly constructed Peak Tower, which opened in 1972 as the upper terminus of the Peak Tram. The parking lot likely supported the growing number of visitors to the Peak, facilitated by the Peak Tram and public buses.

The presence of government apartments nearby, specifically Peak Mansions, suggests that the government maintained significant control over parts of the Victoria Gap area for residential and administrative purposes. However, there is no definitive evidence that the Peak Hotel site itself reverted to government ownership immediately after the fire. Instead, it remained under HSH ownership until a later transaction, as discussed below.

Land Ownership in the Post-War Period

The assumption that the Peak Hotel site reverted to the Hong Kong government after the fire is not fully supported by available records. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group, which owned the Peak Hotel since 1922, likely retained ownership of the land post-1938. The government’s acquisition of Peak Mansions in 1956 indicates their interest in controlling residential properties on the Peak, but the hotel site itself appears to have remained with HSH until it was sold in the late 1980s or early 1990s. The parking lot on the site in 1972 suggests a temporary use of the land, possibly leased or managed by the government or HSH to accommodate tourism-related needs, but ownership remained with HSH until the development of the Peak Galleria.

Transition to the Peak Galleria

The Peak Galleria, a major shopping and dining complex, now occupies the former Peak Hotel site. Its development in the early 1990s marked a significant shift in the site’s use, transforming it from a parking lot and adjacent residential area into a commercial hub.

Demolition of Peak Mansions and Development of the Peak Galleria

In 1990, Peak Mansions was demolished to make way for the Peak Galleria, which was completed in 1992–1993. The Peak Galleria was developed by Hang Lung Properties, a major Hong Kong property developer, on land acquired from the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group

The sale of the land from HSH to Hang Lung was described as an “unusual deal,” likely due to the competitive dynamics between the Peak Galleria and the nearby Peak Tower, both of which are commercial complexes catering to tourists. The Peak Galleria was designed by P&T Architects and Engineers Ltd. with the brief to create a “gem-like, eye-catching entrance” reflecting Hong Kong’s identity as the “Pearl of the Orient.” The complex includes retail shops, restaurants, and attractions like Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong, and it is noted for its pet-friendly environment and sustainability initiatives.

Land Sale and Auction

There is no definitive record in the provided sources confirming that the Peak Hotel site was sold by government auction. Instead, the land was directly transferred from HSH to Hang Lung Properties. This contrasts with other Peak properties, such as the 2006 auction of a plot at 12 Mount Kellett Road for HK$1.8 billion or the 2020 auction of a Mansfield Road plot for HK$12 billion, which were government-owned sites previously used for civil servant housing. The absence of auction records for the Peak Hotel site suggests a private transaction between HSH and Hang Lung, possibly negotiated due to the site’s prime location and commercial potential.

click on the image to enlarge

The Peak Galleria Mall | Victoria Peak | Hong Kong - 2025

Ownership of the Peak Galleria Land

The land occupied by the Peak Galleria is owned by Hang Lung Properties, which acquired it from the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group in the late 1980s or early 1990s. This clarifies the confusion you mentioned regarding HSH’s involvement. HSH, which owns the Peak Tower and the Peak Tram, no longer owns the Peak Galleria site.

Instead, Hang Lung Properties owns and operates the Peak Galleria, positioning it as a competitor to the Peak Tower, which is managed by HSH. The competitive dynamic arises because both complexes target similar tourist markets with shopping, dining, and observation decks, yet they are located adjacent to each other at Victoria Gap. The Peak Galleria incorporates the bus station for public buses and minibuses, while the Peak Tower houses the Peak Tram’s upper terminus, creating a complementary but competitive tourism hub.

Clarifying the Confusion

The confusion about HSH owning the Peak Galleria likely stems from their historical ownership of the Peak Hotel and their continued ownership of the adjacent Peak Tower and Peak Tram. The sale of the Peak Hotel site to Hang Lung marked a strategic shift, allowing HSH to focus on the Peak Tower’s redevelopment (completed in 1993) while Hang Lung developed the Galleria as a distinct commercial entity. The “unusual deal” noted in historical accounts may reflect the rarity of HSH divesting such a prime asset, given their long-standing presence on the Peak.

Facts and Stories

Historical Significance of the Peak Hotel: The Peak Hotel was a symbol of colonial luxury, attracting wealthy residents and visitors. Its destruction in 1938 marked the end of an era, but its legacy persists in the Peak’s identity as a premier tourist destination.

Peak Mansions Memories: Former residents of Peak Mansions, demolished in 1990, shared nostalgic memories through a Facebook group, recalling rooftop playtime and daily Peak Tram commutes to school. One resident, displaced by the 1972 Kotewall Road landslide, lived in Peak Mansions temporarily, highlighting its role as a community hub. (Yes, that would be me)

Competitive Dynamics: The development of the Peak Galleria in 1993, shortly after the Peak Tower’s redevelopment, intensified competition at Victoria Gap. Michael Kadoorie, chairman of HSH, aimed to make the Peak Tower an iconic landmark akin to the Eiffel Tower, but the Galleria’s glitzy appeal, backed by Hang Lung’s commercial expertise, created a rival attraction.

Land Value on the Peak: The Peak remains one of Hong Kong’s most expensive residential areas, with notable transactions like Jack Ma’s HK$1.5 billion purchase of a Barker Road house in 2015. The Peak Galleria site’s commercial value underscores the area’s transformation from colonial residences to a tourism and retail hub.

Cultural and Environmental Context: The Peak’s development reflects Hong Kong’s blend of heritage and modernity. The Galleria’s sustainability initiatives and the preservation of historic structures like the Peak Lookout (a Grade II building from 1888) highlight efforts to balance tourism with cultural preservation.

Conclusion

The Peak Hotel site at Victoria Peak, destroyed by fire in 1938, transitioned from a vacant lot to a parking lot by 1972, with the adjacent Peak Mansions serving as government apartments for senior employees until their demolition in 1990. The land, owned by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group post-fire, was sold to Hang Lung Properties in the late 1980s or early 1990s, leading to the development of the Peak Galleria in 1992–1993. Contrary to the assumption of a government auction, the transfer was likely a private transaction. Hang Lung Properties now owns and operates the Peak Galleria, which competes with HSH’s Peak Tower. This evolution reflects the Peak’s shift from a colonial retreat to a major commercial and tourist destination, shaped by historical, economic, and cultural forces.

My final personal thoughts

….. and this to me is why the land deal for the Peak Galleria is highly unusual and does not make a lot of sense.

Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels which owns the Peninsula Hotel Group is also a major property developer and actually own a shopping mall at Repulise Bay, site of the former Repulse Bay Hotel

The Peak Tower is also another major retail mall and of course the Peak Tram -with 7 - 10 million + visitors a year basically you have a retail monopoly at the Peak and yet they did a deal with a serious property developer and gave up their monopoly

So is begs the questions, why sell the land to the competition who are going to build a mall that will compete directly with the Peak Tower, why not develop the mall yourself.?? unless the capital investment was too steep and the offer from Hang Lung was just too good a deal?

I like the Peak Galleria especially since its makeover in 2017 | 2018 and the size, well it it much bigger than it looks and gives you something to work with in imagining the size and scope of the Peak Hotel.

So there you go

The quality of your Hong Kong Tour | Experience is absolutely dependent on the quality of the guide you choose to book, please choose wisely.

My insider tip

Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.