The Peninsula Hotels Named First And Only Hotel Brand To Achieve Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Status Across Entire Portfolio

An Unprecedented Achievement
Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) today unveiled its annual Star Rating list, which revealed that The Peninsula Hotels had achieved Five-Star status across all ten of its properties. The announcement results in The Peninsula Hotels being the first and only hotel brand to achieve the highest possible FTG rating for all its hotels.

Speaking of the achievement, Peter Borer, Chief Operating Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels, said: “This exceptional result is the culmination of an immense amount of hard work from colleagues across our ten hotels. Our employees dedicate themselves to providing our guests with the best possible standards of luxury service, and to be bestowed with such an exclusive award is testament to this.” In recognition of employees’ hard work and to reflect the Five-Star status, The Peninsula Hotels will provide teams at each hotel a range of rewards over a five-day period, including complimentary massages, Afternoon Tea experiences and special menus.

No Stranger to Five-Star Ratings
The Peninsula Hotels had all ten properties listed in the FTG last year – nine of which were Five-Star rated, while The Peninsula Manila was bestowed with a Four-Star rating. With all nine hotels retaining their Five-Star status in 2019, and The Peninsula Manila joining them with a Five-Star rating this year, The Peninsula Hotels today made FTG history.

Widely recognised as an international icon of hospitality, the legendary ‘Grande Dame of the Far East’, The Peninsula Hong Kong, has offered a blend of the finest Eastern and Western hospitality, classical grandeur and timeless elegance for 90 years. Starting from 6 March, to celebrate its Five-Star rating and reward employees, the hotel will begin a ‘Five-Star Treatment’ campaign. The five-day programme includes:

Day 1 (Day of Pride):
A ‘townhall’ gathering for all employees, during which The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Executive Committee members will cut a giant ‘50 Stars’ cake to symbolise the total Five-Star ratings of all ten Peninsula properties. The cake will be shared with staff along with appreciation certificates. ‘50 Stars’ mocktails will also be served, created by the hotel’s mixologist Marko Petrovic.

Day 2 (Day of Thankful): 
A 10-minute massage will be offered to employees, to encourage relaxation and rejuvination.

Day 3 (Day of Collective):
A dedicated ‘50 Pen Stars Menu’ will be served by The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Executive Committee and department heads at the staff canteen. The room will feature celebratory decorations.

Day 4 (Day of Dedication):
Staffs are free to write their feedback on the note and post on the large dedication wall. Instagram boards and props are available for employees to record this memorable moment. A mini gift will be distributed to all associates to thank for their support and dedication.

Day 5 (Day of Culture):
Gift vouchers of Afternoon Tea for two at The Lobby with a thank you letter signed by the Executive Committee will be distributed to The Peninsula Hong Kong’s employees as a compliment for their service, dedication, and teamwork."

FTG’s luxury travel ratings have been the gold standard in the hospitality industry since 1958, recognised among the hospitality industry as being uniquely selective, rigorous and highly coveted. “Our objective, data-driven Star Rating list features properties that achieved an impeccable standard of excellence in hospitality,” said Filip Boyen, Chief Executive Officer of FTG.

Anonymous professional inspectors evaluate hotels based on up to 500 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travellers select the world’s best luxury experiences.

“FTG is delighted to celebrate The Peninsula Hotels as the first luxury hotel brand to receive Five-Star ratings across every hotel in its portfolio – it’s the first time in the 61-year history of the ratings that a brand has achieved this,” added Boyen. “The Peninsula Hotels stood out from what can only be described as an incredible list of prestigious properties this year. It’s a remarkable feat – the epitome of luxury service.”

Special Rewards to Celebrate Five-Star Status
In celebration of their Five-Star achievement, The Peninsula Hotels is pleased to offer guests a special reward. Between 27 February to 31 May 2019, guests can enjoy the best available rate; flexible check-in and check-out; an upgrade to the next available room category (where available); and a dining or spa credit when booking via Peninsula.com, our telephone service or email reservationgcsc@peninsula.com (terms and conditions apply).*

For the full list of award winners and more information about FTG, click here.