Why the Peninsula Hong Kong is an icon of colonial luxury

Robert Gultig

2 January 2026

Why the Peninsula Hong Kong is an icon of colonial luxury

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Written by Robert Gultig

2 January 2026

Introduction

The luxury goods and services market has seen remarkable growth in recent years, driven by rising disposable incomes and an increasing appetite for high-end experiences. According to a report by Bain & Company, the global luxury market is projected to reach €1.5 trillion (approximately $1.6 trillion) by 2025, with Asia-Pacific leading in growth, expected to account for 50% of luxury consumption in the coming years. This trend underscores the importance of iconic establishments like The Peninsula Hong Kong, which epitomizes colonial luxury and continues to attract affluent travelers from around the world.

Why the Peninsula Hong Kong is an Icon of Colonial Luxury

1. **The Peninsula Hong Kong**
– Founded in 1928, The Peninsula Hong Kong is often referred to as the “Grande Dame of the East.” The hotel boasts a market share of approximately 5% in the luxury hotel segment in Hong Kong, renowned for its unparalleled service and opulent decor.

2. **Raffles Hotel, Singapore**
– Established in 1887, Raffles is a symbol of colonial luxury in Singapore. The hotel underwent a significant renovation that cost around $160 million, reinforcing its status in the luxury market.

3. **The Savoy, London**
– Opened in 1889, The Savoy is one of London’s most prestigious hotels. It has a market share of approximately 3% within the luxury hotel sector in the UK, known for its exquisite dining and theater connections.

4. **The Ritz Paris**
– A hallmark of elegance since 1898, The Ritz Paris was renovated at a cost of $500 million, making it a benchmark for luxury in France, boasting room rates that often exceed $1,200 per night.

5. **The Waldorf Astoria, New York**
– The Waldorf Astoria has been a symbol of luxury since 1931. Recently, it was sold for $1.95 billion, indicating the high demand for iconic luxury properties.

6. **Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles**
– Known as the “Pink Palace,” this hotel has hosted numerous high-profile guests since 1912. Its unique history and design contribute to its luxury market share of around 4% in California.

7. **The Dorchester, London**
– Opened in 1931, The Dorchester is a key player in London’s luxury hotel market, boasting a 3.5% market share and recognized for its fine dining options and outstanding service.

8. **The Fairmont, Banff Springs, Canada**
– This historic hotel opened in 1888 and has seen a consistent increase in guests, contributing to Alberta’s luxury hotel revenue of around $1 billion annually.

9. **Hotel de Crillon, Paris**
– After a meticulous renovation costing about $200 million, Hotel de Crillon reestablished itself as a premier luxury destination, contributing to Paris’s status as a luxury capital.

10. **The Connaught, London**
– Known for its contemporary luxury, The Connaught has a market share of about 2% within the luxury segment in London, attracting affluent clientele with its bespoke services.

11. **The Oberoi, Udaivilas, India**
– Opened in 2002, this hotel has received numerous awards, contributing to the growing luxury tourism market in India, which is expected to reach $30 billion by 2025.

12. **The St. Regis, New York**
– A pioneer in luxury since 1904, The St. Regis has a significant presence in New York’s luxury segment, with annual revenues exceeding $100 million.

13. **The Carlyle, New York**
– Since 1930, The Carlyle has been known for its exclusivity and has a market share of approximately 2% in the New York luxury hotel market.

14. **The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland**
– Established in 1896, this hotel boasts a market share of about 5% in the Swiss luxury market, attracting affluent visitors to the Alpine resort.

15. **The Peninsula Paris**
– Opened in 2014 after a significant renovation of the historic building, The Peninsula Paris has rapidly gained a foothold in the luxury market, contributing to a €22 billion luxury market in France.

16. **The Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London**
– Since its opening in 2014, this hotel has positioned itself as a luxury leader in London, with room rates averaging around £600 per night.

17. **The Gritti Palace, Venice**
– A historic gem since 1525, The Gritti Palace has been a luxury destination for travelers, contributing to Venice’s luxury tourism market, which is valued at approximately €1.1 billion.

18. **The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas**
– Opened in 1999, The Venetian is known for its luxury experience and has a significant market share in the Las Vegas luxury hotel market, which generates approximately $9 billion yearly.

19. **The George V, Paris**
– This hotel opened in 1928 and has maintained its status as a luxury icon, playing a pivotal role in Paris’s luxury market, which is forecasted to grow by 4% annually.

20. **The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo**
– Established in 2007, it has captured a significant share of the Japanese luxury market, which is expected to reach $40 billion by 2025, thanks to its impeccable service and prime location.

Insights

The luxury goods and services market is evolving, with a significant shift towards experiential luxury. Iconic hotels like The Peninsula Hong Kong continue to attract affluent travelers, emphasizing personalized experiences and unique offerings. As the Asia-Pacific region becomes a dominant player in luxury consumption, with forecasts suggesting it will account for 50% of the global luxury market by 2025, establishments that embody colonial luxury will remain pivotal. Additionally, with the global luxury market set to reach €1.5 trillion, brands and hotels must innovate and adapt to meet the changing demands of discerning consumers.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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