We had this dilemma when we were planning our trip for this April. After reading as many reviews as possible, we finally plumped for the Pen and were definitely not disappointed

One of the things that finally swung it for us was when I read that, to get to the Oriental's pool, you have to walk through their main lobby and must be "suitably attired" - i.e. no slipping your bathrobe over your cozzie to nip down for a quick dip. That sort of formal atmosphere might be just what some people are looking for, but it gave me the impression that they were more interested in maintaining appearances than catering for their guests' needs. OK, I can understand that in a city centre hotel you probably don't want to see people wandering around the lobby half naked, but it seemed like a bit of bad planning to me if the only access to a leisure area meant having to get dressed up in order to reach it

As for the Pen being on the wrong side of the river, we felt that the 5 minute boat trip was a great part of the experience and it meant that we had much better views than if we'd been on the other side.

The Oriental's a long-established hotel, with a fabulous reputation, but I think that just means that the relatively new Peninsula tries harder to please.

I'd definitely go back again

Elaine

thanks Elaine. We are only looking at going there for a night,on our way to elewhere( don't ask where- I've my usual quandry with umpteen possibilities ) I do know what you mean about formal though- seemed like that when we had a wonder through reception. So- the Pen isn't quite so formal then?
We have been on the wrong side of the river and a bit further down- at the Marriott. I did like the boat journeys but did sometimes wonder why I bothered doing my hair before I went out at night
You never know- we might try both!

That's a good idea, to try one on the way in and the other on the way out. I'd be interested to hear your comparison.

I didn't think the Peninsula was all that formal. Don't get me wrong - the staff couldn't do enough for you and I could quite easily get used to being waited on hand and foot all day But somehow, they weren't "in your face" all the time, but just seemed to appear whenever you needed something. I never felt uneasy there, wondering if I looked out of place, like I imagine that I could have done at the Oriental. We've mostly stayed in Shangri-Las and Sheratons on our previous Far East trips and I would say that the Peninsula has a similar atmosphere, but with lots of extra touches that make it that bit more special.

Like I said though, it would be interesting to hear from someone who's stayed at both hotels during the same trip.

Elaine

I don't think I could afford more than one night at a time