Luxury Pet-Friendly Staycation at WM Hotel in Sai Kung

Celebrating my 50th birthday at the WM Hotel in Sai Kung was an absolute delight! This pet-friendly gem exceeded all our expectations, providing a wonderful experience for me, my husband Jason, and our puppy Millie — the two beings who bring me the most joy.

Hotel Overview: The WM Hotel offers a truly luxurious experience from the moment you step inside. The warm and welcoming atmosphere is immediately apparent, with a stunning lobby featuring elegant décor that creates an impressive and grand appearance. A delightful, fresh scent permeates throughout the hotel, adding to the overall sense of luxury. We appreciated the generously spacious rooms and common areas, all of which are modern and well-maintained. The soothing beige interiors contributed to the luxurious ambiance, making for a truly relaxing and indulgent birthday stay.

Location and Surroundings: Nestled in the charming area of Sai Kung, north of Hong Kong, the WM Hotel offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Sai Kung, one of Hong Kong's 18 districts, is known for its quaint fishing villages, hiking paths, and beautiful peninsulas. The area boasts a busy floating seafood market in Sai Kung town, supplying the waterfront's al fresco eateries. Nature enthusiasts can explore two country parks with walking trails that offer sweeping views and unique geological features like the volcanic rock columns at High Island Reservoir. For beach lovers, Tai Long Wan Bay provides quiet sandy shores popular with surfers.

The hotel's prime location, within walking distance to both the beach and Sai Kung town, allowed us to easily explore these attractions, making my birthday celebration even more special. We thoroughly enjoyed our birthday walks along the nearby promenade, watching people exercise, fly kites, and walk their dogs. The proximity to both the beach and Sai Kung town proper gave us plenty of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment, allowing us to create wonderful 50th birthday memories together.

Getting There: There are several options for reaching WM Hotel, but it's important to note that not all methods are pet-friendly:

• Uber Pet: This is the most reliable option for pet owners. We used Uber from Central Piers 4 (after taking the Lamma ferry), which cost approximately HKD250.00. It's comfortable, direct, and perfect for those traveling with pets, luggage, and pet accessories like doggie prams.

• Taxi: Red urban taxis can take you directly to Sai Kung from most parts of Hong Kong. However, be aware that some taxis may not accept pets, making this option less reliable than Uber Pet.

• Public Transport: Budget-friendly options include buses and mini-buses connecting from various parts of Hong Kong, including MTR stations. The MTR itself is also an efficient way to travel in Hong Kong. However, pets are not allowed on these public transportation options.

For pet owners, Uber Pet is the most reliable and convenient option. If traveling without pets, all options are viable, allowing you to choose based on your budget and preference. Whichever method you choose, the journey to WM Hotel offers scenic views of Hong Kong's diverse landscapes, setting the stage for a memorable stay in Sai Kung.

Accommodation and Amenities: Our room was spacious and beautifully appointed, offering all the comforts we could ask for. It was the perfect setting for a relaxing birthday celebration with my two favorite companions. The king-sized bed was a luxurious surprise, allowing us to sprawl out comfortably. Millie, preferring to be close to us, slept at our feet instead of the provided dog bed.

The room package included breakfast, which we enjoyed in the pet-friendly outdoor eating area. The hotel was well-appointed with additional amenities including a pet store, general store, restaurants, and a gym.

While the TV selection was more limited than we're used to, lacking smart TV capabilities for streaming services, it did offer HBO channels, AXN, and Discovery. This "old school TV diet" added a nostalgic touch to our stay.

Pet-Friendly Features: What truly set WM Hotel apart was its exceptional pet-friendly approach. Our beloved Millie was treated like a VIP guest, which made my birthday even more special! The hotel provided her with her own comfortable bed, delicious food and treats, and even some special accessories. While the grassy patio wasn't for pet relief as we initially thought, it still added a lovely touch of nature to our stay. Seeing Millie so happy and comfortable was a wonderful birthday gift in itself.

Staff and Service: The staff at WM Hotel were exceptional, contributing significantly to our memorable stay. From the moment we checked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a genuine willingness to assist. Their attentiveness to both human and canine guests was impressive.

The front desk staff were knowledgeable about the local area, providing us with excellent recommendations for pet-friendly restaurants and activities in Sai Kung. They were also quick to respond to any requests or queries we had during our stay.

Housekeeping maintained our room impeccably, always ensuring we had fresh towels and that everything was spotless. They were also considerate of Millie, making sure not to disturb her when she was in the room.

Value for Money: While the WM Hotel falls into the luxury category and is priced accordingly, we found it offered excellent value for money, especially considering its pet-friendly policies. The quality of amenities, spaciousness of the rooms, and the overall experience justified the cost. We booked from August 30 to September 1 (3 days, 2 nights) for about HKD 5,000. Considering the amenities, pet-friendliness, proximity to many attractions, and overall atmosphere, it was worth every penny.

We hope to visit and stay in other pet-friendly accommodations in Hong Kong so we can compare them to the WM Hotel. But we can say just from this stay that WM Hotel will be a tough act to follow for its winning combination of location, facilities, and service. The included breakfast and special amenities for pets added to the overall value of our stay, making it a top choice for pet owners seeking a luxurious getaway.

Areas for Improvement: While our stay was overwhelmingly positive, there are a couple of minor areas where the hotel could enhance its offerings:

• Expand the TV and entertainment options, possibly including smart TV capabilities for guests to access their own streaming accounts.

• Consider offering pet-sitting services for guests who want to enjoy non-pet-friendly activities in the area.

These small improvements could elevate an already excellent experience to an extraordinary one.

Final Thoughts: Our stay at WM Hotel for my 50th birthday was truly special, offering a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and pet-friendly amenities. The hotel's commitment to ensuring a pleasant stay for both human and furry guests is commendable. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a relaxing getaway with your pet, WM Hotel in Sai Kung is an excellent choice. We're already looking forward to our next visit!