The Peninsula and Rolls-Royce : long time partners
Except for a brief interlude, The Peninsula has used Rolls-Royce motor cars exclusively for its guests since 1970, and the current fleet – the hotel’s eighth record-breaking order – forms part of a long-term partnership between the two companies.
It now has the largest ever single order of Rolls-Royce Phantoms with 14 extended wheelbase cars, all finished in signature Peninsula Green. The Peninsula and Rolls-Royce have been associated for almost 40 years, in a partnership that began with the hotel’s first order for seven Silver Shadows in 1970.
The relationship commenced with the simple question “Have you enquired?” When told that a fleet of Rolls-Royces would probably be too expensive for the hotel, Lord Lawrence Kadoorie (father of Sir Michael) enquired if anyone had actually contacted Rolls-Royce to ascertain the cost. That purchase made history for being the largest ever single order for Rolls-Royce motor cars, and set a trend that continues to this day with the arrival of the hotel’s eighth and latest fleet of 14 Extended Wheelbase Phantoms.
The fleet was shown for the first time at the hotel on December 14, 2006, and was unveiled by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited and Mr. Ian Robertson, Chairman and Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, when keys to all 14 cars were presented to Sir Michael by Mr. Robertson.
Rolls-Royce engineers and designers worked closely with Sir Michael and Martin Oxley, The Peninsula’s Fleet Vehicle Manager, to develop a number of dedicated features to meet the hotel’s specific needs. These included the provision of a cool box for chilled hand towels, customised tread plates and a new, larger luggage compartment. In all, it has taken more than 350 hours to build each individual Phantom.
Due to the size and complexity of the cars, Martin Oxley and the hotel’s team of chauffeurs travelled to the UK for a week of training at the Sir Henry Royce Training School, Rolls-Royce’s dedicated technical institute.
The grandest member of the fleet is a magnificent and immaculately restored 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II. The Phantom II is just six years younger than the hotel itself, having made its debut at the London Motor Show in October 1934.
Report by Chitra Mogul
Chitra Mogul
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026