They don’t call it the Grand Dame of the Far East for nothing. The Peninsula is one of Hong Kong’s, if not Asia’s, most iconic five-star luxury hotels. It opened in 1928 when the city was still a British colony and has evolved to represent the best of East-meets-West hospitality. Expect classic old-school elegance and impeccable service; it’s luxury but not snobby. Located in the heart of Tsim Tsa Tsui, the hotel is on the doorstep of major attractions and its rooms offer sweeping views of the spectacular Victoria Harbour. Famed for its luxury fleet of green Rolls-Royces, available for airport transport and private hire, there’s no classier way to arrive. Afternoon tea here has become a bit of a local institution, too – a great excuse to visit and just soak in the atmosphere, even if you’re not planning to stay.
Luxury is literally taken to new heights at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. Occupying the 102nd to 118th floors of the city’s tallest building, it officially takes the honour of the world’s highest hotel. Add to that the world’s highest bar, Ozone, located on the 118th floor, and you’ve got the quintessential ‘high-life’ experience. Michelin-star restaurants, rooms that all boast spectacular views, a stunning spa, an infinity pool and five-star Ritz-Carlton hospitality. It’s elevated luxury at its finest.
Mandarin Oriental is known internationally these days as a world leader in luxury hospitality, but it’s in Hong Kong where the journey first began and where the hotel’s stellar reputation was honed. The group opened its first flagship property in October 1963. Since then, Mandarin Oriental has expanded globally, but there is still nothing quite like the original. Located in the heart of the city, it’s surrounded by the most exclusive shopping, dining and nightlife options. Its 501 suites and rooms offer magnificent harbour or city views. In addition, there’s Michelin-star restaurants and an award-winning spa.
The suites and rooms at the InterContinental Hong Kong offer panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island | Courtesy of InterContinental Hong Kong / Hotels.com
Located on the Kowloon waterfront, InterContinental Hong Kong overlooks the stunning Victoria Harbour. The lobby lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, is the best place to come for a drink or bite to eat while you sit in awe of the magnificent views, especially at night when the city is illuminated. For the ultimate in luxury, the hotel’s presidential suite is the largest in the city, offering a whopping 7,000 square feet of space as well as its own rooftop infinity pool and Jacuzzi. Restaurants include the Michelin-star Rech by Alain Ducasse and two-Michelin-star Yan Toh Heen.
This intimate luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Hong Kong Island offers just 117 rooms, but these are some of the city’s most spacious. Standard rooms start at 730 square feet with island and harbour views. The suites are 1,230 square feet and feature expansive harbour views and living space. Highlights are definitely the gorgeous bathrooms that feature large standalone limestone-clad baths. The hotel’s in-house restaurant, Café Gray Deluxe, serves modern European cuisine and offers one of the best afternoon tea sets in town. As the hotel is centrally located, there’s a slew of restaurants and attractions on your doorstep. Popular dining and nightlife spots Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo are only one metro stop away.
The Murray is one of Hong Kong’s latest luxury hotel openings, but it has wasted no time in making a lasting impression. Housed in what was a prominent government building in the ’60s, it has been redesigned into one of the best looking hotels in the city. Its spacious 336 suites and rooms are decked out in warm contemporary tones with state-of-the-art technology. The five-star hotel faces Hong Kong Park and the neighbouring Botanical Gardens. The Murray is also home to a range of first-class dining options, including the city’s trendiest new rooftop restaurant and bar, Popinjays.
When international dignitaries, heads of state and celebrities come to town, there is usually only one address where they stay, the Grand Hyatt. Having just undergone a four-year multimillion-dollar renovation, the hotel has a prime location on Hong Kong Island’s waterfront. The property’s 545 spacious rooms and suites offer commanding views of the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour. There’s not one but two presidential suites (which are among the largest in the city), a total of 10 restaurants and bars, a luxury spa and 22 event venues of different sizes and styles. It’s grander than ever.
If you’re a fan of fine dining, you’ve come to the right place. Asia-Pacific’s flagship Four Seasons property is home to two three-Michelin-star restaurants: French restaurant Caprice and Lung King – the first Chinese restaurant in the world to earn three Michelin stars. The hotel’s four outdoor pools are considered the best in the city. The lap pool, whirlpool and plunge pool are all great, but the star is the infinity pool on the sixth-floor roof deck with water that appears to spill into the Victoria Harbour. Equipped with speakers so that swimmers can enjoy music underwater, the pool is also heated all year round. Generously sized rooms and suites offer some of the best harbour views in the city. Its convenient location offers direct linkage to the IFC shopping mall, metro and airport express service.
