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HONG KONG
Hong Kong houses an impressive skyline of towering skyscrapers, but there's one grand gem that looks over it all – the International Commerce Centre (ICC). Standing tall and mighty among the clouds of Hong Kong's heavens, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is a shining landmark housed within the city's tallest high-rise that has earned its height recognition among the top in the world. The luxury hotel is a household name, an opulent dame celebrated for its five-star hospitality, Michelin-starred eateries and, well, the unbeatable panoramic views. To say that The Ritz-Carlton is a top-tier experience would be an understatement – the hotel truly goes above and beyond, in a literal and figurative sense. With high hopes to match our profound expectations, we checked into the Ritz to experience Hong Kong from above.
Arrive in style at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong by cabbing to the impressive entrance which welcomes with friendly staff. Guests can also take public transportation by train to Kowloon MTR station, which interlinks the hotel with Elements shopping mall. Check in is no underwhelming feat – you must take the lift from the bottom 9th floor lobby up to the 103rd floor reception, a quick minutes' trip.
Lobby lift from the 9/F to 103/F for check in | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times
We were escorted to our room on the 113th floor, just below the Club Lounge, Spa and Fitness facilities. A notable first impression was the sleek corridors leading up to the room – there was a quaint quietness upon arriving and a peaceful atmosphere that made me feel miles away from the city noise – a mere 100 floors below.
There are 312 rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. We checked into the showstopping Club Grand Victoria Harbour Room, a 700 square foot abode equipped with a king bed, fully-stocked mini fridge with upgrades like the namesake candle, a marble bathtub and a panoramic view of the ocean and the city skyline behind. Inside, the sumptuous theme stayed true to its regional contemporary Chinese aesthetics, with old-world charm indicated by its deep beige and ochre accents found throughout. The bathroom was modern, fitted with sleek marble furnishings and stocked with luxe Asprey toiletries. We brought our two (out of three) pets on the staycation – Luna (the ragdoll kitten) with Pepper (the miniature dachshund) both of whom can be spotted posing in our photos.
On the 116th floor of the hotel, The Spa is a tranquil oasis featuring 11 lavish treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites. The serene space invited us in with its welcoming staff who assisted us to the lounge area to fill in details on areas that we wanted to focus on. For my 60-minutes Body Massage, I always opt for soothing the pain in my shoulder and back muscles – an unfortunate consequence of laptop and desk slumping. I had my treatment in the spa suite, an indulgent add-on option for discerning guests looking for a larger space, which includes a jacuzzi that peers over the iconic harbour view. It's perfect for couples and friends who want that added relaxation time before the treatment begins. My therapist greeted me with a quick consultation followed by a foot bath to begin the unwind and choose the scent to meet my holistic goal – a 'sleep better' solution. I chose the calming essential oil for my treatment, which I later benefitted from when it came to bedtime. Over the 60-minute massage, I fell into deep relaxation, while feeling the release of tension in my sore muscles. After the treatment, I retreated to the spa lounge to tuck into a refreshing fruit bowl with yogurt, a side of cookies and a hot cup of Chinese tea. Strolling back to the room in my bathrobe and slippers, I felt calm yet rejuvenated, ready to continue to enjoy the beautiful space we called home for one night.
The 118th floor is home to the fitness facilities, including the gym and swimming pool. All around, guests can soak in the spectacular views of the skyline from all angles.
The dining options themselves are a reason to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. From the opera-inspired Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Tosca di Angelo to the two-starred elegant Cantonese eats at Tin Lung Heen, gourmands are at no shortage of the finer things. There's also Ozone, previously the highest bar in the world, Café 103 for afternoon tea and The Lounge & Bar for all-day dining. Caviar aficionados stop by the Almas Caviar Bar for the world's most premium selections.
Club Lounge | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times
Our room included Club Access, a brilliant perk that allowed us to visit at any time of the day, particularly mornings, lunches, afternoon tea and dinner time, with its rotating selection of dishes. Champagne? Upon arrival and bottomless.
As part of The Pawfect Stay (the pet package), guests can tuck into the included in-room picnic – or take the basket with them to nearby West Kowloon Cultural District, preferably when it's not too hot or raining. For us, we preferred to experience this in our cosy corner spot, while watching over WKCD. The set comes with bite-sized sandwiches, cheese, desserts and freshly-squeezed orange juice.
After a deep snooze, we woke up to the incredible views of Hong Kong from our Club Grand Victoria Harbour Room, a cherished highlight that would never get old. We began the day with a hot coffee from the in-room Nespresso machine.
We had our breakfast in-room – in bed, to be precise. We ordered a hefty selection of scrumptious Western and Chinese dishes to kick-start the day. And begin it hungry – the portions are generous and will keep you full all day.
Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is a splendid, glamorous – yet unpretentious – hotel that is famed for its sky-high views, but excels in service and attention to detail. Our memorable experience began from the moment we walked in and left us feeling somehow reset and calmed for the remaining week. Perhaps it was the seclusion of its towering location or the comfort of our lavish room – either way, the Ritz continues to strive for the best, resulting in a portfolio of returning clientele, the world over.
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2263 2263