Review of The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is set on floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre at the end of the Kowloon peninsula, two kilometres from the Avenue of the Stars waterfront promenade. The Elements Mall is directly below with the Xiqu Centre for Cantonese Opera close by. Part of the West Kowloon Cultural District located at the harbour-front, offerings include art, education and outdoor activities with the iconic Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline providing a dramatic backdrop.

The location is ideal for visitors to enjoy a taste of Hong Kong – watch performing arts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, take a cable car to Ngong Ping 360 for dramatic views of the city, visit the Tian Tan Buddha, wish for good fortune at Tin Hau Temple, enjoy the nightlife of Tsim Sha Tsui district or shop for traditional local crafts at Stanley Market.

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is 31 kilometres (19 miles) from Hong Kong International Airport – Chep Lap Kok - a 20-minute journey by the convenient Airport Express Line or around 30 minutes by limousine.

The 312 elegantly styled guest rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the city and water, panoramic vistas enhanced with large floor to ceiling picture windows with padded window seats. The design style is stylishly modern and multi-textured with neutral tones, plush carpets and marble floored bathrooms. There are 400-thread count bed linens, Nespresso coffee machines, LCD televisions in the guest room and the bathroom, rainforest shower heads, and luxury Asprey amenities. Views range from the panoramic oceanfront to the seafront and partial mountain.  One- and two-bedroom suites and Club Level accommodation offer additional space, services and amenities.

Eight rooms have been adapted for guests with disabilities.

Club accommodation allows access to the Club Lounge, a dedicated space offering a library, meeting room and a dedicated Club Concierge. The Club also offers four complimentary meal presentations, personalised check in and out, complimentary pressing service of two garments per day and business services.

All the suites are offered Club access and enjoy fabulous views out over Hong Kong. The Carlton Suite – Victoria Harbour is one of the two premier suites and features a large and lavish master bedroom with dressing area, a stunning living and dining space and a personal workstation. Chinese design touches include gilded decorative screens but it is the view which is the focus – Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.

The Ritz-Carlton Suite – Victoria Harbour is the star attraction with a huge 366 square metre / 3,930 square feet of space complete with a circular enclosed workspace, sauna, dressing room, bath for two looking out over the city, a huge living and dining space and a spacious master bedroom. Guests here will enjoy an airport meet and greet service, a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce round trip pickup, a chauffeur driven limousine throughout the stay, butler service and daily massages for two people either in-suite or at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.

This is a pet friendly hotel for dogs and cats weighing up to 20 kilograms / 44 pounds. The “Pawfect Stay” package includes a range of complimentary pet-friendly amenities including a Lion Pierre plush toy and customised pet tags. They can even provide pet costumes from The Pawfect Wardrobe and a photographer specialising in animal photographs to record their stay.

For Junior VIPs, the property operates the Ritz-Kids programme offering an array of interactive activities for children aged from five to nine years of age including a tent set up in the room for a night safari.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Hong Kong, featuring a wide range of treatments and pampering, is located on the 116th floor and overlooks Victoria Harbour. This serene space houses eleven treatment rooms including two couple’s suites, looking out onto the clouds, a seemingly horizonless view.

The indoor infinity pool is two floors up on the top floor with breathtaking views over Hong Kong with a mirror ceiling and a high-resolution LED wall which plays images of coral reefs and tropical fish when the views cloud over. The fitness studio is also on the 118th floor and offers an extensive range of Technogym equipment including Kinesis One and the latest cardiovascular equipment for a work-out with a view.

This property is a world apart from The Ritz-Carlton properties of old – a determinedly modern and future-facing skyscraper of a property with contemporary furnishings and the best views of the city of any Hong Kong property. It is a jewel-box of luxury with every convenience for today’s travellers, with just a hint of Chinese design flair to remind you of where you are located. As you might expect of Ritz-Carlton, the service is so seamless and thoughtful, they’ve delivered it before you even knew you wanted it.

There are six restaurants, bars and lounges at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong – all beautifully designed around the panoramic views.

Tosca Di Angelo is inspired by the opera and features innovative one Michelin-starred cuisine, an open kitchen and views over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. Tin Lung Heen on the 102nd floor, a two-Michelin starred restaurant, serves authentic Chinese cuisine from the Cantonese region with a focus on dim sum. Eight private dining rooms are available for private or family celebrations.

The blue-tinged Ozone is one of the world’s highest bars as well as one of Hong Kong’s most popular bars, and is a sleek space with live music, DJs, creative cocktails, sushi and Sunday Brunch. As the night progresses, the outdoor terrace is the perfect place to admire views over the city. Café 103 is located on the 103rd floor and is the perfect setting to serve lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner. With velvet banquettes and intimate tables, this more informal venue is known for its lunch and dinner buffets featuring seafood, local specialities and international favourites.

The Lounge & Bar offers all day dining with tables and chairs positioned to look out of the floor to ceiling windows and the Hong Kong skyline. Service begins with a breakfast buffet, moving onto an organic salad bar, Afternoon Tea, an à la carte menu and cocktails.

Almas Caviar Bar on the 102nd floor is a lacquer box gem of a bar and offers a luxurious pre or post dinner rendezvous, serving an ultimate selection of the world’s finest caviar as well as champagnes and vodkas.

The Ritz-Carlton Strategy for environmental responsibility has several strategic objectives including reducing energy and water consumption, increasing local and organic dining options by partnering with local farmers, growers and seafood providers and sourcing environmentally preferred products. They also empower hotel development partners to build green hotels and engage and inspire employees and guests in conservation efforts.