The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

I took a taxi from Hong Kong International Airport on a warm Sunday afternoon, traffic was light, taking only about 30 minutes to the welcoming drive of the International Commerce Centre driveway. The hotel is located on the top floors of the towering building in Kowloon, giving a feel of class, business and expectation upon arrival. Valets personally greet you at the drive and escort you to the elevator, where you’re directed to the 103rd floor. The vast lobby opens into dark marble, wood and soft lighting and is bustling with guests. As I was staying in a club suite room I was directed to the club lounge on the 116^th floor, where I was seated next to the large windows and offered tea during check-in. It was only 10 a.m., but they were able to accommodate me.

My Grand Victoria Harbour room was simply perfect. Walking through my warm wood hallway and into the room, you see the panoramic views of Hong Kong and natural light spilling in from the windows. The king-sized bed dominates the right side of the room with its 400-thread-count linens, down pillows and dreamy mattress that offers an excellent night of sleep. Both side tables are large with electrical outlets for charging your smartphones and tablets. A 42-inch, flat-screen TV faces the bed and a marble console built into the wall under the TV runs along the entire side of the room, offering a place to hold all your loose items. The large desk sits in front of the windows, with numerous electrical outlets and a comfy chair; however, I spent most of my working time facing the view.

The full marble bathroom features an open concept with bright lighting. The cream-accented double sink offers plenty of space for personal items, and extra lighting surrounds the oversized mirror. The vanity offers multiple outlets, but be careful — the socket blew out my hair tool. The large, stand-alone shower includes a rainforest showerhead, always a favorite of mine. Frosted glass separates the shower and toilet room.

The Ritz-Carlton in-room dining menu is extensive and quick; however, if you are staying on the club level, that is the place to dine, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable couches and lots of extra seating. Breakfast is served until 10:30 a.m. and I enjoyed a daily tasting of dim sum and a pot of English breakfast tea. Before dinner, if you are craving a small bite or glass of wine, the evening service has fresh hot plates of Cantonese favorites and your choice of Champagne.

The property boasts more premium dining experiences, including Tosca, a unique take on Italian cuisine and the exclusive Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen for authentic Cantonese cuisine. The OZONE, a lounge/bar, promoted as the highest bar in the world, has an outdoor bar and seating area for views.

After all the food, the 24-hour fitness center on the top floor is a must and, in my opinion, unmatched at any other Hong Kong property.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road W.
Kowloon, Hong Kong
tel 852 2263 2263