Arrival/Check-In: I arrived in Hong Kong on a pleasant Thursday afternoon. Despite expectations of delays due to Occupy Central protests, the trip from Hong Kong International Airport to The Ritz-Carlton took only about 40 minutes. The hotel occupies the upper floors of the International Commerce Centre in Kowloon, offering an atmosphere of refinement, business convenience, and sweeping views. Valets meet guests at the drive and escort them to the elevator, which takes you up to the 103rd-floor lobby. The spacious lobby features dark marble, warm wood tones and soft lighting and is lively with guests. The concierge is conveniently located to the left; I was checked in quickly, given directions to the club level, and escorted to my room on the 116th floor.
Guest Quarters: My Grand Victoria Harbour room was impressive. The first thing I noticed was the panoramic view and abundant natural light streaming through large windows. Sunlight highlights the contrast between dark wood furniture and cream carpets, creating an elegant, comfortable feel. The king-sized bed dominates the sleeping area and is dressed in 400-thread-count linens with down pillows and a supportive mattress that ensures a restful night. A 42-inch flat-screen TV faces the bed, and a marble console runs beneath it along the room’s side to hold personal items. The large desk sits in front of the windows and is equipped with multiple electrical outlets and a desk lamp—ideal for business travelers.
The full marble bathroom follows an open, bright design. A cream-accented double sink provides ample counter space, and extra lighting frames the oversized mirror. The vanity includes several outlets—note that heavy-duty styling tools may overload some sockets. The bathroom amenities carry a refined citrus scent that is pleasant without being overpowering. The shower is a generous standalone enclosure with a rainforest showerhead, and frosted glass separates the shower from the toilet for added privacy.
Services/Amenities: The club level at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong lives up to the brand’s reputation. Positioned high in the tower, the club lounge offers floor-to-ceiling windows with striking views of the harbor and city skyline. Club guests enjoy all-day access to a buffet, a comfortable lounge area, and a quiet library and meeting room. I appreciated the excellent breakfast service and sampled the lunch and afternoon tea during my stay.
The 24-hour fitness center, also located on an upper floor, is exceptional compared with other city hotels. Multiple treadmills and cardio machines face panoramic windows, and the lap pool provides swimming with a cityscape backdrop—an inviting space for both exercise and relaxation.
Dining options on-site include premium choices such as Tosca, which offers a contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine. OZONE, the hotel’s bar and lounge promoted as one of the highest in the world, is accessible by an elevator from the lobby floor. Its outdoor seating area and bar make for an atmospheric place to unwind after a busy day.
The Experience: Throughout my stay, staff members greeted me by name, which added a personal touch amid the hotel’s efficient business pace. The property is centrally positioned in Kowloon; while most attractions are not within immediate walking distance, the nearby MTR station and readily available taxis make getting around straightforward. The International Commerce Centre connects to an upscale shopping mall with additional dining options. Overall, my stay was excellent, and I look forward to returning.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Separate tub and shower
Large vanity
High-quality towels
Powerful, unattached hair dryer
High-quality bed linens
Large, flat-screen television
Large desk with convenient outlets
Large, complimentary laptop safe
Complimentary in-room WiFi
Complimentary bottled water
Stocked minibar
Ample lighting
In-room coffeemaker
Iron and ironing board
On-site restaurant
24-hour room service
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
Turn-down service
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road W.
Kowloon, Hong Kong
tel 852 2263 2263
ritzcarlton.com