Hong Kong Island is the pulsating heart of Hong Kong renowned for its towering skyscrapers that seem to touch the clouds, the island is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends its colonial past with a futuristic vision. From the vibrant streets of Central and Causeway Bay, showcasing high-end shopping and international cuisine, to the tranquil trails of Victoria Peak, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape, Hong Kong Island promises a diverse array of experiences. Whether you’re seeking the hustle and bustle of city life, the tranquillity of nature, or the charm of historical sites, this island is a cosmopolitan paradise waiting to be explored. Here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels on the island.
The Upper House (5 Star)
Boasting beautiful interiors and cutting-edge style from top Asian designer Andre Fu, the mountain and harbour views here are to die for. Found on Pacific Place above a glitzy mall, there are 117 rooms and suites, decorated in a warming, soothing style with bamboo, limestone and woollen textiles. There’s an eco-friendly vibe with hybrid hire cars for hire, paperless checkouts and organic food. The in-house restaurant, Café Gray Deluxe is renowned, as is its chic adjacent bar, popular with well-heeled business people. Read our expert review here.
Four Seasons Hong Kong (5 Star)
Perched on Victoria Harbour, is the magnificent Four Seasons, a chain known for its service standards and incredible dining. Graced with enormous large-scale picture windows, contemporary gleaming surfaces and glamorous decor, it’s no wonder this establishment attracts the rich and famous. Choose from a Chinese or Western-style room and upgrade to the Executive Club for access to a lounge with a wraparound balcony and unlimited free drinks. Sample the fare in two Michelin-starred eateries (the Cantonese Lung King Heen and French restaurant Caprice) or enjoy a lighter meal in Sushi Saito. There’s also a lovely spa for some ‘me time’.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (5 Star)
Relatively intimate with 98 rooms and 13 suites, this Asian chain hotel is found in the heart of the business district, conveniently placed for work travellers. The cutting edge design reimagined by WANG during a 2019 refurb, is subdued but arty. The serene bedrooms contain some of the biggest bathrooms you’ll find – rain showers and huge circular tubs make it feel like your own mini spa. But there’s a thirteen room spa too, with an indoor pool. Healthy food (with a focus on less dairy, additives, sugar and salt) is found at the Five-Star French-Japanese restaurant under the direction of chef Richard Ekkebus. And a 25 seater speakeasy bar has been created in collaboration with popular New York spot PDT (Please Don’t Tell), welcoming guests via a vintage phone booth.
Island Shangri La Hong Kong (5 Star)
Established in the early nineties, this whopping 565 room property is a tour de force in Hong Kong. Like The Upper House, it’s part of the Pacific Mall complex and blends Oriental with European style. There are 779 Austrian and Venetian chandeliers, a 16 storey silk painting, quirky bubble lifts and many hundreds of original artworks adorning the walls. There is an outdoor pool and whirlpool, as well as indoor spa facilities, yoga and a gym. As you may expect from such a large hotel, there are many food and drink options – from fine cuisine to buffets and a delectable patisserie.
St Regis Hong Kong (5 Star)
The next Marriot hotel on our list is found in Wan Chai and caused a stir with its grand unveiling in 2019. With lashings of marble, muted tones, vintage deco lamps and high ceilinged lobbies, there’s a distinct sanctuary vibe about the 129-roomed St Regis. By night, you can swim under the stars, dine to the sound of jazz musicians, feast on French cuisine from chef Olivier Elzer, or try chef Hung Chi-Kwong’s Cantonese plates. An outdoor terrace with a calming water feature offers further feelings of tranquillity, contrasting the bustle on its doorstep. And be sure to try its own take on a Bloody Mary, the Canto Mary, crafted with tangerine peel and whisky (or one of the bar’s 800 wines and 100 champagnes).
JW Marriott Hong Kong (5 Star)
Our third Pacific Place Mall Hotel was the first Asian Marriot property, established in 1989. It houses 602 rooms, each with luxurious seven-layer mattresses, pillow menus and capsule coffee machines. Swim year-round in the outdoor heated pool, enjoy a massage at the spa and dine at the award-winning Man Ho Restaurant. Feast on a top-class breakfast buffet or eat at the beach styled Fish Bar with a menu including the fresh catch of the day and seafood. With direct access to the MTR, it’s an ideal base for exploring this fascinating area.
Conrad Hong Kong (5 Star)
Popular with business visitors since its inception in the nineties, this Conrad residence received a full makeover in 2010. Public areas are bright with an abundance of gilt, while rooms are sophisticated yet cosy. Choose your toiletries in advance via the brand’s concierge app and opt for a room with either a harbour or peak view. The outdoor terrace with poolside cabanas offers refreshment during tropical summer months, while indoors there’s a steam room, sauna and two treatment areas. The hotel has six eateries but is especially well-known locally for its weekday curry buffets and Italian Sunday brunch.