
Best Luxury Hotels in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has long since shed its cloak of smog both figuratively and literally. With nearly thirty years of independence from the British Commonwealth under its belt, this region of China has been putting in the work to fully establish itself as one of Asia’s most bustling and cosmopolitan cities, but this isn’t just a playground for the suited and booted business men and bankers but also those who enjoy a slice of glitz and glamour… in spades.
With boundaries being broken in both the food and drink sector, Hong Kong boasts restaurants and bars in the ‘World’s Best 100 list, along with well-known favourites of the glitterati such as Nobu and Hakkasan taking up residence, this is the place to enjoy a slice of the luxury lifestyle. With jaw-dropping rooftop bars offering views of the iconic skyline a plenty, unparalleled shopping and some of the best hotels in the world, this destination deserves a spot on your ‘must visit’ list, if only just to soak up the palpable energy and dazzling nightlife.
If tradition and culture are more your thing all the usual players are on offer, be it antiques and curios on Cat Street, visiting a traditional tea house or getting a tailor-made suit but those who matter know this city really comes to life after dark.
Hong Kong, Kowloon, Yau Tsim Mong District, Tsim Sha Tsui
Rosewood Hong Kong
(5 stars)On Kowloon’s waterfront lies this 65 storey skyscraper, housing 413 rooms and a superb wellness centre, Asaya Spa, with a huge range of holistic, therapeutic and aesthetic treatments. Guests arrive through a charming cobbled driveway, and cosy lobby, before heading to spacious rooms beautifully designed by Tony Chi – most of which have harbour views. The decor nods toward Hong Kong’s heritage, with more than a hint of 1930s Hollywood glamour thrown in. Rosewood’s art collection is impressive, with work from the likes of Damien Hirst on view. Asian, Western, Indian and steakhouse cuisine are available, as well as a delightful afternoon tea in The Butterfly Room.
Hong Kong, Kowloon, Yau Tsim Mong District, Tsim Sha Tsui
The Peninsula Hong Kong
(5 stars)Just along from The Ritz is another historic institution – The Peninsula. Opened in 1928 and described as ‘the grand old lady’ of the island, she is a combination of all things modern and classic. Arrive by helicopter (it has its own private landing pad), take tea accompanied by a live orchestra, luxuriate in the spa, enjoy a sundowner on the terrace and dine at seven different eateries. There are 165 sleek and modern rooms in the original section of the hotel, with a further 135 in the new tower. Children are made very welcome too, with their own cheery bedding, bathrobes and cosy slippers.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Central
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
(5 stars)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.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Central
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
(5 stars)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’.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Admiralty
Upper House Hong Kong
(5 stars)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.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Admiralty
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
(5 stars)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.
Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hung Hom Bay
Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
(5 stars)The Shangri-La group also offers the Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong. An urban resort in the Hung Ho district, its designer Andre Fu (responsible for the decor of the first hotel of our list) has once again woven his award-winning magic. Motifs reflect the neighbouring sea, while the outdoors is brought in, through the hotel’s signature aroma ‘Walk in the Woods’. 546 rooms all have minibars and Nespresso machines and all three eateries have alfresco areas – there’s even a Starbucks. Work out at Kerry Sports Base Camp, take a swim in the infinity pool, unwind at the spa, or simply watch the world go by on water as you lounge on the harbourside terrace.
