Best Luxury Hotels in Hong Kong

A Niccolo hotel, The Murray offers a greener outlook than many of Hong Kong’s others – set apart from the ocean of skyscrapers, beside a lush park. Plush mid-century interiors have been created by architects Foster + Partners, reflecting the authentic 1960s exterior. 336 rooms include suites with freestanding tubs and you can even bring a small dog along with you. The decadent spa offers coveted and innovative treatments from Dr Barbara Sturm, who herself treats the international glitterati with age defying facials. Book an appointment with the hotel’s nutritionist, who can tailor a menu for your stay, customise a diet plan and carry out body tests.

Located on Tsim Sha Tsui East’s waterfront, guests are greeted in Shangri La’s lobby by an indoor three-tier fountain, oversized glittering crystal chandeliers, stunning art and – in the evening – live music. This Asian brand offers some of the largest rooms in the city, in traditional classical style. There are seven places to eat and drink, with an opulent buffet breakfast served at Cafe Kool. Head to the basement and you’ll discover a modern fitness suite, overlooking a plunge pool.

Bringing a little slice of London to the east is The Langham. While the first of the chain was established in the 1800s, this one didn’t arrive in Hong Kong until 2003. Sporting plenty of European elegance with chandeliers, rococo features and Wedgewood china, there’s also a wealth of Chinese art and a fondness for pastels and dusky pink throughout its furnishings. The Chuan Body and Soul Spa includes an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, while the Michelin-starred T’ang has some of the best Cantonese food to be found anywhere on earth.

Stay just a little way from Hong Kong Island, in the hubbub of colourful Kowloon. Hotel Icon, owned by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has Asia’s largest vertical indoor garden designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc and a Green Cafe – providing a welcome change in a sea of skyscrapers, walkways and roads. Hotel Icon also has 262 rooms, oodles of Chinese artwork, an outdoor pool, three restaurants and an elite glitzy club lounge with free drinks and snacks (for those choosing to upgrade).

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.

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.