Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

Hong Kong remains staunchly competitive with its luxury hotels, no more so than with the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, one of the world’s highest hotels.

• Watching helicopters fly by, seemingly at eye level from the sky-high guestrooms
• Equally commanding panoramas in the spacious, well-equipped gym
• Ozone, with its delicious Wagyu sliders and chocolate fondant

Initially designed to pierce the sky at 1,883 feet, the Kowloon side (ICC- International Commerce Center) was specifically intended by owners Sun Hung Kai Properties to overtake its own IFC, towering over Hong Kong from directly across Victoria Harbour at 1,361 feet. The heigh at 1,607 feet was limited due to government regulations forbidding buildings to rise higher than the surrounding mountains.)

Enter the hotel on the 9th floor and a mere 52 seconds, the perpetually packed elevator arrives at the 103rd floor. This is where Hong Kong’s elite regularly meets for char-grilled Iberian pork and steamed crab claws in rice wine sauce at Tin Lung Heen, the Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. Stylish local ladies skip lunch for the chocolate-filled afternoon tea, with heavenly marble cheesecake and raspberry tart, washed down with liquid white chocolate shots.

Upstairs, 312 Oriental-accented guestrooms occupy floors 106 to 118, all with strategically placed and padded windowsills. The panoramic views across Kowloon and over Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island are utterly unobstructed except for the occasional helicopter passing just barely above eye level. Views are equally enthralling from the pillow-topped bed, under the goose down duvet, beneath sumptuous silk paneled walls and hand-stitched leather headboard. Telescopes in the 50 suites enhance these views of the South China Sea and skyscrapers.

Soothing essential oils waft into the hallways along the 116th floor (the Club Lounge level) from The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA. The spa has nine deluxe treatment rooms and two couples’ suites, all with captivating vistas. Night treatments are available Book after dark when Hong Kong illuminates its skyline.

Guests who will enjoy watching the skyline. Business travelers will appreciate the access to Kowloon Station (an Airport Express Terminal). The Elements Shopping Mall, located just downstairs from this hotel, also makes the Ritz Carlton a popular spot for shoppers.