Housed within Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is the world’s tallest hotel, boasting unparalleled views of the city at any given time of the day. The panoramic views which are unmatched by any other hotel, offer a breathtaking perspective of Hong Kong, providing a WOW factor experience for hotel guests and visitors alike. From its inception, the hotel was sensibly conceived to feature a timeless interior design, rife with good taste and abundant in superb materials such as a wide array of marbles, stones, lacquered wood and crystals. You will appreciate the stunning lighting throughout the entire property.
Public spaces are grand and majestic, a true feast for the eye, perfectly embodying the DNA of the Ritz-Carlton brand. Attention to details is evident at every corner of the hotel, conveying a unique sense of luxury and opulence, which is timeless. The atmosphere is sleek, elegant and polished, without being intimidating, on the contrary, the staff will make you feel welcome and appreciated at all times. Since opening in 2011, the hotel has been impeccably maintained, without any compromise, retaining both comfort and aesthetic.
The luxury hotel is a destination in itself, with outstanding dining venues including Michelin starred restaurants, a rooftop bar with evening entertainment, a state-of-the-art Spa, an exquisite Club Lounge and extensive facilities for events and conferences. The facilities and the location of the hotel make it ideal for a most diverse guest profile, from leisure to business travellers, but also attracting a solid base of local patrons who frequent the property for various purposes and occasions. The hotel is thriving and the energy is exceptional.
Mingling with locals makes your experience so much more authentic, being also a sort of a validation of the offerings of the hotel. Over the years, the hotel has retained its desirability and relevance through consistently high service standards and an offering which is constantly updated. I have often felt how much appreciated and loved the property is, very much part of the local scene. The ICC tower complex also houses Elements Mall, one of the top shopping destinations in Hong Kong, with hundreds of shops, including the majority of all top international luxury brands.
Foods is superlative at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong with established dining venues which range from Italian cuisine at one-Michelin starred Tosca d’Angelo, classic Cantonese at two-Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen, a popular afternoon tea at Cafe 103, and all-day dining at the Lounge & Bar. The rooftop Ozone bar is among the best known in Hong Kong with a team of highly trained mixologists and a generous menu of snacks including Asian tapas and sushi but also classics. No matter the dining venue, you are guaranteed unmatched views of Victoria Harbour.
Meaning ”Dragon in the sky” the Tin Lung Heen Restaurant is adored by Hong Kong residents and travellers alike. The decor is sleek and contemporary, predominantly red, with giant chandeliers adorning the very high ceiling. The views are magnificent both a lunch time and during the evening. There are several degustation menu options and several classic Cantonese dishes boast an innovative and unexpected twist. There is a great variety of wines and premium loose-leaf teas. Expertly trained sommeliers are ready to suggest the right pairings. Service is warm and welcoming, as well as very efficient and personalised.
At Tosca d’Angelo, the open show-kitchen definitely steals the show. Sicilian-born Chef Angelo Aglianó masters contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Highlights include the busiate trapanesi, a Sicilian pasta dish with red prawns and Swiss chard, and desserts such as the tiramisu served with a coffee granita. The decor is brighter, but very much in keeping with the overall design of the hotel. Water fountains complement two large statement glass chandeliers, extending a unique sense of grandeur and elegance. Similarly to the Tin Lung Heen Restaurant, there is a dress code at Tosca, too.
Being the highest bar in the world and designed by Tokyo-based interior designer Masamichi Katayama, OZONE pushes the edge of Hong Kong urban night out scene. Guests may indulge in signature cocktails and a selection of Spanish tapas and Japanese specialties, accompanied by live DJ performances. You can step outside for an al fresco dining alternative, the casual yet dashing terrace showcases the captivating vistas of the city and Victoria Harbour. Weekends are by far the busiest and gathering the best crowds. The team is highly energised, vibrant yet still very courteous!
The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is yet another exceptional offering of the hotel, with six daily presentations, including generous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The views are gorgeous providing for a unique experience to soak in the energy of the city. Similarly to other venues, service in the Club Lounge is outstanding, with guest relations staff ready to assist guests with any request, including for concierge recommendations. Staff were attentive and intuitive, providing a very individualised service approach. Despite the high occupancy levels of the hotel, the lounge was utterly serene and pleasant at any given time of the day.
The Spa is located on the 116th floor and features 11 treatment rooms, with a wide range of skincare and body treatments. I had an exceptional deep tissue massage with an expertly trained therapist. Service was exceptional! The 118th floor features a 20-metre pool ringed by floor-to-ceiling glass panes, perfectly positioned for you to catch the most spectacular sunsets during your early evening swims. It is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the “highest swimming pool in a building.” There’s a jacuzzi on the outdoor terrace, cold and warm plunge pools for post-fitness relaxation, and lounges for lazing about.
Rooms and suites are tastefully furnished, with heavenly comfortable beds with high-thread count linen and oversized marble bathrooms (separate bathtub and shower). You will enjoy the full-sized Diptyque toiletries from the Philosykos collection and you will appreciate the high water pressure in the shower. All the rooms and suites have a view – the best and most unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of any hotel in town, overlooking Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, the New Territories, and even some of the smaller outlying islands. Housekeeping service is flawless and the attention to details is truly impressive.
The staff are the beating heart of the hotel, extending a level of service which is genuine and effortless. The attention to details and the level of personalisation are truly exceptional. I have felt appreciated, respected and taken care of. Service is solid! – staff are confident, energised and motivated. You will appreciate the way they seek to engage and gather any feedback, positive or negative, in their pursuit for perfection and desire to excel. I have often felt during my stay that the hotel was such an incredibly well-oiled machine.
I was overwhelmed by the attention of the entire team who would not only address me by name but would also remember every detail from my preferences and likes. I could really feel their genuine passion to serve and to please, going out of their way to fulfil any wishes and desires, while you will feel being in good hands. Definitely, The Ritz-Carlton, at its finest!
Oliver Petcu in Hong Kong
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