InterContinental Hong Kong
The waterfront InterContinental Hong Kong boasts the finest location of any hotel in Kowloon. Two-thirds of guest rooms, all suites and practically all public space afford some of the best harbor and cityscape panoramas in the world. Rolls-Royces and Benzes (Daimler and Mercedes) whisk guests up the circular cobblestoned driveway to the bubbling fountain at the entrance.
The opulent and often noisy Lobby Lounge is skillfully lit at night so that its main asset is the harbor and skyline view through a massive three-story glass wall. Hoards of visitors and locals alike gather here most evenings to watch the neon lights of Hong Kong Island crackle into play as they choose from an array of refreshing and creative Nine Dragon Cocktails. Visitors are sure to recognize one of the world's most celebrated hotel lobbies, notable for its floor-to-ceiling staggered glass panels. It would be hard put for anyone not to be impressed.
The property is also highly rated for its second-to-none dining facilities. SPOON restaurant features contemporary cuisine inspired by Alain Ducasse, the world's most award-winning chef with nine Michelin stars, and the new Nobu restaurant lures even staunch Hong Kong island diners across the water. Prices are high, but quality is unparalleled; bookings are essential. The Yan Toh Heen Cantonese restaurant is as much of a once-in-a-lifetime experience as it is a place to eat. The restaurant's dining utensils are handcrafted from jade. The Steak House restaurant and 270-label wine bar is a favorite among locals for its fine meats and excellent vintage selection.
A new pool terrace with Hong Kong's first outdoor spa cabanas and a renovated piazza add panache to the much-photographed outdoor infinity pool set amid landscaped gardens, and on the sun terrace, three sybaritic glass-walled whirlpools provide the world's most scenic soaks. The property's I Spa is billed as Hong Kong's only feng-shui-friendly pampering and grooming salon, featuring spa suites that include their own sauna, steam shower, whirlpool and massage facilities. Advance booking is essential, especially for nonhotel guests. The state-of-the-art fitness center is open round-the-clock and fully staffed with astute assistance proffering towels, headsets and bottled water at every turn.
Guest rooms vary in size, but all feature exquisitely maintained Thai silk spreads and cushions, thick cushion-top mattresses, down duvets, exquisite teak furniture, original Asian art, fresh flowers, air purification systems, desks, dual-line phones with voice mail and data ports in bedrooms and baths, TVs, minibars with complimentary mineral water, safes, robes and slippers. Windows are floor-to-ceiling and often wall-to-wall. Inside, browns, reds, beiges and golds fill the rooms with light, even after dark. (Or is that just the glow from the magnificent skyline?) Fresh flowers also adorn Italian marble baths with dual basins, magnifying mirrors, hair dryers, large sunken tubs, stall showers, WCs, enormous bath sheets and French toiletries. Renovations have added flat-screen TVs, Bose stereos and CD and DVD players, wireless Internet access and iPod docking stations. Club InterContinental guests are treated to a private lounge for exclusive check-in, breakfast that includes Parisian perfect croissant and homemade breads, evening snacks and concierge service.
The jaw-dropping Presidential Suite is the largest in the city at 7,000 sq ft (and costing around $2.5 million), with a full-size rooftop infinity pool and whirlpool overlooking the city from its private terrace. The surprisingly elegant and completely memorable suite features five bedrooms; a duplex living room with two-story glass windows that look onto Victoria Harbor; a private study; a kitchenette and a 2,500-sq-ft wrap-around terrace. A separate gym and dedicated butler add to the considerable amenity list.
All floors boast 24-hour room and butler service. Indeed, the white-glove service is top-notch, appealing to a prosperous, mainly American, European and Japanese clientele, with an increasing number of Mainland Chinese millionaires. In the rarified air of Hong Kong's hotels, this one hovers near the top. Care and attention have been applied to every detail. There simply is no competitor that offers such amazing service and the best views all in one.
InterContinental Hong Kong is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
To learn more about Virtuoso click on the Virtuoso Tab!
