（Updated today. This blog post was first published on May 31 2024)
Introduction
I’ll be amiss if I do not write a review on the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong which is the city’s towering landmark, literally and figuratively.
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is the highest five-star hotel in Hong Kong and third highest in the world. (Buildings that are multi-use and have a hotel occupying the building’s uppermost floors, such hotels are known as the highest hotels in the world; tallest buildings in the world that are wholly used as hotels, are known as tallest hotels.)
Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong was the world’s highest hotel when opened in March 2011, until it was surpassed by the Rosewood Guangzhou in 2019 and the J Hotel Shanghai Tower in December 2020.
With 312 guest rooms that all offer spectacular city and harbour views, Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong occupies the 102nd through 118th floors of the International Commerce Center (ICC), right atop the Elements Mall, in West Kowloon. The ICC is connected to major transportation hubs of MTR Subway, Airport Express Lines, and High Speed Trains linking to mainland China.
Arrival and Reception
Guests first experience the hotel and the city by arriving at the hotel entrance on the 9th floor. This “ground-floor” lounge welcomes visitors with sky-scraping ceilings, plush couches, and a patisserie.
A dedicated elevator, one of the city’s fastest, will zip you straight up to the 103rd-floor lobby and Café 103. It takes 80 seconds to the reception lobby on level 103 and Café 103 at 425 m from level 9.
The lobby has a red curved bench serving as a focal point, two plush couches are conveniently located towards the rear, while the check-in desks are situated off to the side of the lobby.
You can smell the hotel’s signature black orchid scent wafting throughout the halls.
Rooms
Guest keycards are required to use the hotel elevators to access the hotel rooms on level 106 to 117.
All 312 rooms and suites promise at least 540 square feet of space offering spectacular city and harbour views. Telescopes are available in all the suites for guests to enjoy the breathtaking views to their fullest.
In the Club Deluxe Victoria Harbour Room, an east-meet-west design feels rich and warm, all burgundy, deep green and beige. Leather-paneled walls add to the luxe feel, as does the skyline view from the comfortable workspace.
Behind the generous-sized bed is a silk-paneled wall and a leather headboard with metallic accents. The TV wall is outfitted in leather and metal, featuring ‘baseball stitching’ as a design element. The spacious bathrooms feature travertine marble floors and walls, and onyx countertops with double basins.
One of the world’s highest presidential suites is situated on supertall level 117, covering an area of 366 m2 (3,940 sq ft), with a 270-degree, floor-to-ceiling city view of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon Peninsula.
Dining
The hotel’s seven distinctive dining venues range from award-winning Chinese cuisine Tin Lung Heen and Italian specialties Tosca di Angelo; to an international all-day dining The Lounge & Bar and a stunning rooftop bar Ozone and a caviar bar serving the finest selection of caviar Almas Caviar, a restaurant known for its buffets Café 103, and a club providing five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily the Club Lounge.
The Lounge & Bar
The elegant all-day dining venue serves signature breakfast buffet, the best of international flavors à la carte for lunch and dinner, and signature afternoon tea. Best of all for weekenders, a choice of after “noon” tea set at 12:01 is the perfect way to relax after a hustle busy week. In addition, guests may choose from an extensive collection of wines and champagnes, served by the glass or bottle, and signature cocktails.
Tin Lung Heen
A Chinese restaurant, Tin Lung Heen, has had two Michelin stars since 2013 and is led by culinary director Paul Lau Ping-lui.
Set against contemporary oriental décor with dramatic backdrop of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline, the signature restaurant serves Chinese cuisines at its best. A comprehensive selection of world’s finest teas is available to enhance guest’s dining experience. Private dining rooms offer the perfect setting for business entertainment or special family celebrations.
Tosca
The Michelin-dining can be experienced on level 102. A one-starred Italian cuisine, Tosca di Angelo, is presided over by Sicilian chef Angelo Aglianó.
Located on the 102nd floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, Tosca di Angelo is the epitome of Italian fine dining. Its high ceilings, stately fountains and majestic chandeliers set a Romanesque and stylish ambience. Embark on a gastronomic journey at lasca di Angelo with exceptional food and stunning views of the Victoria Harbour.
Under the culinary direction of Chef: Angelo Agliano, the award-winning gourmet destination satisfies the most discerning palate with Mediterranean-inspired cuisines featuring premium seasonal ingredients sourced from Italy, executed with precision and finesse.
Café 103
At Café 103, aptly named for its setting on the hotel’s 103rd floor, floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the Hong Kong harbor and soft daylight streams in over velour banquettes and intimate dining tables. The refined lounge is known for its lunch and dinner buffets featuring local specialties and international favorites.
Club Lounge
An exclusive club lounge for guests staying in club rooms and suites along with the spa on level 116 at an elevation of 465 m (1,526 ft)
The Ritz-Carlton Club is not just about luxurious surroundings. The services, including five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily, also provide added value to a stay by solo business travelers or families on vacation.
A dedicated concierge is always on duty to meet any needs from hard-to-get restaurant reservations to assistance with changing airline flights. Only guests registered on Club level can access the floor through use of a special elevator key, ensuring a sense of personal security.
Ozone
Being the highest bar at an impressive 490 metres above sea level 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 an exotic selection of Spanish tapas and Japanese specialties, accompanied by vibrant DJ beats.
Step outside for an al fresco dining alternative; the casual yet dashing terrace showcases the captivating vistas of the city and Victoria Harbour.
On Sundays, the area becomes part of the city’s see and be seen brunch venue, featuring a scrumptious selection of culinary favorites.
Arvy Bryan Benitez is the mixologist of Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. With over 10 years of experience in bartending, he actively competed in various international level competitions in which he built up his competitiveness and confidence. “I’m here not only to make drinks, but to make good memories and great experience.”
Ballroom & Meeting Rooms
The hotel offers more than 1,500 square meters (17,000 square feet) of function spaces, as well as one of the largest ballrooms in the city at 870 square meters (9,000 square feet), complimented by additional five meeting rooms. They are good for all business travel needs from exclusive board meetings and attention-grabbing product launches, to corporate-wide celebrations and trade show lodging.
Spa
Located on the 116th floor, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Hong Kong has eight deluxe treatment rooms and two couple’s suites, offering panoramic harbour views via floor-to-ceiling windows.
Being the highest hotel spa in the world then made this a unique space to work with soft, smooth and natural materials. In keeping with the concept of “Being in the Clouds”, designer Eva Menz drew inspiration from the celestial backdrop of the clouds to create the breathtaking chandelier which greets guests as they enter the spa.
Fitness Centre & Swimming Pool
The 118th floor houses a fully-equipped fitness centre and an indoor infinity pool with a mirrored ceiling and high-resolution LED wall, and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
All photos courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the entity.
Also Read: Review Regent Hong Kong
