Welcome to Checking In, a review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.
Describe the hotel in three words: In the clouds.
What’s the deal?
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is not a new property, and the brand is not even new to Hong Kong. It first stood in Central from 1993 to 2008 and then moved across the harbour in 2011 to reopen at the International Commerce Centre (ICC). 12 years later, it remains one of the leading hotels in the city, towering over Victoria Harbour from the Kowloon district, and no other establishment has been able to top its claim to the “highest hotel in Hong Kong.”
For that reason alone, it’s always worth revisiting—not to mention, those jaw-dropping views. Occupying the top 16 floors of the ICC, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong has, by far, 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.
The best room?
Among The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong’s 312 rooms and suites, the eponymous Ritz-Carlton Suite, located on the 117th floor, is the standout. Spanning almost 4,000 square metres, this presidential-level suite is handsomely appointed, the living and dining rooms are spacious and sumptuously decorated with a mirrored ceiling and enormous chandelier, the linens are 600 thread count, and the marble-edged whirlpool bathtub is difficult to top.
Aside from the signature corner view and window seat that comes with all suites, this one has 270-degree views over Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. It also comes with a private sauna, which is probably our favourite thing about it.
Does the hotel have a standout perk?
The Ritz-Carlton Club, available to suite-level guests, has been enhanced across the brand to offer even more elevated experiences tailored with personalised service and Hong Kong influences in mind. From five daily meal presentations in the Club Lounge, featuring live stations, local delicacies, and craft spirits, to wine and champagne tasting classes, movie nights, and guided painting sessions, guests will have plenty to busy themselves with.
Also, if your heart and attention span belong to sharing your travels and stays on social media, you’ll be delighted to know that The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is all about photogenic moments. Book a harbour-view suite to be directly opposite the Hong Kong Island skyline and lounge on the window-side chaise for lazy ferry-watching. (The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong has also prepared a handy guide detailing the most Instagrammable locations around the hotel, if you’re looking for stunning backdrops beyond your room.)
Did they greet you by name at check-in?
Yes—in fact, the staff already knew who I was upon lobby approach. I was guided up to the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge for an efficient, hassle-free check-in. It got better: a personalised, hand-written card with missives and quirky drawings by the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong team was waiting for me in the club-level, one-bedroom Deluxe Suite upon arrival. It’s a touching detail that immediately warms the heart and finds a special place in your memories.
Was a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived? (Bonus points if it wasn’t just fruit juice.)
Yes, and it came with a local twist. Instead of your usual chilled bubbly or bottle of wine, it was a stylish flask filled with house-made Hong Kong milk tea, prepared the traditional way—drawn through a silk “stocking” four times with a splash of evaporated milk.
Private butler for every room?
Not for every room, no, but guests who book the aforementioned Ritz-Carlton Suite have access to 24-hour private butler service during their stay.
Is the sheet thread count higher than 300?
Yes—400, in fact. And there’s a pillow menu for you to choose from as well, whether you’re in the mood for buckwheat, memory, latex foam, polyester, or feather pillows.
Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet?
No heated floors, but Hong Kong climate is far too hot for that, anyway. Instead, the floors are elegant travertine for underfoot cooling. Yes, there’s a bidet—the controls on the Gerberit model were a little difficult to parse, but once you’ve figured them out, it was smooth sailing.
Are the toiletries full-sized?
You bet. Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong stocks its bathrooms with full-sized Diptyque bottles from the Philosykos collection, so you can feel moisturised and smell like sweet Mediterranean figs all day long while lounging in your fluffy, embroidered spa bathrobe.
Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use?
No, but this is Hong Kong we’re talking about here, and space is at a premium. As a vertical destination, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong has cleverly placed its pool at the very top of the ICC skyscraper. Head up to the 118th floor for a 20-metre pool ringed by floor-to-ceiling glass panes, perfectly positioned for you to catch the most gorgeous sunsets during your early evening swims. It’s even recognised by the Guinness World Records as the “highest swimming pool in a building.” Plus, there’s a jacuzzi on the outdoor terrace, cold and warm plunge pools for post-fitness relaxation, and lounges for lazing about.
Is the restaurant worth its salt?
Yes. Between rooftop bar Ozone, international lounge Café 103, one-Michelin-starred Tosca di Angelo for Italian specialities, two-Michelin starred Tin Lung Heen for refined Cantonese fare, and the all-day Lounge & Bar, the hard-to-please guest is spoilt for choice. Not to mention, Ozone is hosting London’s highly popular Burger & Lobster concept until further notice, so you can enjoy platters of grilled whole lobster, lobster mac and cheese, B&L Beast burger with a six-ounce Nebraskan beef patty, and so much more while drinking in spectacular night-time views of Hong Kong Island. (Bonus if there’s a fireworks display.)
Do you want to spend Friday night in the lobby bar?
Yes; start with drinks and small bites at the Lounge & Bar under the bright twinkle of two supersized, concave chandeliers, but finish the night at Ozone on the 118th floor and enjoy the signature Five Elements cocktails menu, sampling your way through metal-, wood-, water-, fire-, and earth-inspired concoctions by mixologist Arvy Bryan Benitez.
Would you buy the hotel if you could?
In a heartbeat. If there’s one thing that The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong does well—and it does many things very well—it’s the quintessential five-star luxury experience. Fabulous facilities aside, we were most impressed by how warm, attentive, and genuinely caring the staff was. Rare is the place that touts itself as your “home away from home” and truly feels that way.
Score: 8
What Our Score Means:
1–3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.
4–6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch.
7–8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms.
9–10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?
All images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong.
