Business travellers flock to the Asian financial centre of Hong Kong, and the city’s leading business hotels ensure the perfect balance between work and play, finds Gayatri Bhaumik
The Upper House
Why: A chic, urban hotel, The Upper House is located in Hong Kong’s Admiralty district, next to the offices and mall at Pacific Place and within easy reach of the CBD area of Central. This non-traditional but ultra-luxe property offers guests on-the-clock and after-hours amenities like a fleet of Lexus RX450h hybrid cars and the swanky Café Grey Deluxe bar, the perfect spot for an after-hours tipple.
What to book: The Studio 80 rooms feature hi-tech electronics and connectivity, a spa-inspired bathroom, views over the city, and a home-away-from-home feel.
Don’t miss: Café Gray Deluxe. The stylish fine-dining restaurant serves up a prix-fixe menu that’s perfect for working lunches.
Island Shangri-La Hong Kong
Why: Also located by Pacific Place, the Island Shangri-La is a classic five-star hotel that combines timeless style with modern amenities. The property is well suited to business travellers with a full range of amenities including a fully-equipped Business Centre, complimentary shoe shine service, and the old-world-style Horizon Club – the executive club – which offers suit pressing, concierge services, breakfasts, and evening cocktails.
What to book: The luxurious Horizion Club Peak View Room boasts an executive desk with multiple electric outlets, a fax/copy/printer machine, a Nespresso machine, and stunning views of Victoria Peak
Don’t miss: The delicious fresh seafood platter at the swanky Lobster Bar and Grill (above), which also whips up some of Hong Kong’s best cocktails.
Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, +852 2877 3838; www.shangri-la.com
Conrad Hong Kong
Why: A smart, contemporary hotel also situated by Pacific Place, the Conrad is a comfortable choice where everything is as you’d expect. Wheel and deal with the well-appointed business centre and plenty of meeting spaces, and after hours, relax at the health club, which boasts a fully-equipped gym, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool, and celebrate boardroom victories with Italian cuisine at Nicholini’s or casual continental fare at Brasserie on the Eighth.
What to book: The King Executive Harbour Suite offers an elegant private meeting space with its separate lounge area and views over Victoria Harbour, along with access to the Executive Lounge, two phones with voicemail, convenient electrical outlets, video messaging, and a large workspace.
Don’t miss: An after-hours dip in the outdoor pool (above), surrounded by the lights of Hong Kong and the Kowloon skyline.
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, +852 2521 3838; www.conradhotels.com
JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
Why: Another Pacific Place-adjacent hotel, the JW Marriott is an elegant, contemporary property offering a traditional five-star experience with all the trimmings, many of these very useful for business travellers. High-speed internet throughout the hotel, a limousine service, plenty of well-appointed meeting facilities, and a full-service business centre offering every necessary amenity – including a notary public service – make taking care of business easy.
What to book: The Executive Room includes access to the Executive Lounge and complimentary two hours use of the Executive Conference Room, a spacious writing desk with electrical outlets and an ergonomic chair, complimentary hi-speed internet, three phones, and Bose technology.
Don’t miss: The award-winning Cantonese cuisine at the hotel’s contemporary Man Ho Chinese Restaurant, and the build-your-own noodle bar at The Lounge for casual working lunches during the week.
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, +852 28 108366; www.marriott.com
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Why: Ideally located in central, next to the mall and offices of IFC, this sophisticated property may exude nonchalant French elegance, but its style doesn’t supersede its substance. The 24-hour business centre is complemented by the tranquil executive club on the 45th floor – which offers last-minute garment pressing – while impressing clients is a breeze at the Michelin-starred Caprice, which serves fine French wines and chef Fabrice Vulin’s contemporary French cuisine.
What to book: The Club Premier Harbour-View Rooms offer complimentary access to the Executive Club, along with complimentary WiFi, a Nespresso machine, and a generous work space.
Don’t miss: Wind down with delicious wines and cheeseboards at the intimate Caprice Bar, part of the Michelin-starred restaurant Caprice (above) or the complimentary happy hour hor d’oeuvres at Blue Bar.
8 Finance Street, Central, +852 3196 8888; www.fourseasons.com
InterContinental Hong Kong
Why: Minutes from Kowloon’s Star Ferry pier, this expansive harbourside spot offers a diverse range of experiences, simple, sleek design notes, and a touch of local know-how. You’re prepared for anything here with a full-service business centre, Bentley or Rolls Royce limousines, same-day dry cleaning, and shoe shining, and you can wheel-and-deal in impressive fine-dining settings at Spoon by Alain Ducasse, Nobu, and the well-regarded Steakhouse.
What to book: The Executive Rooms (there are several categories) come with Bose technology, a well-planned workspace, and butler and valet services. Upgrade your stay to include access to Club Intercontinental, the executive lounge.
Don’t miss: Book a private spa suite at the I-Spa – they include a sauna, steam-shower, and Jacuzzi – and ease the stresses of a long day with an indulgent treatment.
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2721 1211; www.ihg.com/intercontinental
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Why: Also near Kowloon’s Star Ferry, Hong Kong’s iconic Grande Dame hotel is luxurious, regal, and well-suited for business. Stay connected with total connectivity, and get to meetings with a fleet of 14 Rolls Royces.. There are also impressive dining options for wooing clients – or celebrating success – from French fare at Gaddi’s and modern European at Felix, to relaxed Swiss cuisine at Chesa and Japanese omakase dishes at Imasa.
What to book: The Grand Deluxe Kowloon View Room boasts floor-to-ceiling views over bustling Kowloon, complimentary WiFi and VOIP international calls, power sockets with universal adaptors, and shoe shining service, and an all-in-one fax/scanner/printer/copier.
Don’t miss: Book the Peninsula Executive Travel Program to enjoy two pieces of clothing pressing per night, daily breakfast, and unlimited WiFi.
Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2920 2888; www.hongkong.peninsula.com
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
Why: Perched above the offices of Kowloon’s ICC tower, this vertiginous property offers a modern five-star experience in opulent surrounds. With luxurious meeting spaces and one of the city’s largest ball rooms, the hotel is a perfect for any business-related event. The refined Club Lounge boasts a library, and meeting room, along with exclusive concierge service, complimentary limousine service. Make time for a dip in one of the world’s highest indoor infinity pools.
What to book: The Club Grand Victoria Harbour Room comes with 24-hour Club Lounge access, unimpeded views of Hong Kong island, and laundry and valet services.
Don’t miss: Sample handcrafted cocktails and Asian tapas amidst avant-garde interiors and breathtaking views at Ozone (above), reputedly the world’s highest bar.
EAST Hotel
Why: Situated near the Taikoo Place and Cityplaza business hubs, and within easy reach of Central, East is a unique, unfussy yet surprisingly design-savvy property which pointedly bills itself a business hotel. Rooms feature plenty of natural light, and work with Beast (Body by EAST), the 24-hour fitness centre that features a gym and outdoor pool, to fight jetlag. When you’re ready to do business the exclusive Suite 3006 is the perfect space for meetings.
What to book: The Urban Corner rooms offer views of the neighbourhood’s buildings and bustling streets, and come with complimentary internet, Apple TVs, and iPod Touches.
Don’t miss: Make time for signature cocktails and David Laris’ fusion cuisine at Sugar (above), the hotel’s alfresco deck.
29 Tai Koo Shing Road, Tai Koo Shing, +852 3968 3968; www.east-hongkong.com
The Mira Hong Kong
Why: In the heart of Kowloon, The Mira is a modern, modish designer hotel that takes style notes from the fashion world. The property offers a wide range of meeting facilities that come with themed coffee break ideas. Head to meetings with the hotel’s limousine service, or wheel and deal over meals at Cuisine Cuisine, the Cantonese fine-dining eatery, contemporary European dishes at Whisk, an intimate upscale setting.
What to book: Club Parkview Rooms come with access to the Mira Club, complimentary clothes pressing, 20% discount on laundry and dry cleaning, valet services, and a smartphone for free calls and unlimited 3G connectivity.
Don’t miss: Book a treatment at the Aura Room at the MiraSpa, where you can relax with an indulgent treatment, as well as mood-lighting and personalised music playlists.
118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2368 1111; www.themirahotel.com
About the Author
