Hotel meeting and function spaces used to occupy the lower levels, and even basements, of buildings. This is no longer the case for a number of deluxe properties, which have switched these revenue-generating spaces from the bottom to their prime top floors. Here are some Hongkong hotels that have followed the trend and impressed their clientele.
CROWNE PLAZA HONG KONG CAUSEWAY BAY
Location: 8 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
Name of event venue: Club @28
Club @28 is on the 28th floor of Crowne Plaza. It features a view of the Happy Valley Racecourse on one side and the pool on the other.
With 161sqm to work with, designer Steve Leung used a row of modern classic chandeliers and a carefully crafted circular bar as accents to an extremely innovative space. Note the pathway in the main lounge that channels a fashion catwalk – perfect for that product launch.
Capacity: Approximately 80 to 100 guests for evening cocktails
Ongoing offers: None at the moment.
Website: www.cphongkong.com
EAST HONG KONG
Location: 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Island East, Quarry Bay
Name of event venue: Sugar
Sugar is a combination bar, deck and lounge on the hotel's 32nd floor that comes with an expansive al fresco terrace facing stunning harbour views. It offers signature and classic cocktails, tapas and nightly DJ-spun music.
Capacity: About 190 standing and 90 sitting
Ongoing offers: Sugar is available for private bookings during the day for exclusive lunches, teambuilding, launch events and socials.
Website: www.sugar-hongkong.com
HARBOUR GRAND HONG KONG
Location: 23 Oil Street, North Point
Name of event venue: The Viewing Deck
The Viewing Deck on the 42nd floor commands a panoramic view of the Hongkong Island skyline and Victoria Harbour. This venue is especially designed for guests to relax and network in a stylish enviroment. A large LED screen is available if needed by the client.
Capacity: Able to take up to 100 persons for cocktails and fit 10 tables comfortably for a banquet.
Ongoing offers: HK$50,000 (US$6,425) from 9am to 5pm and HK$100,000 (US$12,850) from 6pm to 12am
Website: www.harbourgrand.com/hongkong
HOTEL LKF
Location: 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
Name of event venue: Azure
Azure has three event venues, which are located on the 29th, 30th and 31st floor. There are two private rooms on the 29th floor – Bloom Salon and Azure Salon. The 39sqm Bloom Salon has a city view, but not the 29sqm Azure Salon. They are both equipped with an LCD TV, a DVD player, a projector and a wide screen.
Azure on the 30th floor looks out to Central’s skyline and the rest of the city. The 193sqm venue is equipped with a built-in projector and screen, four wireless microphones, and an outside terrace for smokers.
Capacity: The 29th, 30th and 31st floors can accommodate up to 100, 160 and 160 guests respectively
Ongoing offers: Rates for the 29th, 30th and 30 floors are HK$40,000 (US$5,140), HK$60,000 (US$7,710) and HK$30,000 (US$3,855) respectively.
Website: www.azure.hk
HOTEL PANORAMA
Name of event venue: Sky Garden
The Sky Garden, located on the 40th floor of Hotel Panorama, boasts a 270-degree unobstructed view of the Victoria Harbour. The hardware provided includes a wireless microphone, DVD player, LCD projector and screen and PA system. Smokers will be satisfied to find that the open-air terrace is for their use .
Capacity: Able to accommodate from up to 80 guests for cocktails.
Ongoing offers: HK$50,000 (US$6,435)
Website: www.hotelpanorama.com.hk
ARRIVING BY YEAR-END OR EARLY 2011
THE RITZ-CARLTON HONG KONG
Location: West Kowloon
Name of event venue: Nearing completion, this second hotel in the fast-rising West Kowloon precinct – W Hotel opened first – promises to be a destination in itself. The name of the venue has still to be confirmed.
Overlooking the Hongkong side of Victoria Habour, the venue occupies the 118 floor of the hotel – its topmost level. The bar measures 908sqm and will have indoor and outdoor spaces for entertaining. A LED wall is available in the private dining room.
Capacity: The seating capacity for the indoor area, including the two private dining rooms, is for 158, and for 30 in the outdoor area.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKongKowloon/Default.htm
Sarah Spaeth
