BACKGROUND Opened in 2011, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is the highest hotel in the world. It is owned by development firm Sun Hung Kai Properties and managed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

WHAT’S IT LIKE Posh, chic and very modern. The Arrival Lobby on level 9 welcomes you to this stylish hotel with an elaborate light installation that falls from the ceiling like long drops of water. Palissandro blue marble is used across this area and the rest of the hotel, which can be reached by taking the lift to the reception on 103rd floor. Chinese art is interpreted in a contemporary fashion occasionally; hand-tufted wool and silk carpets complement an abstract depiction of a classic Oriental water-colour of running horses. Metallic walls, smart furniture and subtle lighting give this space a very sophisticated feel.

WHERE IS IT International Commerce Centre in west Kowloon. It’s five minutes driving distance from Central and 20 minutes away from Hong Kong Airport. Its location offers idyllic views of the city and Victoria Harbour.

ROOM FACILITIES Between floor 106 and 117 are its 312 guest rooms and suites. Room categories begin at Deluxe rooms (51 sqm), Grand rooms (66 sqm) and Club Grand rooms (51 sqm). Suite types are Deluxe (75 sqm), Premier Executive (116 sqm), Carlton (179 sqm) and The Ritz-Carlton suite (366 sqm). They are further divided as per views — Seaview or Victoria Harbour. My Club Deluxe room on the 109th floor overlooked a stunning view of Victoria Harbour, which I enjoyed at length over an espresso on the olive lounger beside the window. Next to this is the work-desk. The bed with feather-soft pillows faces a 42-inch flat-screen televisions fitted with a Blu-ray DVD player. Oriental touches are added subtly with flower motifs on linen. Rich fabrics in dull gold, browns and beiges are used to decorate the areas. An iPod docking station along with a 160GB classic iPod provide exceptional sound quality. The marble bathroom featuring Asprey bath essentials has a separate rainforest shower-head and bathtub — even an LCD television. Guests of Club rooms and above enjoy access to Club Lounge on the 116th floor that offers one of the best spectacles of the region. Services include six free F&B presentations daily along with a dedicated concierge, a library and a meeting room.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS I had heard all about the marvellous vistas from OZONE, the hotel’s bar — must admit it was only better in reality. It serves Asian tapas, Japanese specialities and signature cocktails. Tin Lung Heen serves Cantonese, Tosca — its Michelin-starred restaurant — is known for its southern Italian dishes and The Lounge & Bar is where breakfast is laid. Indulge in the signature chocolate afternoon tea at Cafe 103 or spoil yourself with exquisite caviar at Almas Caviar Bar — there’s something for everyone here.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The Ritz-Carlton boasts of more than 1,500 sqm of meeting and conferencing space that can be partitioned as per requirements. This includes a Ballroom (870 sqm) that features a 6-metre high ceiling. There are also five multi-purpose meeting rooms. All spaces have overhead and LCD projectors.

LEISURE FACILITIES An indoor infinity pool on the top floor of the hotel features 144 LED screens on the ceiling and faces an awe-inspiring panorama to swim alongside with. The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA with 11 treatment rooms overlooking majestic cityscapes is on the 116th floor — which makes it the highest hotel spa in the world. There is also an outdoor Jacuzzi and a 24-hour fitness centre.

VERDICT Discerning facilities with the most promising vistas make this one of the most sought after hotels in Hong Kong.

PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April started from HK$ 3,230 (₹27,862) for a Deluxe room.

CONTACT Elements, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road W, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong; tel: +852 2263 2263; ritzcarlton.com

Ravi Lalwani