What’s it like? Asia-Pacific’s first Conrad – the luxury brand of Hilton Hotels – is not shy about its intentions. Its logo is blazoned on the outside of the building and a grand lobby leads to a bank of elevators, which whisk you up to the extremely high accommodation (this is not a hotel for vertigo sufferers). Immediately on arrival my bags were taken, check-in was quickly achieved and I was in my room within five minutes – a relief after an overnight flight from London.
Where is it? At Pacific Place, easily accessed by the MTR Admiralty Stop (Island Line), and also on the route of the free Airport Shuttle bus from Central Station where the Airport Express train drops you. It is one of three high-rise luxury hotels above this high-end shopping centre (the others being the Island Shangri-La and the JW Marriott). All opened at the beginning of the 1990s, and the Conrad is just finishing an extensive renovation. The hotel has direct access to the shopping mall at Level -3, with a health club, ballroom and Garden Café on the level below the lobby.
How many rooms? 513, with 46 suites. Five floors are executive, 18 non-smoking.
Room facilities All rooms have spectacular views of either the harbour or the green mountain behind (Victoria Peak), and since they are on floors 40-61 (private apartments take up the other floors) there are few buildings high enough to block the view. Sizes start at a generous 42 sqm (Superior), with interior design meaning that some beds face the window, while others are at an oblique angle to it. Standard facilities include Bose CD players and radios, dual-line telephones with international direct dial, electronic safes, bathrobes, ironing equipment, slippers, satellite and cable TV. There is both wifi and broadband internet access, though I found the wifi coverage to be patchy in the rooms – wifi is free in public areas, but in rooms costs HK$120 (£7.50) for 24 hours. All rooms have large marble bathrooms with separate toilet and tub, and Elemis toiletries. Floors 57-61 house the Executive Rooms, which include access to the lounge on the 61st floor, dedicated check-in, butler service, four pieces of ironing, and complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails daily. There is also a private meeting room available for an extra charge.
Restaurants and bars The Italian fine-dining restaurant and bar on the eighth floor – Nicholini’s – was closed for refurbishment when I stayed, but has now reopened. There is also a French “Brasserie on the Eighth”, the Chinese Golden Leaf Restaurant, and the Garden Lounge on the lower lobby level with outdoor seating. Lastly, the lobby lounge serves a buffet lunch, high tea and a late-night buffet on Fridays and Saturdays. There are also dozens of restaurants in Pacific Place.
Business and meeting facilities The business centre provides offices with a computer work station and high-speed internet access, portable computer rental, mobile phone rental, translation and full secretarial service. The hotel also offers one of the city’s largest pillar-free ballrooms, and a dedicated floor of 11 meeting rooms.
Leisure facilities There’s a good-sized gym on the lower level, and an outdoor swimming pool (open 0600-2200).
Verdict A worthy flagship for Conrad in Asia-Pacific. The staff are excellent and any problems are quickly dealt with.
Price Internet rates for a midweek stay in November started from HK$4,410 (£278) for an Executive Room, including breakfast (48-hour cancellation).
Contact Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong; tel +852 2521 3838; conradhotels.com.
