What's it like? Opened at the end of 2005, this is a bright and design-conscious addition to the burgeoning Four Seasons's empire of five-star hotels in international locations. All the normal Four Seasons elements are here: faultless service, high-tech but intuitive room facilities, fine-dining restaurants and a resort-style spa and fitness facilities. Extras include the long-stay apartments of Four Seasons Place in the neighbouring tower and the banqueting facilities, which have ensured that the hotel has quickly become part of the high society – and business functions – of Hong Kong.
Where is it? In the International Finance Centre (IFC) on the Central waterfront, convenient for both the Airport Express station (with check-in facilities), the MTR and the corporate headquarters located in Central. The IFC Mall has good shopping, including Lane Crawford, as well as restaurants and a cinema.
How many rooms? 399, including 54 suites. Basic size is 45 sqm, with Executive Suites measuring 68 sqm.
Room facilities All rooms have floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows with views either of the city (Peak views) or Victoria Harbour, and it's hard to decide which is the more breathtaking from the higher floors. Room styles divide between contemporary Western and a modern take on traditional Chinese décor. All rooms have marble bathrooms, deep bathtubs with built-in LCD screen, separate glass-walled showers, private WC with telephone, and a 42-inch plasma screen TV in the main bedroom. Good work areas have high-speed internet access, and if you opt for the executive club lounge (HK$700/£45.50) you have free local calls, in-room internet access and a pressing service for clothes as well as access to a 24-hour business centre, full breakfast buffet, cocktails, evening canapés and all-day refreshments, and a choice of three private meeting rooms with the first hour free.
Restaurants and bars On the fourth floor, Lung King Heen is classic Cantonese cuisine reinvented for contemporary gourmets and is one of the finest restaurants in the city under chef Yan Tak Chan. Caprice, on the sixth floor with harbour views, is the French fine-dining option and has an unbeatable wine list. Breakfast is in the ground floor lounge.
Business and meeting facilities On the 45th floor with several rooms for private meetings, including a stunning corner meeting room. The hotel has two ballrooms with harbour views.
Leisure facilities A huge 2,000 sqm, two-floor facility with an oxygen-enriched yoga studio, 18 treatment rooms (10 with vitality pools), and a harbour-facing fitness centre with individual stereo systems and televisions/DVD players over the cardiovascular machines. On the sixth floor there are three swimming pools (heated during winter) – the lap pool has underwater speakers. There's an extra charge for yoga and pilates classes (HK$220/£14.30 per person); tai chi is free to hotel guests.
Verdict A superb hotel, good for both business and leisure, with the poolside options, and fitness and spa facilities. Particularly strong for large functions.
Prices Fully flexible internet rates for a midweek stay in early March started at HK$4,859 (£316) for a harbour view room.
Contact 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3196 8888, fourseasons.com.
Tom Otley
