Background
This upscale property began life as Hotel Vic on the Harbour, owned by Sun Hung Kai Properties. In 2019 it was rebranded as the first Hyatt Centric in the Greater China region, with a grand opening in early 2020 – very unfortunate timing as the pandemic hit soon after.
Where is it?
Right on the waterfront in Hong Kong Island’s North Point district, between Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay. Next door is the Harbour North shopping and leisure complex, the MTR station is steps away, as is the North Point Ferry Pier (with ferries to Kowloon) and a well-connected bus terminus.
What’s it like?
The 665-room hotel comprises East and West towers, connected by a glass-roofed corridor on the second floor. It’s a pet-friendly hotel and there is also a dog-walking area on this level.
Rooms
There are three room types and two suite types. I was in a 31 sqm Harbour View Deluxe King room on the 22nd floor. It actually felt much bigger because of huge windows on two sides, with panoramic views over Ocean Terminal (where Kai Tak airport used to be) and Tsim Sha Tsui. All rooms have harbour views to some degree.
The room décor is a mix of greys and light wood. A frosted glass partition behind the bedhead features a stylised map of the North Point area. There’s an air-purifying UV filter in the corner of the room and two bins, with one marked for recyclable items. The wall-mounted, 49-inch TV is at a slight angle to the bed, which has USB ports on both sides.
A circular coffee table and low easy chair are in the corner by the window, with two USB ports and sockets, and a standing lamp. These are more for relaxing than working, although I managed to use my laptop for short periods (the complimentary wifi was faultless).
This room is well stocked with useful amenities, including electric blackout blinds for the huge windows, a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, a Nespresso coffee machine (these are in all rooms), a Chinese-style kettle, comfortable double-lined robes and a shoe-shining kit.
The bathroom is tiled in black-and-white marble, with a separated section containing a rainforest shower and bath with a small TV built into the wall if you don’t want to look out over the harbour while you soak. Refillable containers reinforce the hotel’s sustainability message, and there’s a box of locally designed bathroom amenities too.
Food and drink
On the 23rd floor of the West Tower is Cruise, an excellent Asian fusion restaurant with an outdoor roof terrace offering fantastic views. On the second floor is all-day restaurant The Farmhouse, where an extensive buffet breakfast is served, and the Farmhouse Deli for hot drinks, pastries and cakes. Access to the Victoria Harbour Lounge on the 22nd floor is only available to guests staying on the 22nd and 23rd floors.
Meetings
There are no dedicated meeting spaces at the moment, however a section of Victoria Harbour Lounge can be booked for eight people, and three guestrooms on the 23rd floor can be booked as Meeting Suites for up to eight hours.
Leisure
On the top floor of the East Tower is a 25-metre outdoor infinity pool, and a 24-hour gym with two virtual reality exercise machines (pre-booking required). There are also steam and sauna rooms but they were closed due to government Covid regulations when I visited.
Verdict
With fantastic views from all rooms, this is a surprisingly attractive hotel at its price point, boasting elements worthy of the luxury sector. An impressive overall package.
FACT BOX
- Best for Superb views and a high-end feel at a great price
- Don’t miss Dinner or drinks on Cruise’s outdoor terrace
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in May start from HK$2,900 (£307) including taxes and fees for a Harbour View Deluxe King room
- Contact 1 North Point Estate Lane, North Point, Hong Kong; +852 3762 1234; hyatt.com
