With investors and major cities around the world constantly vying for the tallest building, defending the title of “tallest hotel in the world” is no easy task these days. After all, the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong has been able to officially call itself that since its opening in March 2011. The building itself was designed by the architecture firms Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC New York (Shanghai World Financial Center or the MoMa extension) and Wong & Ouyang (Hong Kong) and is located directly on the Kowloon harbor basin. The 312 rooms, all located between the 102nd and 118th floors, are united by the magnificent view over the city – admittedly, you have to be lucky with the fog given the height.
It takes less than 52 seconds to take the elevator to the lobby level on the 103rd floor, which is also home to several gourmet restaurants. With its combination of Western and Asian design, the hotel attempts to create a meeting point for both cultures. Hand-knotted wool and silk carpets with cartographic patterns are used to keep the atmosphere of public spaces warm and intimate.
The guest rooms feature discreetly placed accessories with oriental accents, such as floral motifs in the carpet or Chinese jewel chests in a bright Mandarin/silk effect. The highlight is the rooftop bar “Ozon”, located 490 meters above sea level – the highest bar in the world. Here you can enjoy Asian tapas, Japanese specialties and excellent cocktails with an evening view over the city. Tokyo-based interior designer Masamichi Katayama – who is already responsible for the design of the Nike and Uniqlo flagship stores in Berlin with his agency Wonderwall – was also at work on this project.
Those seeking further relaxation should not miss the spa and pool area on the 116th floor. It goes without saying that it is probably the highest pool in the world. Price for a deluxe room from HK$ 7,600
Address
The Ritz-Carlton,
Hong Kong International Commerce Center 1
Austin Road
West Kowloon, Hong Kong
www.ritzcarlton.com/hongkong