Hong Kong Editor Picks

With tree-like columns in the lobby and the four elements represented in the 393 rooms in the form of fire red and forest green color schemes, huge windows that frame the sky, aquariums (in Extreme WOW suites), and lacy leaf filigree patterns gracing the borders of mirrors and pillows, the W is a nature-inspired oasis. When it opened in August 2008, the tranquil property was a welcome addition to hectic Hong Kong’s slick hotel scene. Names leave little to the imagination so WET (the pool) and SWEAT (the gym) speak for themselves, and it doesn’t take much to realize that KITCHEN is the all-day diner and FIRE is where you go for fine, evening dining to the tune of steak and seafood. Bliss is not your usual spa with tranquil meditation music. Instead it’s jazzy tunes and movies that keep spa-goers relaxed while enjoying a Ginger Rub or a Hangover Herbie.

Hong Kong’s first and most famous hotel essentially invented a standard of service that the rest of the world’s hotels are still trying to match.

2008 SMART LUXURY WINNER
Unparalleled Service

This Hong Kong institution traces its colonial roots from 1928, but there’s nothing outdated at this luxury property: Rooms are done in classical décor and furnishings, but in-room broadband Internet, plasma TV, CD and DVD player add modern conveniences to the renowned luxury. Afternoon tea in the lobby café is redolent of decadent 1930s Hong Kong, while luxury-brand connoisseurs can shop at the exclusive ground floor mall. Exquisite French cuisine is served on-site and in style at Gaddis, while perfectly mixed cocktails are sipped at the served at Felix. For relaxation, there’s the ESPA spa; for adrenaline-junkies, the helicopter city tour from the rooftop heli-pad. See more Smart Luxury Award winners

 

Tucked away in a corner of the hip Causeway Bay district, Jia – Philippe Starck’s first Asia hotel – drips with style and glamour. The name means “home” in Mandarin, and the 54 chic suites cater to guests with distinctly upscale living standards. It disregards traditional hotel niceties (such as an entrance sign), opting instead for high-concept eclecticism – expect Venetian chandeliers, plump satin armchairs, goose-down duvets, and marble bathrooms. Hi-tech facilities include flat-screen TV, DVD and VCD home theater system, refrigerator, electric stove, and Smeg microwave. Extra touches include free broadband Internet and free local phone calls, an open-air second-floor sundeck, and VIP entry to Hong Kong’s very exclusive Kee Club, about a 15-minute cab ride away.

Relive the colonial past as you sip a cup of Earl Grey in the lobby of the elegant Peninsula Hotel, opened in 1928. If the fleet of Rolls Royces outside doesn’t impress you, the effortless glamour inside this “Grande Dame of the Far East” certainly will.

For a fascinating primer on the last 400 million years of Hong Kong history (no kidding!), this state-of-the-art museum is a must.  Collections encompass culture, natural history, and archaeology, and include exhibits showcasing traditional costumes, burial objects from the Eastern Han dynasty, and historical stamps.

These iconic wooden ferries have been plying Victoria Harbor since the late 19th century and you simply can’t visit Hong Kong without boarding one of them. Take the route between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui for staggering views of both skylines.

This much-buzzed-about upscale shopping center features high-end stores like Lucky Jeans and Gucci, dining, a state-of-the-art cinema, a gourmet supermarket, and even an ice rink. It’s an excellent way to spend a dreary day and is a true introduction to Hong Kong culture.

Nibble on creative dishes like roast pork with fennel and cabbage, or the wonderful passion du...more

Northern Chinese-style dumplings – either boiled or fried, depending on how healthy...more

Famous for allowing – nay, encouraging – its patrons to dance on the bar, this Hong Kong landmark all but guarantees a good time. As a side note, they don’t just have Happy Hour, they have Crazy Hour (6-7pm), when all drinks are spectacularly cheap (less than $3.50).