When it comes to most metropolitan areas, hotels are in abundance. This proves true for a destination like Hong Kong, where extravagant accommodations are located throughout the city. But the InterContinental Hong Kong in Kowloon, offers respite and relaxation from the bustling metropolis. We checked in and have the scoop.
What’s Hot: While yoga classes can be found anywhere, taking a Tai Chi class is unique. The slow-moving martial art practices the spiritual balance of yin and yang. It’s used to bring clarity and calm while wearing comfortable, breathable clothing, and flat shoes. On the hotel’s pool terrace, Master William Ng offers complimentary classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends. Private sessions can be requested, too.
Best Feature: The I-Spa on the third floor offers state-of-the-art massages and facials in a feng shui environment. Each guest has his or her own private sauna, steam shower, and Jacuzzi. Massages range from the Signature “Chi” Balancing Massages (90 minutes) to Earth Stone Therapy (90 minutes) to Holistic Organic Aromatherapy Massages (75 minutes). A fitness center is steps away on the same level.
The Rooms: The 87 suites all have harbor views. Of the 503 luxurious rooms, almost two-thirds overlook Victoria Harbor; the other one-third are in view of the landscaped pool terrace or outdoor swimming pool. Each room has an LCD TV, an iPhone/iPod dock, a safe, and a fridge equipped with a minibar. There are three signature suites: the Presidential Suite, Terrace Suite, and CEO Suite. The Presidential Suite has five bedrooms, a Jacuzzi and a terrace with a rooftop infinity pool -- all with spectacular views of the cityscape and nightly light show. Bonus: The hotel is closely located to the metro, bus station, ferry, shopping, markets, and museums, which proves to be an ideal location for exploring.
The Food: The hotel shines with the 1-Michelin Star SPOON by Alain Ducasse, open for lunch (Sunday) and dinner (Tuesday through Sunday). Another stellar dining option is the 2-Michelin Star Yan Toh Heen restaurant. The latter serves traditional Cantonese cuisine in a smart-casual environment. Dishes include a delicious Peking duck and towering desserts for sharing, like fruit in shaved ice. There are personal, smaller sweet plates such as frozen panna cotta with ginger ice cream on the menu, too.
Who Will Love It: The professional visiting for business or pleasure. Here, each room comes equipped with a complimentary “Handy” Smartphone. With the device, guests can make unlimited local and international calls to nine countries (including the U.S. and Canada), and access 3G Internet and interactive maps, to discover their new surroundings -- basically, it's like having a free cell phone while you're traveling in Hong Kong.
Who Might Not: Kids. Although the hotel is family friendly, the atmosphere isn’t ripe for playtime.
Nearby: The hotel is a five-minute walk from Harbour City, the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong. It has more than 450 retail stores and two movie theaters, in addition to more than 50 places to purchase food and beverages.
Deals and Special Offers: 1,000 bonus points for every night, when you book the 1,000 Bonus Point Package. Points can be used toward stays, brand merchandise, air miles, and more. Rooms start at $928 USD.
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Getting There: 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Cab from Hong Kong International Airport by flying on Cathay Pacific (from U.S. locations: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Newark, Los Angeles and Boston).
