The Ritz Carlton had only open for around a week, and even though it had been on the list of contenders of hotels we might stay at during our vacation in Hong Kong, we decided to give the property a chance to run smoothly before considering it for an overnight. (Please see earlier reviews what we did in Hong Kong and which hotel won.) We still wanted to check it out, though.
The taxi ride wasn't very expensive, around 25 Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), ca 2.50 Euro/ 3.30 USD. We were dropped off at the entrance to company headquarters, like Deutsche Bank. Finding the hotel entrance wasn't so easy. We went nearly around the whole building, where there was another big entrance at the other side. There was still construction work going on and were told by security we couldn't go further and photographs weren't permitted. A little bit grumbling we went the way back we came and walked a little bit further. Voila: There was the entrance to the hotel and nice bell staff was greeting us. One member of staff accompanied us to the 103rd floor. The elevator ride was ear popping and the height impressive. We went to the Lobby Lounge on the 102nd floor, but there is also Tosca, the Chocolate Library, a Chinese restaurant, Ozone Bar (this is located on the highest floor, the 118th, open from 17.00 hours) and on the ground floor is Pastry Gems.
When we arrived at around noon, the bar/lounge wasn't busy. Business picked up, when we left around two hours later. We were greeted by a friendly host and brought to our table, an L-shaped sofa and table with stunning views over the harbor and Hong Kong Island. The previous occupant had dropped a bread crust and it was still there, when we arrived. We guess it had been overlooked and cleanliness shouldn't be a problem. The rest of the hotel was spotless. We put it down to starter difficulties.
A stunning feature in the bar was the huge chandeliers cum fire places.
The bar offers a large choice of Champagnes and wines by the glass, as well as cocktails and light meals. Being in a celebratory mood and feeling very privileged to be there, we chose a Blanc de Blanc (Champagne) by the glass. We also had water, chicken skewers and a green tea dessert. All was very good and ended up with a ca. 900 HKD or 90 Euro/116 USD bill. We explored the reception area and bought at the gift shop a hotel branded polo shirt and the same bath room amenity set as is on a hotel room. The company is Asprey (British) and very rare. At some stage Asprey was owned by the Sultan of Brunei, but he sold it.
Overall the hotel is modern, the staff attentive, welcoming, efficient and helpful. The public toilets overlook the harbor and are also modern.
One thing we noticed was already some scratches on brand new furniture and some wear of the carpet.
We liked the hotel, so we decided when we come back to Hong Kong; we are going to stay there.
Next on our agenda was the Elements Mall. Each part is named after one of the Chinese elements wood, fire, earth and water.
On the day we were there it was quiet and the most impressive item on display was a Mercedes completely studded with Swarowski crystals.
There are all luxury brands one could need. To our delight there was another Shanghai Tang. We checked it out and found new items beside their clothing line added. The pens and watches looked gorgeous. The perfume was to our liking, so we took two of them. Its green tea and citrus based.
After having enough of shopping we went to the W Hotel, our first visit to any W hotel. The staff wasn't intrusive and before going up from the ground floor to the 6th floor we checked out the gift shop. Unfortunately the t-shirts were made for very petite persons, so nothing for us.
On the floor of the elevator was a sign saying Good Afternoon. A nice touch. When we arrived at the desired level, we entered the Living Room. There is also an area designated for a proper reception desk. Customer's wanting to use the public toilet has to pass reception. All spaces are creative and contemporary.
I had water and a mock tail, my better half a molecular cocktail and we shared a chorizo dish. All was very yummy. At first I thought the furniture was going to be very uncomfortable. To my surprise it wasn't. The "Talent", as the staff is called, was attentive and very friendly. We paid the fewest with 500 HKD or ca. 50 Euro/65 USD.
Rested we made our way back with taxi to our hotel.
The next part is about our second visit to Taipei.
©2011
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