Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong
The setting, super-attentive staff and exciting culinary corners make this high-rise the star of an ever-expanding skyline, writes Steve Taylor.
The hotel
While lofty neighbours crane and seemingly shuffle each other aside for a view of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon beyond, here’s the No. 1 ticketholder settled into the front-row seat, taking it all in. On the foreshore of Hong Kong Island, the Four Seasons (hotel.qantas.com.au/fourseasonshongkong) makes the most of its vantage point in this frenetic city. From the cavernous foyer, through to the rooms, restaurants, bars and its swirling summit, the hotel throws large frames around the kaleidoscope below. Grab a seat in this lustrous establishment and watch what Hong Kong does best: get busy.
The room
We’re yet to see a domestic flat screen as big and vibrant as the window of Deluxe Harbour-View Room 2601, a generous space of lacquered panels, pastels and plump furnishings. In a city with some of the smallest apartments in the world, you could swing a dragon in this room. Let’s face it, though: how much time are you going to spend here when the Four Seasons is an escalator skip from the IFC Mall’s floors of international luxury brands? At the end of your spree, soak away the shopping miles in the tub of your marble bathroom. When you emerge, catch the nightly laser show dancing across the Kowloon cityscape.
The lowdown
Number of guestrooms 399, from rooms with views of The Peak and harbour to the Presidential Suite Check in/out 3pm/noon
Food and drink Michelin stars shine here: three at Cantonese showcase Lung King Heen and two at the sumptuous Caprice, now under the masterful baton of Guillaume Galliot. Caprice Bar is a sea of suits from 5pm but the ground-level Blue Bar draws a more relaxed crowd. Water Two free 500ml bottles
Minibar Ruinart champagne, Tsingtao and Heineken beers, juices, coconut water and soft drinks
Room service We ordered the club sandwich– its hallmark ingredients wedged between crisp wheat toast, cut into four. It was rolled in on a white-tablecloth-covered trolley in 19 minutes flat.
TV and movies 74 TV and two free movie channels
Bathtub Yes, with a small flatscreen TV on the wall
Amenities L’Occitane body milk, shampoo and conditioner Bathrobe Fluffy, white and cotton
Pillow menu Yes, plus mattresstopper options
Wellness The spa, open 8am to 11pm, has steam rooms and private suites. The gym features a Pilates reformer to reinstate your core post-flight. It’s open 24 hours.
Business facilities There’s a fully staffed Executive Club Lounge on the 45th floor, as well as a business centre and meeting rooms. The stunning Pool Terrace is a discreet destination for deal-makers. Wi-fi Free for standard usage
The housekeeping test An iron and ironing board were delivered in nine minutes and 25 seconds.
Price From $HK4250 (about $700), plus 10 per cent service charge
Concierge test The helpful staff’s best tip: check your luggage onto your flight at neighbouring Hong Kong MTR station. Explore and shop until you’re ready to take the 24-minute train trip to the airport.
Ask for… a Club Premier HarbourView Room. The tariff includes use of the Executive Club (for two)
Verdict Worth every cent