Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

BACKGROUND Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour is the first Hyatt Centric-branded property in the Greater China region and the second in Asia. It was formerly the Hotel Vic on the Harbour, but rebranded to Hyatt Centric in 2019, with the full refurbishment completed in autumn

2020. Hyatt describes Hyatt Centric as an upper-upscale lifestyle hotel brand.

WHERE IS IT? In North Point, a bustling neighbourhood known for its restaurants, cosy cafes and chic art galleries. It’s part of a mixed-used development, which also includes a shopping mall and it’s just steps away from the Ferry Pier and the MTR station making retails hubs like Central and Causeway Bay easily accessible.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? The 665-room hotel spans two towers – East and West. Leading up to the public check-in/lobby, there is stylish seating area with a glass ceiling that floods the space with natural light. Although I checked-in at the Club Lounge, I did notice a long queue in the public check-in area. A hotel spokesperson said the hotel was at 90 per cent occupancy due to the popularity of staycation packages during the mid-autumn festival long weekend in Hong Kong.

ROOMS I stayed in a Harbour View Deluxe Room with massive windows and stunning Victoria Harbour views. I was greeted with fresh fruit and Hong Kong’s iconic white rabbit candy on arrival. The room featured a king-sized bed, small sofa, coffee table, comfy chair, TV, international plugs by the bed, electric curtains, a Nespresso coffee machine and in-room refrigerator with drinks and snacks. I also noticed small labels reading “sanitised” on high-touch items including the telephone, TV remote controls and door handles. The bathroom was modern and functional, with lots of bright marble and lighting, a rain shower head, handheld shower sprayer and a bathtub by the window with great harbour views.

FOOD AND DRINK The hotel has a vibrant collection of dining experiences. Cruise is an elegant rooftop restaurant and bar serving a wide variety of Asian cuisine and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the Hong Kong skyline as its backdrop. The Farmhouse is a spacious and homely all-day dining restaurant and The Farmhouse Deli is a chic café serving pastries, cakes, coffee and a wide selection of teas. I dined at Cruise where I was served a six-course meal as part of a set menu designed for sharing. The restaurant has adapted to current times by placing transparent barriers between tables and providing diners with a face mask holder and antiseptic wipes.

FACILITIES For leisure, a 24-hour gym offering a VR fitness experience, 25-metre rooftop infinity pool, a sauna and steam rooms. The Club Lounge, located on the 22nd floor in the West Tower, serves breakfast daily and features plenty of seating, as well as a private meeting space. Once again, the sweeping views of Victoria Harbour are the highlight. The service here was very cordial and attentive.

VERDICT The location is excellent – ideal if you don’t want to stay in a busy Hong Kong neighbourhood like Central or Causeway Bay but require quick and easy access to both. The views of Victoria Harbour are breathtaking and the Club Lounge is great if you need a quiet and comfortable place to work. Seher Asaf

The views of Victoria Harbour are breathtaking