The Upper House, Hong Kong

You’re fooled as you step into a suite at André Fu-designed The Upper House in the heart of Hong Kong. The large, elegantly furnished accommodations at this boutique hotel were once serviced apartments that have been completely redesigned and refurbished. Transformed seamlessly to a chic city hotel exuding a modern yet sophisticated vibe, the hotel is in many ways a retreat from the chaos of the city.

Set in Admiralty above an upscale shopping mall, The Upper House Hong Kong is among three five-star properties in the complex, but as the singular boutique hotel, it’s the smallest with just 117 rooms and suites. The rippled ribbon stone structure at the hotel’s entrance is immediately noticeable and the reception’s small but cozy confines simply provide a petite desk opposite a grey settee. After providing the relevant documents it becomes clear why the reception is so small:  the paperless check-in is completed in-room on a touch screen tablet – a common thread throughout the hotel, with iPod-operated electronics replacing traditional hospitality practices.

As the staff leads me up an escalator to my guest quarters, they explain the concept of the “Journey of Upward Discovery” which is embedded throughout the hotel. The ‘Upper Journey’ is a concept that combines Asian influences, art pieces and custom-made scents throughout the hotel bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to the place which rises high above Hong Kong’s cityscape. The tranquility is first apparent in the elevators, which lack a ‘close door’ button, easily considered blasphemy in hectic upper house Hong Kong!

We were happy to be upgraded to The Upper Suite, which is stylishly laid out. At 1,230 square feet, it’s spacious enough for an impromptu cocktail party with an oversized living and dining area extending from a covert entry, a sizeable bedroom and a 400 square foot spa bath.

Once you get over the blissful distraction of the stunning harbor view from the L-shaped windows in the sitting room, you notice the sleekly contemporary yet warm bespoke interiors fitted out in warm neutral tones. Chic and understated, they appear ageless. With check-in completed, the “Guest Experiences” staff, who handle everything in a one-stop ‘experience’, send a complimentary kettle of my favorite chrysanthemum tea to the room accompanied by a pot of honey.

Accommodations at The Upper House Hong Kong are some of the largest in the city in stark contrast to the rest of the city where an average standard room in a luxury hotel is less than half the size of the 730 square feet promised by Studio 70. Penthouses are huge and all rooms retain the view. The oversized bath contains a standalone soaking tub with flat screen television and an expansive rain shower.

Dining options are limited but still excellent. Café Gray Deluxe features fine European cuisine and boasts expansive views over the city and in-room dining is available with classics like a signature club sandwich and burger, both to die for. The hotel can arrange for weekend yoga sessions and a gym is available for those who want to stay in shape. The Sky Lounge, on the top floor adjacent to Café Gray Deluxe and connected via a sky bridge, is a relaxing retreat or alternative for a business meeting. On the mezzanine level, the Lawn, an outdoor oasis decked out in carpeted grass, is another great place to unwind with a cocktail or light bite.