Forget the usual luxury stay: The Upper House Hong Kong has it all – incredible views, flawless aesthetics, immaculate service, and suites so spacious that most others pale in comparison.
This hotel consistently ranks high in The World’s Best 50 Hotels list (in 2024 it came in at number five), and it’s easy to see why. Floating between the city’s famous skyscrapers and verdant mountains, high above the energetic pulse of the streets below – a stay at this high-design sanctuary spells pure sophistication amid Hong Kong’s vibrant rhythm.
The Vibe
There’s no stumbling into The Upper House Hong Kong. The meticulously crafted “journey” – from street-level intensity to elevated, ginger-verbena-scented calm – feels like stepping into a luxe private residence, forty-something floors above Hong Kong’s busy Admiralty District. Leaving the weight of the city behind, what’s striking is the sheer abundance of space. Ceilings soar some four-metres high. Public spaces are dramatic. There’s gorgeous art accenting every corner. And all this is thanks to sought-after architect and interior designer, Hongkonger André Fu, the design mastermind behind this gallery-like, zen hideout. But interiors aside, what makes The Upper House feel really special is its dedication to warm, personalised service that begins with a “welcome home” and extends throughout your stay.
The Rooms
Rooms at The Upper House are masterpieces in understated luxury. Each is vast, especially by Hong Kong standards, with even-entry level Studios offering guests the largest square footage in town. Spectacular city panoramas take centre stage, and truth be told, all 117 Studios and Suites should come with a warning: fall asleep here and you’ll find yourself dangerously dreaming about relocating to Hong Kong in pursuit of a glamorous city-centre life. With nighttime views so mesmerising, the glittering skyline might just keep you up; torn between the desire to slumber and the temptation to stay awake and soak it all in.
Beyond the views, the utterly divine bathrooms, complete with Bamford products, have earned The Upper House accommodations their swoonworthy status. They’re softly-lit, spa-like, spacious and seductive. And if you love a good bubble bath no matter the clime, welcome to your hotel Holy Grail. There’s no place on earth quite like these generous limestone tubs to unwind and enjoy the inevitable swirl of gratitude that comes whenever you pair a calm moment with some pinch-me aerial views. Amenities elevate the experience and include thoughtful touches such as ultra-cuddly robes, Dyson hair dryers, Korean face masks, yoga mats and “maxibars” loaded with complimentary drinks and snacks.
The Food + Drink
An exceptional á la carte breakfast at at Salisterra, the hotel’s contemporary restaurant on the 49th floor, serves everything from dragon fruit and watermelon salads to elaborate, emperor-style Asian sets. By day, it’s a gorgeous light-filled space where the vibrant blues of Victoria Harbour and the sky steal the show.
Come dusk, you’ll find a sumptuous setting, where soft bouclé banquettes beckon diners to melt back and enjoy Hong Kong’s iconic night skyline over an interesting selection of wines and Mediterranean-focused fare, the likes of which include delicate crudos, salt-baked sea bass and dark chocolate madeleines baked to order. If it’s drinks and nibbles you’re after, order in a Green Silk Martini with a side of Nduja arancini at Salisterra Bar, a sexy little lounge off from the restaurant that’s open until late and feels like one of Hong Kong’s best kept secrets.
Wellness
While you won’t find a traditional spa at The Upper House, wellness experiences are still very much available. In-room treatments, a 24-hour gym and complimentary weekend yoga cover the classics, but you can also enjoy a reimagined look at wellbeing, delivered by resident practitioners who offer everything from hyperbaric oxygen therapy and biological age tests to gut microbiome analyses and nutrition consultations.
In particular, spiritual girlies should carve out time during their Upper House stay for a Soul Session with Wellness Resident Joyce, the intuitive founder of Stone & Star. Together you’ll pull cards, talk birth charts, and explore the mystique of crystals while chatting self-discovery and empowerment. Afterwards, there’s no better spot than your serene Upper House suite to reflect and let any insights integrate.
The Little Extras
Residencies at The Upper House aren’t just for grown up guests. Playroom passes are available for little ones to frolic – or get pampered – in a sweet jungle-themed play space which also features a Children’s Nail Bar where peel-off manis, nail stickers and hand massages are on the menu.
The To Do List
Hong Kong brims with endless possibilities, and in such a concentrated city, you’ll only ever be 15 minutes away from anything you could possibly want to experience. By day, there are hundreds of hiking trails to consider, including one that winds its way up to the famous Victoria Peak (for gorgeous city and harbour views) – only a stone’s throw from The Upper House. Cultural spots like the Man Mo Temple are also close by, as is Central Pier, where for the princely sum of 65 pence, you can hop on the Star Ferry towards Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon for the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the scenic Avenue of Stars.
By night, when Hong Kong really comes alive, wander down to Central District to try one of the many, many sip spots featured among Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Not sure which? Bar Leone’s olive oil sour comes recommended – and if you’re looking for more insider picks, the hotel’s ‘House Locals’ will gladly advise. Alternatively, a night in at The Upper House’s Sky Lounge, featuring wine by the fire, can be equally delightful. And with some luck, your stay will coincide with a talk from the hotel’s Up Close guest speaker series whose past invitees have included the likes of shoe designer Christian Louboutin and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall.
Image credit: The Upper House, Hong Kong
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