We were invited to visit the Club Lounge of the spanking new Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong for afternoon tea. When we arrived at the ground level entrance of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in West Kowloon, there must have been more than 20 people lining up just to get in. But with typical Ritz hospitality, free drinks were served to those in line. Luckily we were taken straight up to the 103rd floor to the hotel’s Reception Lobby and avoided the wait. The restaurants are located one floor below and we will be sure to come back and try the Italian, Tosca, very soon.
We were then quickly whisked up to the 116th floor, straight to the Club Lounge. On the center counter were some cheese, spoon sized appetizers and desserts to nibble on. There were also scones, oh yes, of course scones. We were seated at the Library Room, a comfortable and cozy environment perfect for a lazy relaxing afternoon. Great views of Stonecutters Island, Tsing Yi and Lantau Island in the distance. Numerous barges and ships dotted the busy Victoria Harbour shimmering under the late afternoon sun from the west. On the other end of the lounge, the Meeting Room presented stunning views of Hong Kong Island in a more formal setting.
A guided tour of the hotel took us to the Spa by ESPA on the same level, which had a HK$500,000/US$64,100 ‘organic’ art piece illuminating the reception area. We peeked inside one of the two couples’ suites and not only did it have its own shower and jacuzzi, there was a resting area with spectacular harbor views. Maybe we’ll spend our afternoon here next time instead. The swimming pool not only is the world’s highest, but has a huge video wall and ceiling allowing them to change the scenery or mood to suit any occasion. Pretty cool. We also visited the Junior and Premier Executive Suites. As expected, the views were spectacular and all corner rooms come with a telescope for guests to check out the city in more detail. Last but not least, we had to check out the highest bar in the world – OZONE. Serving Asian tapas and Japanese specialties on the 118th floors, this is also on our must-visit list.
A nice welcome return to the luxury hotel scene in Hong Kong since its departure in 2008. And with so many facilities to try, maybe the most effective way is to book a room and stay for a weekend 
The Ritz-Carlton
International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road West
Kowloon, Hong Kong
T: +852 2263 2263
W: www.ritzcarlton.com
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Signage on street level
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Floors 102 to 118 in ICC
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Reception Lobby on 103/F
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Library Room in Club Lounge
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Library Room in Club Lounge
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Take a closer look
110405 The Ritz Carlton - View from Library Room
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Meeting Room in Club Lounge
110405 The Ritz Carlton - View from Meeting Room
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Afternoon tea served
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Salad w/ mini balsamic vinegar pump
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Prawn salad
110405 The Ritz Carlton - HK$0.5M 'organic' light in ESPA
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Couples' Room in ESPA
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Pool surrounded by video walls
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Room signage, 111/F
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Junior Suite
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Junior Suite bathroom
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Premier Executive Suite
110405 The Ritz Carlton - Premier Executive Suite
110405 The Ritz Carlton - World's highest bar, OZONE
110405 The Ritz Carlton - World's highest bar, OZONE
110405 The Ritz Carlton - World's highest bar, OZONE
