A Trendy Trip to Hong Kong: Welcome to The Upper House

Extra-Professional Service for an Unforgettable Experience

Our experience at The Upper House began as soon as we arrived at the airport. Following an impeccable greeting, we were guided to a car displaying the establishment’s logo and then welcomed to choose our dinner for the evening, which would be waiting for us as soon as we arrived in our room. All of this was included in the price of the transfer, a service which made an immediate impression on us (as it’s the first time we’d encountered something like it) and showed that The Upper House is a 5 star which focuses first and foremost on flawless, personalized service. Throughout our entire stay, a young and dynamic staff handled everything for us, from restaurant reservations to shopping recommendations. The hotel personnel pay attention to what’s new in exclusive Hong Kong experiences and are ready to share their savoir-faire with a smile.

A Top-Notch Location

As we arrived in the Central business district in downtown Hong Kong, we caught sight of the subtly concealed opening to the hotel. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the entrance evokes a curtain that opens as guests walk in. The hotel’s excellent location is ideal for a short stay to explore the city. Situated above the prestigious Pacific Place mall, it’s the perfect spot to do some upscale shopping, while the major tourist sites are easy to reach.

The Best Part: The Design!

Here there are no impressive lobbies or reception desks, but rather a quick and confidential in-room check-in, ideal if you don’t want to lose any time. It’s exactly the kind of service I love! Opened in 2009, The Upper House is the second establishment in the Swire Hotels group. It was designed by André Fu, a Hong Kong architect and interior designer who is well-known in his field. He created a sophisticated and modern residence, but it’s his philosophy that makes the place truly unique ‒ his design offers guests a journey in serenity, something that we felt as soon as we walked through the door. A large collection of contemporary artworks bring the finishing touches to his vision of tranquility, and guests can admire these pieces throughout the hotel as well as in the rooms and suites.

117 Minimalist Rooms with an Exceptional View

The 117 rooms and suites, split between the 38th and 48th floor, are absolutely astonishing with their extreme design. The rooms in the smallest category, called Studio 70, are already 68 m² ‒ among the largest in the city. Next up are the Studio 80 rooms, then the 21 suites, and finally two penthouses.

We stayed in one of the Upper Suites, which is the perfect option for a few nights in Hong Kong. At a spacious 115 m², it offers a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour. The suite features a contemporary, monochromatic design with natural hues, evoking the sobriety and subtle luxury of Japanese-style minimalism. As for the panorama, you can enjoy it anytime from anywhere, be it the living room sofa, the bed, or even the bathtub. A special mention for the bathroom, which is a veritable sanctuary of well-being: this enormous room includes both a shower and a bathtub, and offers a view so beautiful it will make your head spin.

The Café Gray, the Place to Be in Hong Kong

Just like the rooms, the Café Gray’s best feature is the incredible view. Towering over Victoria Harbour, the café offers a dazzling spectacle both day and night. As soon as you exit the elevator on the 49th floor, a skybridge overlooking the atrium 40 metres above the ground leads directly to the restaurant, which opens early in the day. The à la carte breakfast menu includes revisited classics, such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, salmon caviar with brioche, and quinoa porridge.

At lunch and dinnertime, the café becomes a trendy hotspot, well-known for its delicious cuisine but also for being the place to see and be seen! Businessmen and chic tourists flock here to try chef Gray Kunz’s cuisine, which is already famous in New York. The chef has created a menu full of European classics, but also signature dishes inspired by his travels in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In the evening, the café displays a muted ambience, and guests can sit back with a cocktail from the bar, or order one of the seasonal dishes on the menu. The chef uses organic products in his healthy menu, which offers vegan and gluten-free options. Here, diners can take care of their bodies without giving up the pleasure of eating!

Even without the superb view, the restaurant room is a marvel of design with its enormous open kitchen on the left and equally large bar on the right. Across from the restaurant is the Sky Lounge, with its central fireplace, comfortable sofas, and four-meter-high ceiling. This inviting space is the perfect spot, anytime of day or night, to kick back with a cocktail in hand.

And for Sporty Guests…

For sportier visitors, the fitness room with its technogym equipment helps you stay in shape while enjoying the view of the surrounding nature; yoga classes are also on offer from Friday to Sunday on the 6th floor, in a green space called “The Lawn.” As the hotel lacks a spa, you can order room service for facials and other treatments.

The Verdict

The Upper House is the place to go for chic and trendy travelers! The refined and minimalist décor by André Fu is a delight for design lovers, and the rooms and suites are both chic and incredibly comfortable. The view of Victoria Harbour is always a treat, whether it’s from the comfort of your own room or from the Café Gray, Hong Kong’s trendiest hotspot for foodies. This exclusive and stylish hotel is one of a kind!

• The design of the hotel, rooms, and suites: minimalist, trendy, and super original!
• The view: it’s just exceptional, especially when you can admire it from the bath!
• The service is impeccable ‒ the highly professional staff make you feel like a VIP!

• The home automation systems in the rooms are simply not intuitive.

Practical Information

Thank you to the Upper Houser for the invitation to explore their establishment.Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!