Conrad Hong Kong
"How did it strike you on arrival?The open, window-wrapped lobby feels warm and welcoming. Depending on your perspective, the beige carpets and amber-hued lighting read dated or classic. Off to one side, a lounge brims with professional types having morning coffee or capping off the day with a glass of wine at the long mahogany bar. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Guests at Conrad are all business. You’ll see the odd couple or family here, but the majority of travelers are running off to meetings first thing. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The sizeable guest rooms start at 452 square feet and about 36 percent of them have a harbor view—the rest face Victoria Peak, another lovely view. We chose the 452-square-foot King Executive Harbour View Room so that we’d have access to the Executive Lounge. There we had private check-in, complimentary breakfast and nightly happy hour serving complimentary cocktails, wine, and snacks. The room, all soft neutrals and dark woods, has lots of nice touches including a Nespresso machine, a large TV, and best of all, full-length picture windows. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The king-sized bed had incredibly comfortable satin-striped sheets, a down mattress topper and cylindrical throw pillows that were both pretty and functional (they made great backrests for reading). There’s also a complimentary pillow menu. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Conrad provides products from Shanghai Tang from Hong Kong, Temple Spa from England, and The Refinery Skincare for Men by Aromatherapy Associates. Even though it's tailored for men, we loved the soy-based Refinery shampoo, body wash, and lotion. The fragrance is a divine mix of ginger, eucalyptus, and citrus. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.All bathrooms have double vanities, showers and separate tubs. At the end of every day, we looked forward to a session in the deep-soak tub and slipping on our plush robes and slippers. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Conrad doesn't let its business travelers down in the Wi-Fi department. It is fast and free from the moment you walk in the door. Room service: Worth it?Six restaurants and lounges under one roof mean tough choices when ordering room service. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The concierge was armed with a very useful "1/3/5" itinerary, which is the hotel’s calling card. It organizes what-to-do ideas into one-hour, three-hour or five-hour blocks—we referred to it several times during the trip and the concierge rounded out the list with a few ideas of his own. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Comprehensive services include a Health Club with an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Then there are the restaurants: Nicholini’s lures Italophiles with fine Northern Italian dining; the casual Garden Cafe serves Southeast Asian dishes poolside; Golden Leaf offers creative Cantonese and Brasserie on the Eighth does avant continental European. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?After a day of meetings, the Conrad feels like a refuge. The convenient location near Hong Kong’s top offices and restaurants is a selling point, and the harbor views seal the deal. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Business travelers will have everything they need at Conrad, from free Wi-Fi and excellent service to relaxing rooms, versatile restaurants, and a serious fitness center." - Kate Springer
