17 Science Museum Rd

Hotel Icon

"How did it strike you on arrival?The look here is stylish eco, anchored by the tallest vertical garden on the continent, which towers over Green café, soaking up natural light from the triple-height lobby. Creative professionals populate the café as well the outdoor pool, which appears to spill into Victoria Harbor. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The stylish and eco-friendly hotel seems to be popular among travelers who have a penchant for great design, sustainability—or simply like the idea of supporting a training hotel where students can work in a real hospitality environment. We noticed quite a few fashion and creative professionals working in the business center during the day, and several enjoying a romantic date night at Above & Beyond restaurant. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Of the 262 guest rooms, we chose the Club 80 Suite for a few reasons, namely the 280-degree views of Hong Kong’s skyline, complimentary Tesla Model S transfers and afternoon tea (which come with any Club room or suite). While some sport better views than others, the rooms share a contemporary aesthetic—picture retro-inspired egg chairs, open concept rooms, and dedicated office spaces. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Next to the comfy bed you'll find an accommodating pillow menu. On the list? A choice of foam, health care, natural lavender-scented, buckwheat, bamboo charcoal and allergy reduction. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The homegrown design hotel seems to totally understand millennial and business travelers, from the electric fleet of Teslas to paperless check-in, speedy Wi-Fi to the free minibars, portable power bank, and complimentary Handy smartphone (which you can take with you to stay connected around town). Throughout the day, guests flock to the outdoor pool—which appears to spill into Victoria Harbor. Right behind the pool, there's a spacious gym, where you’ll find a mix of cardio machine, squat racks, and yoga accessories. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Our open-plan room included a stand alone rain shower, bathtub, two vanities, and a separate toilet. We loved the strong water pressure and the interesting amenities, including an energizing eucalyptus shower gel that woke us up every morning. Instead of your usual white cotton bathrobe, Hotel ICON provides sweatshirt-like robes with hoods. They must get a lot of positive feedback, because they’re available for purchase ($150 a pop) should you be looking for a souvenir. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Hotel Icon understands travelers’ needs—particularly the need to be round-the-clock connected. You can expect fast and free Wi-Fi as well as a few handy touches in the rooms, such as an in-room printer, and outlets in all the right places. Room service: Worth it?You’re in good hands when it comes to room service. Hotel Icon is home to Above & Beyond, one of Hong Kong’s top Cantonese restaurants, and tasty breakfast spreads from The Market. While the in-room dining menu traverses the globe, we’d recommend sticking to Asian specialties, such as wonton noodles, fried rice with XO sauce, and Hainan chicken rice. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The young staff (many of whom are students at Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management) are friendly and genuinely concerned about all the details—a testament to the hotel’s reputation as one of the best training hotels in the world. Since we stayed in a club room, we had access to the contemporary club lounge and dedicated service desk. The club's concierge is a total whiz, directing us to hyper-local restaurants and picking up the phone to make bookings for us. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.While you're there, be sure to dine at least once at top-floor Above & Beyond Cantonese restaurant, where you'll have excellent harbor views. We’d recommend visiting the restaurant for dim sum or a Cantonese-inspired afternoon tea, which will surprise you with an array of dynamic flavors and textures. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The only downside about Hotel Icon is the slightly awkward location in Hung Hom, just west of Tsim Sha Tsui. To reach the hotel, you'll have to trek through the metro for at least 10 minutes or risk the grinding traffic outside. Bottom line: worth it, and why?From the award-winning dinners at Above & Beyond to the spacious rooms, complimentary devices, and smart staff, Hotel Icon is one of the best-value hotels in Hong Kong." - Kate Springer