Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong

Kerry Hotel

"How did it strike you on arrival?Sitting along the harbor front of Hung Hom in western Kowloon, the Kerry Hotel graces an overlooked area of the city—a former part of Victoria Harbor before the land completed reclamation seven years ago. Award-winning architect Andre Fu designed it to be a hub of leisure and business travel, which explains its 546 rooms, four restaurants and bars, and the largest assortment of meeting and event spaces in Hong Kong. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Thanks to its sheer scale and brand-new facilities (designed by award-winning architect Andre Fu, no less), the hotel lures business travelers and families—curious to explore the Hung Hom district, where a new MTR Station recently opened. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.More than 60 percent of the hotel rooms face the harbor—the rest overlook Kowloon and the mountain ridges of the New Territories. In the 420-square-foot Deluxe Sea View guests will find a contemporary room decked out in soft blues, grays, and warm wood accents. Out the full-size window, guests will not only enjoy glorious views of Victoria Harbour but will also get a peek of the manicured gardens, outdoor pool, and inviting terrace restaurants below. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?A king-size bed with a feather duvet and mattress topper will make it easy to fall asleep... but hard to get up in the morning. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The rooms at Kerry Hotel come full of surprises, from the complimentary mini bar to a Handy smartphone (loaded up with data and an electronic concierge services app), complimentary on-demand movies and Nespresso machine. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Sporting warm neutral hues and soft lighting, the marble bathrooms include a walk-in rain shower and separate tub. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Knowing business guests desire free Wi-Fi, the Kerry Hotel has answered the call with a strong signal across the property—even at the perimeter before entrance—and no password required. Room service: Worth it?When the elegant trolley rolls up to your door, you will be pleased with the professional presentation. On the menu? A selection of the restaurants’ best dishes, including everything from breakfast fare to Asian noodles, steaks, and kids’ menus. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The wellness center has something for everyone—a 25-meter outdoor heated pool with Victoria Harbour views, a 24-hour gym, and a spa. There’s also Big Bay Cafe for international dishes, Hung Tong for contemporary Chinese, Dockyard for an international food hall experience, and a spacious lobby lounge for locally inspired small bites and afternoon tea. Remote workers will gravitate to Kafnu, on the second floor, a community space that provides hot desks, meeting rooms, on-demand meals (and complimentary snacks and beers), and a slew of business services. If you’re still working come evening, ask about the secret whisky bar in the back. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Though the new metro stop makes this Hung Hom address easier to access, it still feels a world away from Central—for better or worse. But the trek is worth it: Once you’ve arrived, the views, gardens, terraces and spacious rooms will make you happy you broke out of downtown. We particularly loved our drinks at Red Sugar and could have sat on the terrace all day long, admiring the harbor view. Bottom line: worth it, and why?If you’re planning a business trip or simply looking for a luxury hotel with ample outdoor space in crowded Hong Kong, this is your best bet." - Kate Springer