The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

"For high style In the city credited with having more high-rises than any other (a staggering 9,000 compared to Chicago's measly 1,397), what could be more fitting than sleeping, swimming, spa-ing and eating at nearly 1,700 feet above sea level? Far from a marketing ruse, the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is one of the sexiest, most sophisticated hotels in town. Sumptuous rooms, set between floors 104 and 116, have window seats where you can peer down on Victoria Harbour, the old Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter, and the new West Kowloon Cultural District. From this height, the new development looks like a miniature village but houses the mammoth M+ Museum, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the Xiqu Centre Cantonese opera, art parks, gardens, and a new waterfront promenade. Add club lounge access to your room if you can (it's extremely generous and superb quality). Alternatively, there's an Italian restaurant and a Cantonese restaurant on the 102nd floor (both with Michelin stars) and Ozone Bar on 118." - Lee Cobaj

"Given all the skyscrapers in Hong Kong, there are a lot of impressive views to be had. One of the best can be found at Ozone, at the top of the Ritz-Carlton on the 118th floor of the ICC (International Commerce Center) in Kowloon. This is the highest bar in the world. Possibly because of that, it can feel a bit pretentious and drinks are expensive. But grabbing a pre-dinner drink up here is an essential Hong Kong experience." - jess basser sanders

"How did it strike you on arrival?The crown jewel of Hong Kong’s International Commerce Centre (ICC) in West Kowloon, the Ritz-Carlton occupies the 102nd through 118th floors, right atop the Elements Mall. There is an adjacent MTR station but let’s be honest—most visitors are pulling up in Rolls Royces. A ground-floor lounge welcomes visitors with sky-scraping ceilings, plush couches, and a patisserie. The city's fastest elevator will zip you to the 103rd floor where check-in, diamond jewelers, and four restaurants await. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The hotel draws so many tourists up to its Ozone bar (the highest hotel bar in the world at 1,607 feet above sea level) that it’s hard to know for sure who’s staying overnight and who’s passing through for a drink. But given the hotel’s direct access to the ICC offices, you can expect a big contingent of corporate types. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.All 312 rooms and suites promise at least 540 square feet of space—some face Victoria Harbour, others the South China Sea. In the Club Deluxe Victoria Harbour Room, an east-meet-west design feels rich and warm, all burgundy, deep green and beige. Leather-paneled walls add to the luxe feel, as does the skyline view from the comfortable workspace. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed—king-size mattress, 400-thread-count linens, down pillows—felt amazing. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Each room includes a Nespresso coffee machine, premium teas, 42-inch flat screen LCD TV and an iPod docking station. The Club rooms and suites offer access to the 24-hour Club Lounge on the 116th floor. Club Lounge access is worth it for the all-day perks, beginning with complimentary breakfast, refreshments and snacks, afternoon tea, happy hour, plus express check-in and check-out services. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The luxurious marble-tiled bathrooms come well equipped with fluffy bathrobes, double vanities, rain showers, and a corner tub with an LCD TV built into the wall, so that you can catch up on the news (or Game of Thrones) while you soak the day away. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free and speedy Wi-Fi keeps guests (and visitors) happy. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong hosts an impressive lineup of far-flung flavors, from beautiful Italian creations at Michelin-starred Tosca, classic Cantonese at two-Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen, a popular afternoon tea at Cafe 103, and all-day dining at the Lounge & Bar. Ozone bar might be best known as Hong Kong’s highest watering hole, but it’s actually home to a restaurant as well. Diners can sit inside the avant-garde space for Asian tapas, sushi or a leisurely Sunday brunch. No matter where you dine in the hotel, you’re guaranteed unmatched views of Victoria Harbour. Up on the 116th floor lies the Ritz-Carlton Spa—one of the most luxurious pampering pads in the city. There are nine treatment rooms (including two spa suites), all with harbor views. But before your signature body treatment (try the warm lava shell massage for tense muscles), head for the crystal steam bath and experience showers with settings like “Arctic mist” and “tropical rain” in the changing area. Before or after every treatment, guests are encouraged to settle in the relaxation room. The dimly lit lounge has reclining chairs with cashmere blankets, freshly brewed tea, and snacks like dried fruit, nuts and cookies. On the 118th floor, the hotel also has an indoor infinity pool and a spacious gym—both overlooking the harbor. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The only criticisms we can muster about the Ritz-Carlton is the concentration of tourists roaming about the lobby waiting to visit the Ozone bar and the less-than-ideal location. Unless you're working in the ICC, West Kowloon doesn’t offer much to do other than shop at Elements mall. There’s also a lot of construction in the area, which makes walking around on foot difficult. That said, the location does have one big plus: It’s right atop the Airport Express Kowloon station, about 15-20 minutes from the airport. You can check your bags at the stations, so you don't have to carry them to the airport. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The Ritz-Carlton's Hong Kong location doesn't disappoint: Expect Michelin-starred restaurants, spacious rooms, panoramic harbor views, and superlative service from start to finish." - Kate Springer

"Nate Green, Executive sous chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong shows off his recently-acquired dad bod in his #10yearchallenge, complete with his adorable daughter." - Karyn Wong

"Sky-high luxurious rooms with free Wi-Fi are located on floors 102 to 118 of The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. Towering over Victoria Harbor, it’s home to the highest bar in the world and five restaurants..." - The MICHELIN Guide