The Upper House

"The Upper House, Hong Kong is a true urban sanctuary. Designed by the talented André Fu, the hotel exudes a tranquil vibe throughout. The rooms are modern and minimalist, striking the perfect balance between style and comfort. Studio 70 features a stunning limestone bathtub with a breathtaking view of the skyline — imagine sinking into a sea of bubbles as the city hums below. With luxurious Bamford amenities at your fingertips, this is the perfect place to unwind and recharge." - Faye Bradley

"For the vibrant scene Set in Admiralty (a slightly calmer slice of prize real estate wedged between Wan Chai and Central), The Upper House was the first hotel in Swire's swish House Collective and the property that made the name of Hong Kong interiors hotshot André Fu. From the discreet entrance to the vertiginous sky bridge which straddles a 48-story atrium, everything feels expensive. The rooms are some of the largest in Hong Kong, all done up in smooth ivory, bronze, and cognac tones with suave touchy-feely furnishings, precisely positioned art pieces and views of the harbor or Victoria Peak. In 2021, the hotel's only restaurant Cafe Grey Deluxe made way for a new modern Mediterranean restaurant Salisterra—also designed by Fu—helmed by 25-year-old chef and ex-Gordon Ramsey protege Cary Docherty, whose presence has made it harder than ever to bag a table. Unusually, there's no swimming pool or spa, but Bamford treatments can be arranged in your room and the Upper House's real appeal is its spoiling exclusivity." - Lee Cobaj

"Start us off with an overview: what were your first impressions?One of the most lavish addresses in all of Hong Kong, the Upper House combines a world-class hotel with ultra-sleek minimalist Japanese design. Atop the JW Marriott, but completely distinct from it, the Upper House used to be serviced apartments. Part of the Swire boutique collection of Houses (Opposite, Middle, Temple), its interiors were designed by Hong Kong wunderkind Andre Fu. Got it. So tell us about your room.Upper Suite. Crisp, clean design—with arresting metropolitan and marine views. Cushioned window seats, hippo-sized tub, Jacob Jensen alarm clock. Lights that switch on and off without any fiddling; a wide chrome handle to flush the toilet. I’d return like a shot. The backgammon board is a nice touch, even if you don’t play. The coffee-table book selection seems more for show. Say we're famished. What are our options?Gray Kunz has a restaurant on site. Immediate neighbors at dinner: Chinese tycoon grandparents treating their progeny; Mr. & Mrs. Cashed-Up Senior Tourist; couple on second or third date (he did most of the talking). Modern European cuisine. The lamb rack tagine with apricots, dates, and merguez is beautifully balanced and intelligently presented (Chinese grandpa looked across intently when it was delivered). Breakfast does a neat East/West tango: think congee with ginger and coriander, quinoa yogurt porridge with passion fruit. How did you find service overall?All guests are whisked upstairs; check-in is accomplished in a trice and the room how-tos courteously explained. That a maintenance worker paused in his task to wish me "good morning" and open the door to the lawn is the best service indicator. Imagine the other guests are part of a tribe. How would you describe them?Well-traveled, well-heeled, well-to-do. See above for dinner guests. What about the neighborhood? Anything we should know about this hotel's location?It’s atop Pacific Place mall, which is atop the metro station. Conrad, Shangri-La, JW Marriott in hailing distance. A swathe of retail, like Harvey Nichols, King & Country (model soldiers) all are nearby. Possibly the most comfortable cinema in Hong Kong, too. And there's the Hong Kong Park and aviary and tea museum next door. Trams (street and Peak) are within walking distance. Staying here, you get a genuine sense of the city. What's the one thing you'd change? Balconies are an impossibility, but one can dream. Anything else worth calling out?There’s no spa (yet: treatment salon in the works) or pool, but access can be arranged at sister property EAST, or nearby hotels. The Café Gray Bar is popular for aperitifs, sundowners, nightcaps, and any form of alcohol-accessorized socializing. Bonsai fitness center. The Sky Lounge is dedicated to general rest and recreation, but also regularly hosts talks and discussions. Sum it up for us: Worth it, and why?This is one of Hong Kong’s acupressure points: in the city, but set judiciously apart, hospitable and imaginative." - Ed Peters

"This sleek, boutique-like hotel—which offers spectacular views of the city—is inarguably one of the Hong Kong's best. Streamlined, but supremely luxurious rooms are just the first step: Each room offers a free mini-bar, replete with snacks and drinks, Café Gray up on a sky-scraping floor, and a great gym with floor-to-ceiling windows."

“I think it's the nicest, coolest hotel in Hong Kong. It's on the middle floors of a high-rise—the rooms start on the 38th floor. Hong Kong is this super-modern city nestled into a jungle, so you get beautiful views. At night, it's got a great bar. I have meetings there all the time. I've stayed there more times than I can count. Like, when I go, they say, ‘Welcome home.’ They're like family to me. One of the best bathrooms, too. Even for the regular standard rooms, they have this tub, surrounded by windows. I'm a bathroom snob, man. I think bathrooms make or break a hotel room. Sometimes I think the bathroom is more cozy than the room itself.” —Dr. Woo