The World's Highest Hotel: Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong Preps for March 29 Opening

Back in 2008, Ritz-Carlton closed the doors to its hotel in Kowloon and started fueling speculation about a new property in the pipeline. “Certain to become one of the icons in the global hotel industry,” said Forbes. “Seven stars” and counting, pointed out Business Week. One thing’s for certain: When the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong opens next week, it will have staggering views from its lofty perch above the sparkling city. Located on the top floors (102-118) of the International Commerce Centre, a skyscraper that soars 1,575 feet above the city, the new Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong will soon be the world’s tallest hotel, higher than the Park Hyatt Shanghai and the Armani Hotel Dubai in the soaring Burj Khalifa.  

Needless to say, each of the 312 guest rooms will offer spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Guests can also eat while gazing out over Hong Kong at one of six dining venues starting on the 102nd floor. Ranging from traditional Chinese to Italian delicacies, soothing cups of tea to creative cocktails, these outlets have got their bases covered. There’s already quite the buzz about OZONE, the sky-high rooftop bar. Sip and savor a martini (and the sunset) while international DJs spin the soundtrack. 

Get a massage in the Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA and you’ll be privy to endless panoramas from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The 9,257-square-foot spa has nine treatment rooms and two couples’ suites. The hotel will also be home to one of the largest ballrooms in the city (we hear wedding bells!) In fact, the hotel had confirmed 20 bookings for wedding receptions by May 2010.

Hungry for more details? The hotel’s official website is showing availability for the “Grand Opening Package” which starts from HKD 4,888. The USA Today’s Hotel Check-In blog is providing a blow-by-blow countdown until the opening.