Shaking up the luxury travel scene in Hong Kong since it opened in 2009 is The Upper House. ‘A poetic upward journey into peace’ were the words spoken by appointed interior designer Andre Fu upon lending his creative vision to The Upper House, a property included in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2017 Gold List. A bastion of understated Asian design high above the city, the hotel is markedly focused on the visuals; polished bamboo, marble, velvet and limestone all come together to create an unerringly sleek finish, and what many consider to be Fu’s magnum opus.
Occupying the top ten floors of a skyscraper in a 1980s tower, The Upper House commands fantastic views over the historic Victoria Harbour; indeed, the beauty of Hong Kong lies in its contrasts – high design against age-old trading routes, and innovation against tradition. With only 117 rooms, the hotel has more of a boutique-feel, and boasts the largest entry-level rooms in all of Hong Kong at seventy square metres. The embodiment of technological flair, rooms are appointed with IPTV rather than a room service menu, and a television is discreetly hidden in the mirror of each bathroom – even check-in is managed through a wireless, hand-held terminal.
Residential calmness prevails here, and around each corner lie edifying artistic offerings in the form of intriguing sculpture or paintings, complementing Fu’s vision of serenity perfectly. Opting for a Penthouse is the premium choice for an iconic urban experience; after a day of delving into the treasures of Hong Kong, guests can reside in 182 square metres of splendour while enjoying panoramic river vistas from the luxury of the large L-shaped sofa in the living room.
Under the consultancy of Chef Gray Kunz, Cafe Gray Deluxe on the 49th floor is a modern European dining venue overlooking Victoria Harbour. Creating masterful blends of cuisine drawn from his experiences in European, Asian and American kitchens, Gray creates flavourful dishes with his signature creativity. Cafe Gray Bar features prestige wines and an impressive cocktail menu – try the aptly-named Earl Gray Martini or the Hong Kong Highball. The Lawn is a peaceful hideaway away from bustling Hong Kong. Situated on level six of the building, the bar is a secluded green space with the city’s stunning architecture as its peers.
