The Upper House - Hong Kong
Creating standout new hotels in major cities is no easy feat. Building a resort on a tropical island is more straightforward: with the right features—pools, beach access, a spa, restaurants and bars, leisure amenities, and good accessibility—paired with a competent team to operate and market the property, the right clientele will naturally follow.
But the world’s great cities present a different challenge. Landmark hotels are often woven into the city’s cultural and historical fabric—think The Carlyle in New York, Claridge’s or the Ritz in London, or the Copacabana Hotel in Rio. And for Hong Kong, its Colonial past birthed the iconic brands Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula. New arrivals can’t rely on luxurious suites and top-tier chefs alone; they must establish their own legacy.
The Upper House has built its reputation as one of the most lavish addresses in the city, combining world-class service with their streamlined minimalist Japanese design. One of four of Swire’s boutique and intimate collection of Houses (Opposite House in Beijing, Middle House in Shanghai and Temple House in Chengdu), its interiors were designed by Hong Kong virtuoso André Fu. The property also recently secured fifth place in the World’s 50 Best Hotels Awards list in 2024. Designed to evoke a residential ambiance, the space showcases a warm, subdued palette of oak and bamboo, complemented by Asian-inspired details and tactile abstract art. The aesthetic is timeless, and though it opened in 2009, the hotel feels as fresh and contemporary as ever before.
It’s Hong Kong, so the air is alive with the buzz of the city, and thrum of the zebra crossings below. Despite being located right in the thick of it above Pacific Place and Admiralty MTR station, the property exudes a sense of calm oasis right in the middle of the city. The property is also a mere 20-minute stroll from the lively Central district and the iconic Victoria Harbour. With sweeping views that extend to Kowloon and beyond on one side, and the lush greenery of Mid-Levels on the other, the property offers two distinctly contrasting, yet equally captivating panoramas.
When I returned to the city for my first time in 5 years earlier this month, it felt noticeably more quiet. After restricting international visitors for such an extended period, it’s not surprising that global interest has waned. European and American tourists, in particular, have yet to return in significant numbers. Despite this, the hotel has still maintained its vibrancy throughout.
In-room check-in and the welcome wagon
The property isn’t huge. There are 117 rooms, 21 of them suites, one penthouse and the palatial André Fu suite. But there is a sense of tremendous generosity and volume throughout, of airy grandeur and a new kind of intimacy. A pleasing paradox. Could it be the ceiling to floor windows and electric fireplace?
One of the standout features of the hotel is its commitment to being paperless. Instead of the typical reception check-in, all formalities are completed on an iPad right in your guest room. A member of the service team assists you through the process, ensuring a smooth experience. Your luggage is promptly delivered, and you are given a personalised tour of the room’s finer details. The entire arrival process, from entering the hotel to settling into your room, is completed in less than ten minutes—no long waits at the check-in desk.
The rooms are certainly a stand out. With a spacious 730 sq ft, even the entry-level options are the largest of their kind in the city, and they exude that understated luxury. The decor features muted, earthy tones with oak accents, while the low window sills are cushioned in grass-green fabric, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the stunning views. These spaces are minimalist yet calming, with thoughtfully hidden waste bins and attention to detail.
Expansive picture windows, cleverly angled to provide the best possible views, ensure you won’t miss the lack of a balcony. The bathrooms are generously sized, featuring rainfall showers, windows with beautiful oak panels, luxurious full-size Bamford toiletries, and indulgently soft velvet robes. The free-standing bathtub takes centre-stage, lined with bath salts, a neck pillow, and a television. I marinated here for about an hour on my first evening.
Bathroom views at The Upper House
During my stay, I was delighted by the thoughtful touches throughout: each room is equipped with a water tap, providing guests with fresh, filtered water in a sustainable manner; ample bedside charging points are conveniently located; every guest is gifted a chic toiletry bag filled with treats; and beyond wine and champagne, all snacks and drinks in the generously stocked minibar are complimentary.
Morning Pilates with Kaia Wellness
And whilst the hotel does not have an on-site spa or pool, you can still enjoy a range of wellness services from the comfort of your own room. With just a few hours' notice, you can arrange for services like hairstyling, massages, Botox treatments, massages, and even vitamin drips. The property collaborates on a rotating basis with global brands and fitness collectives which offer bespoke classes and treatments. During my stay, The Upper House hosted Kaia Wellness Collective, a boutique network of wellness experts from Los Angeles for an exclusive residency, offering a comprehensive approach to longevity-focused wellness.
The gym facilities at Upper House
Salisterra and its conjoined cocktail bar sits pretty on the 49th floor of the hotel, serving up Medditerranean fare. Jun Tanaka of 1* The Ninth in London previously consulted on the menu, but has most recently been taken over by Ricardo Chaneton of 1* Mono. It’s a great date spot, with wraparound views of the city and a cocktail menu to boot. The menu was simple, refined and well-executed. The madeleines are must-try, and our server kindly send them down to our room with a bottle of Barolo following dinner.
Dinner at Salisterra
Dinner and Afternoon tea at Salisterra
Breakfast on the 49th-floor restaurant redefines the concept of a power breakfast, featuring a thoughtfully curated menu with healthy, locally sourced options. Guests can also enjoy lunch and afternoon tea at the same location, and during my stay, the exclusive Net-a-Porter collaboration for afternoon tea was available, adding an extra touch of flair to the experience.
Breakfast at Salisterra
It might be the warm attentiveness that makes a stay here truly exceptional. This feeling permeates every aspect of service across the property. Throughout my visit, it was clear that the staff were committed to exceeding expectations, delivering hospitality that goes far beyond the generic. Overall, if you're looking for a luxurious and stylish hotel in the heart of Hong Kong, look no further than the Upper House. With its exceptional service, stunning decor, and top-notch amenities, it's truly the perfect place to stay for business or leisure travelers alike.
Thank you to Lottie and Anna at Perowne, and Lili at The House Collective for our stay.
Address: 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong