Conrad Hong Kong is the best property available for Hilton members in the city. The Hilton footprint is very much lacking over here as compared to other chains. Hong Kong could certainly do with a Hilton and DoubleTree too. There are two properties in the city. The Conrad is located on the Hong Kong Island side of things in Admiralty while the Hilton Garden Inn is located in Mongkok. I stayed at the HGI earlier on the previous trip and it is a very good property too. Check out my review of it here. With that being said, the Conrad is a huge upgrade over it but this is also very apparent in the rates too as Conrad goes for around 600 SGD a pop. I wanted to check off this property to review it and I also had an Amex credit that makes it a lesser blow to my wallet. I love staying on the Hong Kong Island side of things and the Conrad is very conveniently located.
Booking Process & Pre Arrival
I booked directly with Hilton for the stay and made full use of an Amex promotion that was running at the point of my stay. I got the base-level rooms. The hotel was rather busy during my stay and I did not get any upgrade in advance of my stay. I will be staying here for 2 nights before travelling to Macau. I contacted the hotel ahead to get some information on the stay and also to request some extra firmer pillows. I also wanted to get a high-floor room as the views from this hotel are rather spectacular. Conrad Hong Kong comes with 513 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites spread across 10 categories. You can check out the breakdown below.
| Rooms | Executive Lounge Access | Bathtub | Room Size | No.of Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | No | Yes | 42 Sqm | 213 |
| Deluxe Peak View | No | Yes | 42 Sqm | 76 |
| Deluxe Harbour View | No | Yes | 42 Sqm | 63 |
| Executive Peak View | Yes | Yes | 42 Sqm | 67 |
| Executive Harbour View | No | Yes | 42 Sqm | 48 |
| Executive Peak Suite | Yes | Yes | 70 Sqm | 21 |
| Executive Harbour Suite | Yes | Yes | 70 Sqm | 22 |
| Chairman Suite | Yes | Yes | 124 Sqm | 1 |
| Imperial Suite | Yes | Yes | 196 Sqm | 1 |
| Presidential Suite | Yes | Yes | 234 Sqm | 1 |
Checking In
Conrad Hong Kong is located in Admiralty next to the High Court and connected directly to the Pacific Plaza shopping complex. There are direct trams and MTR connections. I love riding on trams. It is easy enough to get here by public transport but if you are in groups and with baggage, a taxi would be better. I took a taxi from the HGi where I was staying earlier which cost around 100 HKD or so. I arrived at the hotel at around 3pm and it was super busy. The bellboy immediately came over to help us with our bags. There as a snaking queue at the reception. I approached the concierge and asked to check in at the lounge instead. This is one of the few times, I find checking in and checking out at the lounge useful. I was ushered up after they validated my eligibility.
The executive lounge is located on one of the highest floors of the hotel on the 59th floor. I will share more about this later on. In a stark comparison, it is a much more quaint environment here. We were helped immediately and offered a seat. A welcome drink is also served while we complete the check-in procedure. I was thanked for being a Diamond member by the friendly lady. She also upgraded my room to an Executive Harbour View on the highest floor of the hotel. This is an excellent upgrade as the harbour view rooms come at a premium and would have cost around 790 SGD. I was also presented with a welcome letter informing me of the benefits for executive-level guests which include, Complimentary local calls (Excluding Toll-Free Calls) and one-time complimentary express pressing service (maximum four pieces, except wedding/evening gowns). My late checkout is extended till 2pm on the night before. We can also use the lounge after checkout. The main lobby is very grand and plush. You can find a couple of sitting areas around the place and I love that they already had the festive decorations up. You can directly access the Pacific Plaza Mall using the elevators which are linked to the MTR in the basement.
Executive Harbour View Room Review
I was assigned a room on the highest floor of the hotel. This is room 6005 located on the 60th floor. It is as good as it gets with regard to the view. You also have easy access to the lounge via a spiral staircase at the end of the elevators are busy. The room is a short walk away from the elevators and right upon entering, I was greeted by the amazing view of Hong Kong Victoria Harbour. With the room being so high up, you have a panoramic sweeping view of the entire area. This makes it all worth it. I can imagine how popular and pricey this gets during festivals as the fireworks light up the entire area.
To the left of the entrance is the spacious wardrobe with plenty of hangers, bath slippers, bathrobes, a safe and an ironing kit. There are also some extra pillows and a portable luggage rack inside left for your use.
The bathroom comes with double sinks and a separate bathtub. All sorts of amenities are provided and they are generous with them. Amenities are in large pump-size bottles and as per the usual from Byredo in Conrad Hotels. I love that they provided mouthwash.
The bathtub is very spacious and good for two people. There is even a television inside for you to continue your movie or show while soaking. The separate standing shower boosts outstanding water pressure and temperature control.
Heading into the main space of the room itself, you can find the minibar area. It is fully stocked with all sorts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. A kettle and a proper coffee machine are also provided alongside capsules and packaged tea. This is lovely but with an executive lounge, I always just pop by for a brew there instead. very fantastic to have a so while watching the television. Complimentary bottles of water are provided too. These are replenished during daily housekeeping and turn-down service.
The main space of the room is in a squarish configuration. The plush king-size bed is grand and super comfy. I love that it is slightly higher than usual. The bedding is super good and the same goes for the mattress. I love that it offers excellent back support. They provide a nice combination of pillows. I also got some firmer ones to complement my sleeping experience. The pillow menu consists of Firm Feather, Very Firm Feather, Latex Foam, Loft Fiber and Pocket Spring pillows.
The bed is connected to the working desk on one side and a nightstand on the other. Controls for the lighting and power outlets are found within reach. It is nice to see them install this even when the hotel is slightly dated. The working desk nicely designed with power outlets and other ports. The armchair offers great back support if you need to get some work done. The wifi connection is stable and the premium wifi works efficiently. With the jaw-dropping view beside you, this would be an excellent working space.
On the other side, you can find an additional armchair by the window, which is nicely left for reading a book or enjoying a cup of coffee while soaking the view every day. It never gets old. I often find myself gazing silly while thinking how fortunate I am to be able to get this every morning and night.
The view is excellent during the day and in the evening. The view boasts a spectacular view of the entire Victoria Harbour from the Tsim Tsa Tsui promenade to the central right below you. You can even get the Symphony of Light show when it is on.
There is a large high-quality smart television facing the bed. It is located on top of a chest that offers even more storage space. The television comes with a good number of both local and international cable TV channels. You can also cast from your devices if it is on the Android platform.
By the side of the television is a luggage storage area that can fit a mid-size suitcase nicely. Turn-down service is automatically provided in the evening.
Pool
The hotel comes with a heated pool that is open all season on the lower level. This is on the same floor as the Garden Cafe and beside it. It is a rather lovely space with a main pool and a jacuzzi to the side. I wish that I had some time to use it. The place is manned and the staff does a good job in maintaining things over here.
It comes with plenty of sunbeams by the side and the area is very nicely set up. This is a great spot for a swim and if the sun is out, to work a tan. I can imagine this being very popular in the summer months.
Executive Lounge
The executive lounge is open from 6.30am to 11pm. They offer breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Outside of these, all-day refreshments are available. The Executive Lounge is located on the 59th floor and boasts an amazing view of the surrounding area. It is a great space if you want a change of environment to work or simply relax. Eligible guests can also check in and check out here. Here are some pictures of the lounge. It is not an overly huge area. It had seatings perhaps for 30 to 40 pax or so. It can get busy during evening cocktails.
The views are amazing!
Right after checking in, I managed to check out the afternoon tea selection. Drinks-wise consists of TWG teas, coffee, soft drinks and water. They are self-service but staff are very prompt in offering drinks and refills. Afternoon tea is from 3pm to 5pm.
The refreshments are pretty decent with some sandwiches, cakes, mochi, fruits and scones. I love that they are kept in the oven and you can get it nice and warm.
The evening boosts an even more elaborate affair with a good selection of alcoholic drinks. Evening cocktails start from 5pm to 7pm. They have all sorts of wines and spirits available. The staff are also on hand to whip up numerous cocktails which include the likes of Pink Rose Mimosa, Aperol Spritz, Kir Royal, Boulevardier, Tequila Sunrise, Old Fashioned, Negroni, Moscow Mule, Whisky Highball. They can also do drinks with simple mixers.
I love coming here for drinks while catching the hues during sunset.
The spread was decent and good with drinks. While it can be a simple dinner replacement, I will never want it to be in a culinary city like Hong Kong. Here are some of the selections. I love that they switch things up from day to day and boost a different menu.
For those who prefer a much more quieter environment, the lounge also serves up breakfast. The timing is the same as the restaurant from 6.30am to 10.30am. This is extended till 11am on weekends and holidays. I prefer such an arrangement as guests often prefer to sleep in on the weekends. While the selection is slightly smaller, you get much better service and environment. Having breakfast with that view much be one of the best ways in the world to kick-start your day. Check out the selection here.
One thing to note here is that the coffee would be made by a machine rather than by a barista at the restaurant. It can preferred if you are in a rush or just want a quick bite. My strategy here is to grab breakfast at the restaurant before retreating for a cup of tea and fruit while checking my emails from the night before.
Breakfast at Garden Cafe
Breakfast is served at Garden Cafe, the main hotel restaurant located on the Lower Lobby level. Breakfast is served buffet style from 6.30am to 10.30am. This is extended till 11am on weekends and holidays. I appreciated the extended hours. Breakfast costs 380 HKD if not included in your rate or status. It is rather good value for Gold and Diamond members. The restaurant isn’t overly huge but the high ceilings do help things. I love how bright the place is. I was ushered in and drinks orders were taken. I love that coffee is made by an actual barista here behind the bar. This is appreciated.
The buffet selection is very good with a nice selection of items. You can find plenty of both Western and local choices. The food quality is good. I love the noodle station too. Here are some pictures of the buffet line. Kudos to them for offering coconut water too.
Conclusion
Conrad Hong Kong certainly lives up to its reputation! The rooms are spacious and the service is polished. It is exactly what you expect of a luxury hotel in Hong Kong. Hong Kong isn’t an affordable city and this is certainly shown in the rates over here. Rooms here go upwards of 300 SGD and it is priced the same as hotels of a similar level. The location is perfect for exploring the city and the airport with well-connected transportation links. You are also a short taxi ride away from the Airport Express Station. I love the views from my room and the executive lounge. This is a treat for Diamond members and one of the better properties out there. It is nice to chalk off another Conrad off my list. I am hoping to see Hilton extending its footprint in this city.
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