Location
The Intercontinental Hong Kong (18, Salisbury Rd), is located at the edge of Tsim Sha Tsui overlooking the Hong Kong harbor. It is located just next to an MTR station and walking distance from most tourist sites in Kowloon. Getting to Hong Kong island is not difficult via MTR, taxi or ferry.
My first stay at the Intercontinental Hong Kong was a bit disappointing. I wasn’t able to check in early or check out late, breakfast and lounge access weren’t included, and I needed to pay an additional 80$ to upgrade to a room with the harbor view. The hotel was quite full and service was nothing special. Overall it was a nice stay only because of the view and nothing else.
This time was VERY different.
Check In
I arrive at the hotel around 7:30 AM expecting to be told I would need to wait until 2 PM to check in. To my surprise, I was invited to check in early even though I only hold mid tier status with IHG. I was offered an upgrade to a harbor view room as well as lounge access for about 95$ which I gladly took. I had booked a standard room with a view inland towards Kowloon, though I had every intention of upgrading once at the property. Off to a good start!
The Room
Immediately following check in, I was escorted to room 1104 on the 11th floor, facing the harbor.
11th Floor
11th Floor
1104 Entrance
While the view is absolutely stunning, I didn’t love the room itself. For a five star hotel, the standard rooms are a bit on the small side and some elements in the room are in serious need of an upgrade.
I found the bathroom to be quite hideous with the green and orange marble, the toilet has the same flushing mechanism I expect to see at a gas station bathroom, and the shower head was along the lines of what I expect from a three star hotel.
Now that the negative aspects were covered, I must say the bed is extremely comfortable, the lounge chair by the window was very nice to relax in while enjoying the view, and the desk was quite comfortable to work on, though I wish it was facing the window. The TV was fine, though a bit dated and on the small side.
Intercontinental TV
The Intercontinental offered some nice in room amenities as well. As I arrived, there was a nice fruit plate that can be refilled anytime as well as water bottles placed throughout the room. A few minutes later, I was brought two bottle of Evian water as well as bath amenities from Salvatore Ferragamo which were much better than the standard bath amenities offered.
Overall I was happy with the room, but I would love to see them completely redo the bathroom….just did not like it at all!
Breakfast
Guests who pay for lounge access may have breakfast in the lounge or at the restaurant on floor -1, just below the lobby. For guests who don’t have breakfast included, the cost is 350 HKD or about 45 USD which is a lot for a good, though not excellent hotel breakfast.
Breakfast consisted of a large buffet spread with pastries, fruits, western and Chinese hot dishes, cereals, juices, and fresh hot drinks. The quality of the dishes were fairly good, though not among the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had before.
Service at breakfast was very attentive and I was asked several times if I would like anything more to eat or drink. I asked if they had any avocado as I didn’t see an at the buffet, and I was brought some cut up from the kitchen! Overall good breakfast, though I was disappointed to see the exact same spread two days in a row. A good five star breakfast should at least change up a few dishes from day to day.
The Lounge (Club Intercontinental)
Firstly…wow. This was probably my second favorite hotel lounge I’ve visited, only behind the Conrad Manila which was flawless! The staff and quality of food really exceeded my expectations and I ended up spending a lot of time here during my stay.
Lounge Entrance
Lounge Reception
Club Intercontinental
Club Intercontinental
Club Intercontinental serves breakfast until 10:30 AM, afternoon tea from 2 – 5 PM, and an evening cocktail from 6 – 8 PM.
The breakfast consisted of a small buffet compared to the one available downstairs with similar offerings, as well as an a la carte menu (which I didn’t know about until it was too late). Each guest may order two dishes from the menu per day which read as follows:
I was a bit disappointed no to have known about this earlier, though the options looked great!
I came to the lounge for afternoon tea both days I stayed at the hotel. While this isn’t really a replacement for lunch, the lounge provided a nice range of sweet and savory bites as well as an extensive drink offering. The qualify of the food was quite nice and I appreciated that the lounge offered different foods from day to day.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
My favorite part of the afternoon tea service was how they served me a ginger ale. Now that is classy!
While not meant to, the evening cocktail service can easily replace dinner if you eat enough! Once again, the food was very high quality and consisted of meat, seafood, salads, fruit, and desserts. The lounge also has an open bar for these hours where all specialty cocktails and other drinks from the bar are complementary. I treated myself to a cocktail and a glass of champagne.
Overall what made Club Intercontinental special was the staff. They knew me by name, provided excellent service and made me feel so good each time I came to the lounge.
Hotel Amenities
Aside from the lounge which is only accessible to IHG Elites or those who pay extra, the hotel has a great pool and gym accessible to all guests which are located on the 3rd floor. The gym offered a nice range of machines as well as light food and drinks for guests who use it. The pool area was large and quiet with a nice view of the city from the main pool and the iconic harbor view from the jacuzzi area.
Bottom Line
I was really blown away by the Intercontinental Hong Kong this time. The views are breathtaking, the staff/service was the best I’ve had at any hotel ever, the lounge was excellent, and the location is perfect for getting around Tsim Sha Tsui. I hope in the upcoming renovations they will redo the bathrooms and modernize the bedroom a bit. Then this might be my favorite hotel in the world!
I can’t wait to come back!
