By CHRIS LEADBEATER

Higher and higher: The new hotel sits at the top of Hong Kong's ICC tower (in the foreground)


Many a hotel has used the prospect of a breathtaking view, whether of a pretty stretch of seafront, an urban skyline or towards rolling hills, to boost its appeal to would-be guests – only for said guests to find themselves staring at the kitchen bins or the fire escape.

But anyone checking in to the new Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong is unlikely to be disappointed by the panorama visible from the window of their suite.

Because, occupying the top 17 floors of the city’s International Commerce Centre (ICC) skyscraper, this five-star, 312-room property is – as of its opening today – the highest hotel in the world.


Room with a view: Windows look out onto Victoria Harbour far below


Anyone wanting to stay here will need a head for heights. The tallest building in Hong Kong, the ICC rears to 484metres (1,588ft) – with the hotel beginning on the 102nd floor, at 425metres (1394ft).

Here, diners can gaze out across the field of neon below from a table at one of three restaurants – or opt for an even loftier perspective on the great Chinese city by taking a lift to the 118th floor, where the signature eatery Ozone awaits.

Those who like the feeling of floating on the lip of a precipice can also test their ability to withstand vertigo by visiting the hotel’s top-floor gym, where an infinity swimming pool offers what may well be an unnerving snapshot of Victoria Harbour, some 16,000ft below. Happily, the in-house spa, slotted two floors below, should soothe frayed spirits.


Different strokes: You may need a stern constitution to swim in the top-floor infinity pool


The hotel is able to offer such good views of the harbour because the International Commerce Centre sits, not on Hong Kong Island, but directly opposite, in the West Kowloon portion of the mainland – where it perches directly on top of Kowloon station.

The Ritz-Carlton’s launch today sees it displace another Far Eastern retreat – the Park Hyatt Shanghai, which ‘only’ lies between the 79th and 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, in China’s eastern port-metropolis – as earth’s most elevated hotel.

Of course, while the new Ritz-Carlton can bask in the spotlight of being the world’s highest hotel, the ICC cannot claim to be the world’s highest building to host a hotel.


Do look down: The hotel's four restaurants also offer elevated views


That honour goes to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa - the super-skyscraper that, at 828metres (2,717ft), ranks as the tallest building on the planet.

However, its main accommodation option – the fashion-accented Armani Hotel – climbs no higher than its 39th storey.


source: dailymail