I speak from considerable personal experience when I say that the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is the best Hong Kong family hotel. We had the privilege of living in the hotel’s serviced apartments for about four years and we still check in regularly.
It’s actually hard to condense why I tell people to stay here when in Hong Kong with kids (or without). Part of it is emotional. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong was my daughter’s first home. It’s where she took her first steps, swam in her first pool, sat in her first big girl highchair, spoke her first words, met her grandparents, and experienced many of those early firsts.
Note: We are in the process of updating this post to reflect renovated rooms and recent updates around the hotel. Some of the information here is out of date temporarily
Very few hotels come close to the level of service, attention to detail, and overall quality of the experience that my family has enjoyed here repeatedly and consistently over the last 16 years. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has taught the three of us what a luxury hotel should really be like. This hotel is the reason why we’re genuine advocates for and frequent guests of Four Seasons properties worldwide.
It’s not just families though who are drawn to its five-star amenities and awesome Pool Terrace. Business and other leisure travelers check-in regularly, too, because there is truly something here for everyone. Rates reflect demand and you can check to see what temporary changes and health measures are in place during your stay.
Grab a drink and let me go into detail as to why staying here is worth every penny.
Book in as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner Guest
Through me, you have access to Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits at no extra cost to you that include:
Full program details are below.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Location
In Hong Kong, location is important. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has one of the best.
This Hong Kong luxury hotel boasts a prime location in the Central business district and panoramic views over Victoria Harbour.
Aptly-named Central is at the heart of various transportation arteries and a few steps from some of the most important banks and buildings in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Central is also incredibly convenient for sightseeing, less hectic than Kowloon (which I adore), and my top location choice when people ask me where to stay in Hong Kong.
Easy Access to Transportation
The Central MTR station is accessible through the ifc mall without setting foot outside. From your hotel room to the train platform is about a leisurely 15-minute walk. The Airport Express station is about a 5-minute walk away, too. Taxis are (usually) plentiful in front of the lobby, and door attendants proactively hail them when guests are in need.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is steps from the various ferry terminals that take you to the outer islands and also Macau (by ferry or helicopter). The famous Star Ferry is below the hotel here, too.
I mention transportation repeatedly because it’s important to know that getting around Hong Kong is easy from here, whether you’re headed five minutes away by taxi or on a train to the New Territories (where you should take a bike tour) near the mainland China border.
Conveniences Offered by Ifc Mall
One of the advantages that Four Seasons has over other Central Hong Kong hotels is that its adjacent to ifc mall, one of the best luxury shopping malls in Hong Kong. ifc mall is also a sheltered conduit for reaching the MTR, buses, Airport Express, ferries, and covered walkways (that make getting around the city with a stroller much easier when in Hong Kong with kids) leading to other buildings in Central in addition to the Mid Levels escalator.
All of this means that Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong guests are much less affected by inclement weather. Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. It can rain heavily during the summer typhoon season and be quite hot.
See also: Things to do in Hong Kong with Kids When It’s Raining
Staying here also means that you do not have to pack the entire house in your suitcase. If your bag doesn’t make it to Hong Kong, almost everything you need can be found inside the ifc mall without stepping into sunlight.
Directly below Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is a fabulous, upscale grocery store called city’super that stocks baby food and essentials, Western food, and more. They also have an excellent grab-and-go deli with sushi, sandwiches, and other prepared food. A Mannings drugstore in the mall sells diapers, shampoo, and other bath amenities.
Major designer brands (Lanvin, Prada, Tom Ford, and many more) have stores inside the mall. Lane Crawford here is one of my favorite department stores. Eating is a breeze in the ifc, too. Convenience food ranges from Starbucks to LE SALON de THE by Joel Robuchon, but there are also excellent sit-down options. Chinese food favorites include the famous Tim Ho Wan (You will never have cheaper, better dim sum. The Kowloon outlet has a Michelin star) and Crystal Jade for a variety of Shanghai, Sichuan, and northern China dishes that are cheap and cheerful for dine-in or takeaway (I like the dan dan noodles and xiao long bao). The movie theater has assigned seating and a bar, too.
Trust me, living life adjacent to the ifc is easy.
Luxury Hotel Rooms and Suites
Whether it’s a room or suite, guests are quite comfortable in the hotel. Note that the rooms are undergoing a refresh in 2021 so they may look different than they do in my photos below.
I highly advise booking a Harbour View room or suite. You will not regret it. This hotel is a perfect vantage point to see the nightly ICC Light & Music Show and the nightly Symphony of Lights multimedia show.
Victoria Harbour buzzes with activity during the day. You’re certain to see the famous red-sailed junk and Star Ferries sail around during the day. We most commonly stay in a Deluxe Harbour View Room or Premier Harbour View Room, though sometimes we’re in a Harbour View Suite.
Rooms are some of the most spacious in Hong Kong with plenty of storage, good WiFi, a desk with an office kit and plenty of plugs (no need for a voltage converter), really comfortable beds, and turn-down service. There is a Nespresso coffee maker with a variety of flavors to choose from, but complementary early morning coffee and pastries are available daily in the lobby, too. Suites have all of these amenities, too, but with living rooms that are separate from the bedroom.
I also love that small plates, wine glasses, proper coffee mugs, a wine opener, and other utensils are available in the room or suite’s bar area. The bathrooms have a TV, separate shower and tub, L’Occitane (rooms), or Biologique Recherche (suites) bath amenities and are quite large for Hong Kong. Also, fruit and bottled water are replenished daily.
Suites are also gorgeous, with comfortable living room furnishings and dining tables, walk-in closets, and larger bathrooms. Expand the space even more by connecting a room to a suite, which many larger families do.
The maximum occupancy in Hong Kong hotel rooms and suites is three people. Families of four or more will need connecting rooms or to connect a room to a suite at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (I can help you with this if you’d like to send me your dates below.)
For stays of one month or longer, consider a serviced apartment at Four Seasons Place. You’ll have a little more flexibility to cook your own food, do your own laundry, and settle in. Hotel amenities like room service and laundry are available over here. Four Seasons Place also has a private pool and gym, both with spectacular Victoria Harbour views, in addition to a small playroom for kids.
The Spa and Nail Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
The Nail Bar boasts panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, and there are several things I really like about it. You can sip anything from a glass of champagne to a smoothie during a treatment, included. They are particularly good at detailed nail art and have a variety of eco-friendly polishes to choose from. My daughter and I go together as kids’ manicures and pedicures are on the menu. Sonia has been doing my nails there since before my daughter was born.
If going to the Spa, arrive early to partake in the Vitality Lounge area, steam rooms, and whirlpool. Cover yourself with a Kashwere blanket and catch up on magazines while sipping infused water.
When it’s time to wait for your therapist in the upstairs seating area, eat the marshmallows. They are the best on the planet, I promise. I’ve enjoyed many treatments here over the year, from pregnancy massages to wraps, and have never been disappointed. Treatments are meticulously delivered in Zen-inspired rooms with light-colored bamboo accents that I have tried to mirror in my own home.
The Spatique has bathing suits, bath and body products, and great gifts. My daughter’s prized Kashwere duck blanket that she couldn’t live without is from here. One of the staff members first showed “Duckie” to her when she was a few months old. She grabbed him and didn’t let go until she was about six years old.
The Food: From Three-Michelin-Star Chefs to In-Room Dining
The food at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is outstanding. The dining options reflect Hong Kong’s status as an international destination and throughout the hotel, one can find delicious Western, Japanese, Indian, and Italian in addition to must-eat Hong Kong food.
Blue Bar (Soon to Be Replaced)
Blue Bar is undergoing a transformation. I have many great memories here and mixed feelings about it. I will still mention it here so that you can get a feel for what dining at the hotel is like.
The Blue Bar’s lychee martini continues to rank as one of my favorite cocktails on the planet, but you can order it via room service or at The Lounge.
The hotel’s breakfast buffet also happened at Blue Bar and was fantastic.
Items included made-to-order eggs, gourmet cheeses, cured meats, fruit, birchermuesli, bacon, fresh juices, savory items, salad, dim sum, a noodle bar, and more. We also loved the weekend buffet lunch.
The Lounge
The Lounge is where all-day dining, including afternoon tea, takes place. My order is usually the Alaskan King Crab Salad or Hainanese Chicken Rice. When we lived in the hotel, my daughter insisted on special breakfast trips to The Lounge for muffins and chicken sausage. I also quite like the Hong Kong breakfast (with dim sum and congee) and the list of cold-pressed juices. No matter the time of day, it’s a lovely and relaxing place to dine.
Pool Terrace
As the name implies, this al fresco Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong restaurant is located right by the pool. While a nice place for a business lunch, you can eat here (dressed) after a swim, too. The fare is light and healthy with a nice selection of salads though you could nosh on a Wagyu beef burger or Hainanese chicken.
Lung King Heen (Three Michelin Stars)
When my daughter started to eat solid food, I’d leave my husband to handle her feeding and sneak down to Lung King Heen with the South China Morning Post newspaper in-hand for a quiet meal. If you were to ask me to name my favorite restaurants in the world, this is at the top.
Chef Chan Yan Tak is the world’s first Michelin-three-star Chinese chef and has an incredible story with humble beginnings. In a nutshell, he is self-taught and rose through the ranks of Hong Kong restaurants driven by a love of food versus formal training.
The locally-sourced, seasonal menu is enormous (featuring over 100 dishes), but you can navigate it by ordering the set lunch, chef’s tasting menu, or the server’s help. My order is the barbecued pork set, barbecued pork buns, and Krug by the glass. Also, my daughter is a fan of the steamed mushroom dumplings and various noodle dishes.
Caprice (Three Michelin Stars)
Glamorous Caprice is home to Hong Kong’s first cheese cellar and one of the largest French wine selection in town. The melt-in-your-mouth French cuisine pairs nicely with the view. My husband used to host many business meetings here. During the week, I find the set menu a good choice.
Caprice Bar is the perfect place to unwind with wine and cheese, too.
(Kids ages 3 and older are welcome in Caprice and Lung King Heen.)
Sushi Saito (Two Michelin Stars)
Make reservations for Sushi Saito far in advance for this intimate bucket list experience. Seafood is hand-picked by the famous Chef Takashi Saito at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market each morning and flown to Hong Kong on the same day. Edomae sushi
Tempura Uchitsu
Also on the 45th floor, you can make reservations at the 12-seat Tempera Uchitsu which uses traditional Japanese cooking methods Edomae Tempura and Tempura Omakase.
In-Room Dining
In-room dining arrives on time, as promised, always fresh, and isn’t a sacrifice. We love the menu variety from Sweet and Sour Chicken to Alaskan King Crab Salad. I’ve had the Indian curries and always also order the Hainanese Chicken Rice. If you need anything customized, they’ll do it, which is important when traveling with kids. We’re also fans of the Hong Kong and Japanese breakfasts (breakfast for two is included with Preferred Partner stays).
In-Room Amenities Over the Years
If I was truly organized enough, I could fill a Pinterest board or gallery with the cool dessert and savory in-room amenities that we’ve received over the years.
Executive Club Level: Worth the Upgrade
The Executive Club at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong boasts some of the hotel’s best views from its wrap-around balcony. It’s one of the only places in Hong Kong where you can step outside to take in this view, which is particularly beautiful at night. If you have an interest in photography, a must-have Hong Kong shot is from this balcony.
Views aside, the food here is also very, very good. Executive Club level guests have access to a fulsome breakfast buffet including made-to-order eggs and a rotating selection of made-to-order noodle soups that vary by the day. Afternoon tea is served daily, as is a light supper.
After a day of sightseeing, I love unwinding with a glass or two of the premium wine served here (including Ruinart champagne during our last few stays).
If you don’t add on Executive Club initially to your room reservation, it’s possible to add it on after you arrive. I sometimes do this if I sense that there are days we’ll be dining almost exclusively outside of the hotel.
If you arrive in Hong Kong from overseas, I can’t tell you how much I’d recommend booking straight in with Executive Club benefits because it’s beneficial to have when fighting jet lag. You can pop up for snacks and drinks any time kids (or you) suddenly become fatigued or famished.
This is the view from the Executive Club balcony.
The Best Hong Kong Hotel Pool
The Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Pool Terrace is the nicest outdoor pool deck in Hong Kong. The pool is heated and plays underwater music year-round. You will especially want access to a pool in warm weather months.
Sunscreen, poolside treats passed around every so often, cabanas, magazines, and more are available, too. Drinks and smoothies can be ordered to your lounge chair.
A large jacuzzi, freezing-cold plunge pool, and separate lap pool compliment the sizable main pool. All pools have panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.
The main pool does not have a shallow end (the depth begins at about 4 feet), so make sure that young kids have floats or similar to hold them above water. Hong Kong has a few Toys R’ Us locations to grab things like this. During our last visit, the hotel had some floats and toys at the pool attendant’s station.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, guests are invited to the Pool Terrace for a Tai Chi lesson. It’s a fun activity for families with older kids (and harder than it looks as my arms are always sore afterward).
We spend a lot of time at the Pool Terrace. It’s part of what makes Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong the best Hong Kong family hotel.
Five-Star Service
The Guest Relations team here is top-notch. We still are addressed by name to a point where I marvel how so many people can remember. Lost teddy bears are returned to our room. Whenever I need something, it’s taken care of instantly. When I hire a babysitter, it feels like the entire hotel keeps an eye out, too. Dinner reservations are made and confirmed without delay, room service comes when promised, and everyone pretty much goes the extra mile.
I’m pleased that many familiar faces are still working at the hotel, some from the very beginning. I’ve been told by many, it’s because it’s a great place to work, which is important. Our friends here often get promoted within the hotel and to other Four Seasons throughout the region. We’ve recently run into several familiar faces in Macau and Hangzhou, for example, and are delighted to see them succeed.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong With Kids
In addition to what I’ve already mentioned above, here’s why else Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is the best Hong Kong family hotel.
Dining
Dining is easy. The kids’ menu folds up into a paper fortune teller, which my daughter has loved as far back as I can remember. Kids’ meals are served in kid-friendly dishes. When my daughter went through a (temporary, thank goodness) picky phase, they gladly customized whatever she ordered to her liking, no questions asked.
Coloring books and crayons are available in The Lounge, Lung King Heen, and Caprice. In the room, families will usually find step stools, kids’ toothbrushes, and toothpaste in bathrooms. A special welcome stuffed animal has been handed to her on arrival (which over the last few years has been a dolphin, her Harry Potter patronas, which she doesn’t at all feel is a coincidence).
Candy and other kid-friendly items are available for purchase in the gift shop, in addition to plenty of souvenirs I’ve purchased for her and others over the years.
Activities
I like to point out to families that there is space to wander here, which isn’t the case for many other Hong Kong hotels. Sure, the hotel lobby is quite large, and there is the adjacent ifc mall. But, the rooftop terrace area on the 4th floor has provided a perfect place for her to blow off steam (and even blow bubbles) since she was able to walk. We also often wander the outdoor walkways in front of the hotel’s driveway rotunda.
Scheduled Kids’ Activities
Check with the Concierge team for the schedule. The hotel has added a ton of new family activities geared toward the staycation market, including virtual in-room activities, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts programs, cooking classes, yoga classes, and other experiences just for children.
Babysitting
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has used the same babysitting service since before my daughter was born. The nannies are enrolled nursing students or registered nurses. We’ve used them multiple times with no issue, in fact, my daughter actually looks forward to this time because most of them will play with her the entire time. Contact the Concierge team to arrange a time and date.
See also: 18 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong with Kids
Things to Do Within Walking Distance of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
The best of Hong Kong is explored by foot, and there is a lot to do near Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.
Central MTR Station: The Island, Tsuen Wan (to Kowloon), and Tung Chung line that leads to Hong Kong Disneyland all stop here. The concierge has tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland but there is also a Hong Kong Disneyland Express ticket counter in the Tung Chung line concourse at Central Station. Whatever you do, by tickets before arriving at the park. Walking time: 10 minutes
Star Ferry/Ferries to Outer Islands/Maritime Museum: Keep walking past the IFC Mall, and you’ll arrive at all of the Central ferry terminals to Kowloon, Discovery Bay, and the outer islands. Our favorite outing is to Lamma Island for its quieter shops and restaurants. There is even a beach here, too. The Star Ferry to Kowloon departs near the Maritime Museum, also a fun educational outing with kids. Walking time: 10 minutes
Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal: Want to take a quick getaway to Macau? Roll your suitcase over to catch a ferry or helicopter. The Four Seasons Macao is another of our favorites, and Macanese food is outstanding.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel: Take a spin on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel for a fun view of the city. Walking time: 12 minutes
The Landmark/Chater House/Prince’s Building: These connected buildings are a shopper’s paradise with stores including Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Ladurée and more. The Chater House is basically a building dedicated to all things Giorgio Armani (including a flower shop and cafe). Walking time: 10 minutes
Mid-Levels Escalator, Shops, and Restaurants: The longest escalator in the world leads to festive dining and shops in the Mid-Levels neighborhood as well as the Chinese antiques on Hollywood Road. For egg tarts, go to Tai Cheong bakery. The new Tai Kwun lifestyle complex is fun to explore, too. Walking time: 10 minutes
The Lanes/Pottinger Street: The best local market style shopping in Central is at The Lanes, which are Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West. Entrances to both streets are on the harbour side of Queens Road (look for a McDonald’s and GAP). Here, you’ll find stalls and stalls of trinkets, Chinese-style clothing, fabric, toys, and more. This is where I go to buy inexpensive extra suitcases if I shop too much. Do not buy from the first person you see and you can bargain a little. Across Queen’s Road from The Lanes is a set of stairs that will lead you to Pottinger Street, a year-round costume mecca. You’ll also find hair accessories, Chinese New Year trinkets, yarn, and a random assortment of other things. Walking time: 10 minutes
Hollywood Road/Man Mo Temple: Shop for art and antiques here while stopping for a coffee or juice. You’ll eventually hit the stunning Man Mo Temple as well as Ladder Street and Cat Street markets for trinkets. Walking time: 10–20 minutes, depending on where you go.
Lan Kwai Fong: Book a sitter and experience some of Hong Kong’s nightlife or dine here during the day with the kids. Walking time: 10 minutes
China Club: The fabulous Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong concierge team can secure reservations at the exclusive China Club. We used to be members here. I highly recommend the Peking duck, steamed fish, Beggar’s chicken (order at least a day in advance) and allowing enough time to enjoy the Long March bar area. It’s reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai with also a spectacular Chinese art collection. Walking time: 10 minutes
Western Market: This Edwardian style shopping complex has been renovated to include lots of arts, crafts, souvenirs, fabrics and more. Walking time: 15 minutes.
You can also absolutely walk further afield. We’ve even walked to Causeway Bay from the hotel and down from The Peak. When all else fails, hail a taxi or hop on the ding ding trolley.
Various Hotel and Hong Kong Tips
The flowers throughout the hotel are stunning. Like the in-room amenities, I have hundreds of pictures of them from over the years that I’ll organize one of these days.
Even if it’s 90° F outside with 100% humidity, always carry a sweater. The hotel, ifc mall, and other buildings are air-conditioned.
Lunch in Hong Kong typically occurs at 1 p.m., so the odds of scoring a reservation or enjoying a more peaceful lunch are higher if you go early. Speaking of, make a reservation at Lung King Heen or Caprice as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
It’s also possible to buy Ocean Park Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland (among other admissions, I’m sure) from the concierge desk and have them charged to your room.
Arriving From Hong Kong International Airport
By car: The hotel can arrange limousine service from the airport, including the Bentley Arnage. It takes 45 minutes by car to reach the hotel. The fleet of cars can also escort you around Hong Kong. A cost applies.
By Airport Express Train: The Airport Express train is so easy that we opt for it every time. Roll your baggage out of customs and to the Airport Express ticket machine or customer service booth. Pay via cash or credit card (the latter at the booth only). The clean, speedy train leaves approximately every 10 minutes and it will drop you at the IFC mall after an easy 24-minute ride. The cost from the airport to Central is $100 HKD (one way) or $180 HKD (round-trip) per adult. Children 3-11 travel for 50% less while children under age 3 are free.
The Best Way to Make Reservations
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is one of the luxury hotels I can book for you with agent-exclusive amenities through the Four Seasons Preferred Partner Program. Whether you are on a vacation or staycation, you will receive:
- Daily breakfast for two in the Hotel restaurant
- Hotel/Resort Credit* (based on room category booked):
• Guest Rooms: USD 100 credit per stay
• Suites and Specialty Suites: USD 200 credit per stay
• Private Retreats: USD 200 credit per bedroom per stay - Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in**
- Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and your travel agency and the benefits that are being extended
- Complimentary standard Internet in all guest rooms and premium Internet in all suites
*Hotel/Resort Credit may be applied to select incidental charges incurred at the Hotel or Resort. Must be used in conjunction with the initial stay and will be applied at check-out. May not be applied towards the room rate, taxes, resort fees, service charges, conference fees, or any charges from outside vendors. Exclusions may apply; contact the Hotel/Resort for more details.
When a suite is reserved in connection with another guest room or suite, the cumulative credit (based on room category booked) value applies.
The Private Retreats credit applies to Villas and Residences with a minimum average rate per night (before Resort fees and taxes) of USD 1,000.
**Category upgrade based on availability at time of check-in excludes Specialty Suites, Villas and the Private Retreats collection of Villas and Residences.
My VIP clients book in this way, and so do I.
The Bottom Line
If you have any questions whatsoever about Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, let me know. If I can’t answer them (which I probably can), I can definitely source the information for you. It would be my pleasure as I love this hotel and consider it one of the best luxury hotels in Hong Kong (if not the best).
Katie Dillon
Leave a Reply