Hotel ICON Hong Kong, located in the East Tsim Sha Tsui area of Kowloon, is an award-winning establishment for its fine dining, wine selections, and designer interiors, but with a twist. Owned by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this stylish boutique hotel serves as an extension of the School of Hotel & Tourism Management.
I checked in and loved the experience much more than I thought I would. Thoughtful touches and in-room amenities not seen in other hotels are the results of research by students and staff who provided feedback during Hotel ICON’s design and construction. Here’s what you need to know before you book in.
Book Hotel Icon Hong Kong Direct for the Best Rates
The best rates and promotions are usually found directly through hotel-icon.com when you join their Icon Engage loyalty program. This is how I booked. Hotel Icon is an affiliate site partner which means that if you book through my links I may be compensated.
WHAT I LOVE
- Rooms offer superb views overlooking Victoria Harbour
- Open-air rooftop pool (heated) with view and pool bar
- The Vivienne Tam Suite
- Stocked mini-fridges filled with complimentary snacks, refreshments, and alcoholic beverages
- Above & Beyond Restaurant, which earned three “fork-and-spoons” in the Michelin Guide to Hong Kong Macau
- Highly-motivated students and staff — the reasons why service is excellent
GOOD TO KNOW
- Located in East Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood (closest MTR is Hung Hom)
- Three on-site dining spaces: the GREEN cafe, Above & Beyond, and the MARKET buffet
- A 10-minute drive from Kowloon Station
- Shuttle service to Tsim Sha Tsui area
- Owned and operated by PolyU Hong Kong Hotel and & Tourism Management
- You’ll need reservations for The Market dinner buffet (it’s popular with locals)
ALSO FEATURED IN
Hotel ICON Hong Kong Guest Rooms and Suites
The spacious 262 guest rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the iconic mountains of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour, and the city’s skyline in addition to contemporary interior design from local and international names.
Throughout the facility, guests can admire local Hong Kong artwork. Asia’s largest vertical indoor garden, designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, greets visitors as they enter the lobby. Smart home technology complements the rooms with the latest in convenience and innovation.
Guests enjoy a complimentary phone with 4G network and unlimited mobile data for using around the city, or to make international calls. Rooms also contain luxury amenities like 40” Samsung Smart TVs, in-room printers, KEF Bluetooth audio, working areas with Herman Miller Ergonomic task chairs, and in-room safes.
Treat yourself to a hot cup of coffee from your in-room Nespresso coffee machine or enjoy a drink or snack from the stocked mini-fridge (filled with snacks, drinks, and even alcoholic beverages) at no extra cost.
Club Rooms and Suites receive a separate check-in, complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks and drinks, and pre-dinner canapes and drinks. evening cocktail in the Above & Beyond lounge.
ICON 36 and Club 36 City / Harbour
The ICON 36 guest rooms showcase expansive views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. Wood paneling, neutral tones, and quality furnishings create a sophisticated, yet relaxing atmosphere.
Club 36 rooms are located on the upper floors, providing better views of the harbour or city in addition to Above & Beyond lounge access.
The 36-meter (390-square-foot) ICON 36 rooms suit small families and business travelers. Rooms contain one king or two twin beds.
Club 38 Harbour
Club 38 Harbour View rooms come with a king bed, 38 square meters (410 square feet) of space, and Club benefits like access to Above & Beyond lounge complimentary meal and drink services.
C65 Studio Suite
Enjoy spacious accommodations overlooking Victoria Harbour, the Tsim Sha Tsui district, and surrounding mountains. The 700-square-foot C65 Studio Suites offer a separate bedroom and work/living space with two bathrooms.
Club 80 Harbour Suite
Family-friendly Club 80 Harbour Suites provide ample space spanning 860 square feet. The king bed is outfitted with custom imported down comforters and pillows for a truly luxurious rest. These suites provide stunning 280-degree views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon district.
The Designer Suite by Vivienne Tam (Where I Stayed)
Vivienne Tam is a graduate of PolyU and designed this fabulous corner suite in her signature style. It’s modeled after her New York apartment and boasts some fabulous harbour views.
Experience Hong Kong through the eyes of a local icon. Hong Kong fashion designer, Vivienne Tam, turns the hotel’s Designer Suite into a work of art infusing Shanghai’s Art Deco aesthetic with a modern twist. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around three of four walls exposing the city lights reflected over the harbor.
Culinary Experiences at Hotel ICON Hong Kong
Hotel ICON Hong Kong hosts three restaurants on-site: Above & Beyond, GREEN, and The MARKET (buffets). London-based interior designers, Conran & Partners, designed both the Club Lounge and The MARKET restaurant interiors.
The award-winning Above & Beyond restaurant sits on the 28th floor, showcasing unforgettable views of the city while offering up delectable Cantonese cuisine. Here, guests can sample from the full-height wine wall while enjoying authentic dim sum and other Cantonese dishes.
GREEN serves world-class teas, succulent steaks, and fresh seafood. The restaurant features the world’s largest indoor vertical gardens. Meanwhile, The MARKET buffet presents foods from all over the world in an elevated Asian-style market concept.
Above & Beyond Lounge
What better way to relax after a long day than from the hotel’s top floor lounge? From the 18th floor, visitors can sip evening cocktails while gazing across the Hong Kong skyline.
The Above & Beyond lounge has a full bar and comfortable library lounge with panoramic views of the city. In addition, you can borrow a book books to read and take back to your room.
Club level room and suite guests have extra privileges at Above & Beyond lounge though it is open to anyone. Business Facilities here provides a private meeting area for up to 12 people.
Above & Beyond
Nestled on the 28th floor of the Hotel ICON Hong Kong, Above & Beyond takes diners to new heights with some of the best views of the city. The award-winning restaurant earned three “fork-and-spoons” in the Michelin Guide to Hong Kong Macau. Wine Spectator also named this restaurant to its prestigious “Top Ten Wine Pairing Restaurant Award in Asian Cuisine” list.
The kitchen serves classic and modern Cantonese cuisine with a long list of world-renowned wines. You can select a vintage from the floor-to-ceiling wine wall while sampling dim sum and other local favorites. The patisserie chef creates sweet confections that pair perfectly with teas from the Far East.
Dim sum lunch is very popular and highly commended.
The MARKET
Tour the foods of the world at The MARKET, Hotel ICON’s coveted buffet restaurant. Here, you’ll experience an elevated Asian-style market with dishes from around the world.
You can sample local flavors from Hong Kong, tour the tastes of Europe, or sample spices from the Mediterranean deli. Delight in a plate of antipasti, indulge in grilled beef, have a bite of sashimi, or enjoy a bowl of spicy laksa.
Here are some photos from my Hotel ICON Hong Kong breakfast buffet. It’s huge.
The MARKET also hosts private dining, seating up to 15 people.
GREEN
Hotel ICON’s GREEN cafe provides a place to unwind between business meetings or touring the town on the lobby level.
GREEN showcases Asia’s largest indoor vertical gardens, created by French botanist Patrick Blanc. Guests can sip world-class teas and coffee while enjoying a buttery croissant or flakey, fresh pastry.
The breakfast menu includes Western favorites. Diners are also treated to a bountiful brunch. Afternoon tea is a treasure for anyone. In the evenings, the menu features fresh seafood and juicy steaks. Ask about the daily specials on crab, lobster, and other specialties. Libations include handcrafted cocktails to sip with a decadent dinner.
In-Room Dining
Each room at Hotel ICON Hong Kong comes with in-room dining options. Guests can order at all hours, regardless of restaurant openings. Guests who book rooms that include breakfast may also order a specialty breakfast with advanced notice.
Hotel ICON Hong Kong Pool
Experience Hong Kong in an entirely new way from the hotel’s rooftop, open-air, heated swimming pool. You can relax while taking in views of the city skyline in between dips in the heated pool and sips at the pool bar.
The Pool Bar serves a range of fresh juices, smoothies, and small plates, as well as a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. The pool bar and gym, designed by Rocco Yim, blend perfectly with the city’s futuristic, glowing skyline. You can access the pool from Level 9 of the hotel.
Angsana Spa at Hotel ICON Hong Kong
If you’re looking to relax between your flight and business meeting, or simply taking some time for self-care, you can indulge in upscale services at Angsana Spa by Banyan Tree.
The spa offers signature treatments using natural ingredients and aromatherapy. You can schedule a footbath, massage, or body care aromatic bath. I can vouch for the fantastic massages.
The spa also offers VIP treatment rooms that come complete with Jacuzzi tubs, private bathrooms, and private treatment rooms.
The Health Club
Stay active during your stay at the Workout Room at Hotel ICON. Reach new heights at the gym with epic views of the Hong Kong Harbour and the skyline.
This state-of-the-art gym includes Technogym cardiovascular and weight training equipment. The Health Club also has personal trainers available upon request.
Timeless Lounge
Guests who arrive early and need a quiet space to relax can take advantage of the quiet Timeless Lounge. The same applies to guests who have late flights after check-out.
Children at Hotel ICON Hong Kong
Although Hotel ICON Hong Kong caters to business and other adult travelers, it serves guests of all ages.
Family-friendly perks include the rooftop pool, connecting rooms (by request and not guaranteed), and a policy allowing children under 11 to stay free with an existing room or suite beds. Only a baby cot can be added to a room. There are no rollaway beds so you must keep this in mind when booking your family.
ICON 36 CITY and Harbour rooms can connect by request or you can book an ICON 36 Family Room which is a guaranteed set of connecting rooms.
Other family-friendly specialty amenities include electric warmers, sterilizers, and corner protectors for toddlers. Hotel restaurants provide kids with crayons and paper while waiting to dine, and Charlie Brown Café is nearby for Snoopy fans. The hotel sometimes offers family-oriented holiday activities.
Private Meetings and Events
Whether organizing a board meeting or celebrating a wedding, Hotel ICON Hong Kong has a range of stylish venues for private events.
- The Above & Beyond Private Dining Rooms provide intimate, luxurious private dining experiences.
- Planning a destination wedding? Hotel ICON Hong Kong will help couples create the perfect wedding celebration, down to every detail. Silverbox Ballroom accommodates up to 580 guests.
- Hotel ICON’s Conference Centre includes seven meeting rooms ideal for smaller gatherings. Club and Suite guests enjoy complimentary access to the Executive Boardroom for up to one hour each day. Others can arrange a private boardroom upon request. Hotel ICON has audio-visual, lighting, and technical equipment available.
Hotel Icon Hong Kong Location
The closest MTR station is Hung Hom, about a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel. Trains to mainland China leave from here. Or walk about 8 minutes to East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station.
Hotel ICON Hong Kong has an electric shuttle bus that runs every 20 minutes from the hotel to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station and Sun Arcade (near TST shopping). You can also hire a BMW i3 (among other options), which can be arranged available with the hotel concierge, or choose a chauffeured Tesla.
You can step outside the hotel to explore nearby shops and restaurants. However, one of my favorite things to do (weather permitting) is to take a jog along the waterfront. If running isn’t your thing, it’s the most scenic way also to walk from Hotel ICON to TST attractions like Harbour City shopping mall, Star Ferry, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and more.
Situated just 10 minutes by car from Kowloon Station on the city’s Airport Express Line, you will have no trouble accessing Hong Kong’s attractions.
Hotel ICON has an especially ideal location for viewing the “Symphony of Lights” show, the largest permanent light show in the world. If you have a harbor view room, watch for the colored laser show out your window nightly at 8 p.m. (your view will depend on if your room is angled toward TST or not). I can tell you that the view of the light show from the Above & Beyond lounge is fantastic (sit at the bar for the best view). Outside of the hotel in TST, you can watch it live from Avenue of the Stars or Harbour City viewing decks.
Local museums like the Hong Kong Cultural Centre illuminate the city’s rich culture and colonial history. Kowloon Park is home to flamingos, and weekly kung fu and lion dance demonstrations. Other things to do in Hong Kong with kids include Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, and the Big Buddha.
Hotel ICON Hong Kong Reservations
By far, the best way to book Hotel ICON is through their website by joining their ICON Engage loyalty program. That’s by design and quite clever.
More Hong Kong Hotels that I LOVE
- Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
- Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
- Island Shangri-La Hong Kong
- The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
- Upper House, Hong Kong
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
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