The Upper House Hotel in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has long been revered as a destination where East meets West in spectacular fashion, where gleaming skyscrapers stand shoulder to shoulder with ancient temples. In this vibrant metropolis, luxury accommodations abound, but few can match the understated elegance and tranquil sophistication of The Upper House. This architectural marvel doesn't announce itself with grandiose facades or ostentatious lobbies. Instead, it whispers its excellence through thoughtful design, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that feels more like a stylish private residence than a hotel.

I first encountered The Upper House during a layover that turned into a three-day exploration of Hong Kong. What was meant to be a simple place to rest became the highlight of my impromptu adventure. Nestled above Pacific Place in the Admiralty district, the hotel serves as both a sanctuary from the city's energetic pace and a perfect launching point to experience it.

A Prime Location in the Heart of Hong Kong

The Upper House's position within Pacific Place puts guests at a significant advantage. The Admiralty MTR station sits directly beneath the complex, offering seamless access to Hong Kong's comprehensive public transportation network. This connectivity proves invaluable in a city where efficient movement can transform your experience from stressful to sublime.

Step outside, and you'll find yourself minutes away from Hong Kong Park's lush greenery, the cultural treasures of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the retail paradise of Causeway Bay. The hotel's central location on Hong Kong Island means that iconic experiences like Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry are easily accessible, allowing guests to maximize their time exploring rather than commuting.

For business travelers, the proximity to Central district's financial hub is particularly convenient. Many guests track their business trips and find this location reduces travel time between meetings significantly.

Design Philosophy: An Upward Journey

The Upper House represents the first hotel project from acclaimed Asian designer André Fu, and his vision permeates every aspect of the space. The concept of an "upward journey" guides the guest experience from arrival to departure, creating a sense of progression and discovery that unfolds naturally as you move through the hotel.

This journey begins with the brutalist facade created by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, setting a tone of architectural distinction. As you enter, you're guided toward a red-toned wooden elevator inspired by Japan's torii gates, marking the transition from the external world to the sanctuary within.

The absence of a traditional check-in desk—replaced by a pioneering paperless process—immediately signals that this isn't a conventional hotel experience. This thoughtful approach to arrival eliminates unnecessary formalities, allowing guests to begin their relaxation immediately.

Throughout the hotel, Fu's design language speaks through natural materials, calming neutral tones, and clean lines that occasionally yield to gentle curves. The effect is simultaneously modern and timeless, minimalist yet warm. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the property frame Hong Kong's dramatic cityscape and harbor views, integrating the urban panorama into the interior experience.

Travelers who collect travel experiences often mention The Upper House's design as uniquely memorable among global luxury properties.

Art as Atmosphere

The Upper House doesn't merely display art; it integrates over 400 carefully selected pieces into its identity. Each artwork contributes to the hotel's tranquil atmosphere, from abstract ceramics to smooth sculptures crafted from marble, sandstone, and bronze.

The most striking piece is Hiroshiwata Sawada's 40-meter metal installation in the inner atrium, inspired by water. This dramatic feature creates a sense of movement and flow that complements the hotel's upward journey concept. Rather than overwhelming the space, these artistic elements enhance the overall sense of refined calm that defines The Upper House experience.

Art enthusiasts who document their hotel stays often praise this thoughtful curation as a distinguishing factor among luxury accommodations.

Rooms and Studios: Spacious Sanctuaries

In a city famous for its compact living spaces, The Upper House's 117 rooms and studios offer remarkable spaciousness. Even the standard rooms rival the square footage of typical Hong Kong apartments, providing guests with a genuine sense of luxury that begins with simply having room to breathe.

The accommodations continue Fu's design philosophy with muted tones, limestone bathrooms featuring deep soaking tubs, and those signature floor-to-ceiling windows. Curved window sofas create perfect vantage points for contemplating the city below, while thoughtful touches like curated art books and sculptural accents add personality to these serene spaces.

Technology integration is seamless rather than intrusive, with intuitive controls for lighting, temperature, and entertainment. The overall effect is one of pared-back luxury—everything you need is present, but nothing feels excessive or ostentatious.

Frequent travelers who compare accommodations across destinations frequently note that The Upper House rooms offer exceptional value despite their premium pricing, particularly given Hong Kong's notoriously expensive real estate.

Dining at Altitude: Salisterra

Crowning The Upper House is Salisterra, the hotel's signature restaurant that has become a destination for locals and visitors alike. Perched on the 49th floor, the restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour and the city's dramatic skyline.

The menu emphasizes sharing plates that showcase refined technique applied to exceptional ingredients. The salt-baked sea bass has developed something of a cult following, while the beef tartare demonstrates the kitchen's ability to balance bold flavors with elegant presentation. The wine program deserves special mention for its thoughtfully curated selections that complement the coastal Mediterranean influences.

Beyond dinner service, Salisterra's bar area provides a sophisticated setting for cocktails and elevated snacks. The space transitions beautifully from day to night, making it equally suitable for business lunches and romantic evenings.

Those who research the world's best hotels often place Salisterra among Hong Kong's most impressive dining venues, not just for its views but for its culinary excellence.

Amenities and Services: Understated Excellence

The Upper House's approach to amenities focuses on quality over quantity. The fitness center, while not expansive, offers state-of-the-art equipment and panoramic views that might just make your workout the highlight of your day. For those seeking more personalized wellness experiences, in-room yoga sessions can be arranged with skilled instructors.

While the hotel doesn't feature an on-site spa, in-room treatments can be scheduled, allowing guests to enjoy massages and other services without leaving their personal sanctuary. The swimming pool provides another opportunity for relaxation, with its design reflecting the same aesthetic principles that define the rest of the property.

What truly distinguishes The Upper House, however, is its service culture. The staff demonstrates an intuitive understanding of hospitality that anticipates needs without intruding on privacy. From remembering returning guests' preferences to offering insightful local recommendations, the team elevates the experience from excellent to extraordinary.

Families will appreciate the hotel's thoughtful approach to younger guests, with age-appropriate amenities and activities available upon request. This family-friendly attitude might surprise those who initially perceive The Upper House as primarily a design-focused or business-oriented property.

Travelers who document their travel experiences frequently mention the staff's attentiveness as a defining characteristic of their stay.

The Upper House Experience

What separates The Upper House from other luxury hotels in Hong Kong—and indeed from the 50 best hotels globally—is its ability to create a genuine sense of place while providing a respite from the city's intensity. The hotel doesn't try to be everything to everyone; instead, it excels at offering a specific type of urban luxury experience centered on calm, space, and thoughtful design.

The property manages to feel simultaneously connected to Hong Kong's energy and removed from its chaos. This duality creates a rhythm to your stay—venture out to explore the city's vibrant streets, then return to decompress in your personal sanctuary above the bustle.

Unlike some luxury properties that can feel intimidating or stuffy, The Upper House maintains an approachable atmosphere despite its refined aesthetic. This accessibility extends to the staff, who strike that perfect balance between professional and personable.

For those comparing Hong Kong's luxury options, it's worth noting that Rosewood Hong Kong offers a different but equally compelling experience. While both properties represent the pinnacle of Hong Kong hospitality, they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of style and atmosphere.

A Residence Above the City

The Upper House has earned its place among the world's finest hotels not through extravagance or spectacle, but through a commitment to thoughtful design, genuine service, and creating spaces that feel both luxurious and livable. With rates starting around $650 per night, it represents a premium experience, but one that delivers value through its spacious accommodations, prime location, and exceptional attention to detail.

For travelers seeking to experience Hong Kong from a perspective that balances immersion with retreat, The Upper House offers something truly special. It's not merely a place to stay; it's a residence above the city where you can process and appreciate Hong Kong's magnificent complexity from a position of calm and comfort.

Whether you're visiting for business, leisure, or a bit of both, this architectural gem provides a sophisticated base that enhances every aspect of your Hong Kong experience. And for those who use Borderly to track their travel experiences, The Upper House certainly qualifies as a destination worth documenting and sharing—a standout property that exemplifies the best of contemporary luxury hospitality in Asia and beyond.