● Currency HKD, pegged to the US dollar ● Visa-free stay up to 90 days for many nationalities ● Getting around Octopus card on MTR, tram & ferry ● Airport Express Central in 24 min ● Tap water boil before drinking ● Emergency number 999

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

The Ritz-Carlton occupies the top floors of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in West Kowloon, making it one of the highest hotels in the world by floor level.

Location

West Kowloon, close to the high-speed rail terminus and the West Kowloon Cultural District, on the Kowloon side of the harbour rather than the Island.

What it's known for

Ozone, its rooftop bar, ranks among the highest bars in the world and gives a sweeping view back across the harbour to Hong Kong Island — arguably the single best reason to visit even if not staying there. The hotel's height also means lift journeys to and from the lobby take noticeably longer than in a typical building.

Who it suits

Travellers who want the view and don't mind being based in West Kowloon rather than Central or Tsim Sha Tsui's older core — well placed for high-speed rail arrivals or departures.