The Upper House Hong Kong

I must warn you in advance – this post may come across as a tragic love-fest. This is simply because I have nothing but extreme levels of love in my heart for the The Upper House Hong Kong, which began the moment I set foot in the hotel. Allow me to elaborate.

I’ve admired The Upper House from afar, ever since I first learned about it while researching global luxury hotels for a project I was working on. During our trip to HK back in June, I made a point of visiting for a stickybeak. As we arrived in our taxi, we were instantly greeted by several impeccably presented staff who were tripping over themselves to help us. I sheepishly admitted to one of the young gentlemen that we were simply hoping to have a little look at the interiors.

The Dude: Of course! And what would you like to see.
Me: Ummm, like – the whole place…
The Dude: Sure thing. I can arrange that for you right away.
Me: Would it be ok if we took some photos as well?
The Dude: No problem.

To be honest, I was kind of shocked at how open and friendly he was. Maybe this is because the place was so immaculate, that I assumed there would be a hint of hesitation or snootiness about. Instead, we got nothing but a helpful, friendly, professional and incredibly generous welcome, simply because we were hoping to have a look (without ever having to explain why, or who were were – I might add). I don’t know about you, but I think that is amazing. So… off we went, with our very own hotel guide – a lovely young woman who showed us literally everything we wanted to see – the rooms, the common areas, the garden, the lounge, the hotel, the amazing bathrooms – the whole lot. Nick was furiously taking photos, while I dreamed of staying here some day, because what we were seeing felt simply incredible.

Related Post: #YellowtraceTravels: Hong Kong, China.

And, what do you know – less than three months later, we were indeed back in Hong Kong, AND staying at The Upper House. I mean, if that’s not The Universe doing it’s job or something, I don’t know what is!!! To add to the awesomeness of the situation, Nick and I were staying not just as random strangers, but as members of Australian media who were touring the three Swire Hotels in China (one of which was The Temple House in Chengdu).

I have to say that, as much as I absolutely ADORED The Upper House the first time round as an observer, my extreme levels of love only quadrupled when we got to experience the hotel during our stay, for more reasons than I could ever list here.

The Sky Lounge has high ceilings and abundant natural light, overlooking the green hillsides and eastern Hong Kong from Level 49. Regular events are held at this space, and access is available to everyone – provided the room isn’t booked for a private event.
Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Also on Level 49 is the Café Gray Deluxe, a glamorous restaurant offering Modern European dining. The restaurant discreetly makes its way onto all the best restaurants in Hong Kong lists. Next door is the handsome Café Gray Deluxe Bar offering an extensive wine list, pitch-perfect cocktails and magnificent views of Hong Kong.
Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

The Upper House opened in 2009, becoming the second hotel (of the three so far) in The House Collective brought to life by Swire Properties. It’s name stems from the fact it sits above the bustling city as a serene house of intriguing spaces and natural materials. The hotel occupies the top 13 storeys of a 1980s block that was formerly serviced apartments, towering above the iconic Pacific Place designed by Heatherwick Studio. The luxurious hotel interior is the work of the at-the-time largely unknown architect André Fu, who was barely 30 when he won the commission. This project was Fu’s first collaboration with Swire Hotels and his first ever hotel project. Since then, the young architect has built a highly successful design studio, going on to create a series of internationally recognised works.

Designed as a haven within the city, The Upper House set the benchmark for ground breaking technology and unparalleled commitment to luxury interiors and memorable customer service. The hotel’s 117 studios and suites are surprisingly spacious, particularly for Hong Kong, featuring natural materials, gorgeous bathrooms and thrilling views from all the rooms.

Andre Fu has created an understated feeling of residential calmness, that speaks of so much more than a luxury hotel. The entire concept is based around “An Upward Journey” to a haven of calm and quiet taste, with specially commissioned art forming an intrinsic part of the unique character of the hotel. Each artwork was chosen to complement and enhance the concept of serenity, including original art and sculptures in sandstone, ceramics, marble and bronze. Even the beautiful bell sound that signals the arrival of the lifts was specially selected for the hotel.

A secluded green space located on Level 6, The Lawn is a pleasant surprise set amid Hong Kong’s high-rise architecture. A grassy respite from the city, here you can enjoy garden bites, picnic cocktails and cold beers.
Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Pacific Place sits below The Upper House – a stunning commercial and shopping centre development, designed by Heatherwick Studio. If you go, you must checkout the bathrooms!
Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

The Continental restaurant forms part of the Pacific Place complex designed by Heatherwick Studio, with interiors by David Collins. The food is absolutely incredible, and you should totally eat here.
Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

It just so happened that Thomas Heatherwick himself was in Hong Kong during our stay. He gave the most inspiring talk at the Sky Lounge, which left me levitating with inspiration for days. For me, this really was the sweetest little cherry on top of the already super-delicious stay. Wow – whatta guy, whatta brain!
Photography © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

The sublime interiors aside, I really must mention the extraordinary service one more time, as it was truly memorable. The Upper House staff made us feel like we were the only guests they’ve ever looked after. They were absolutely incredible and on point, and had I not had the chance to experience the staff and the service “undercover” the first time we visited, I would’ve genuinely assumed that the extraordinary attention we received during our stay was hammed-up because we were media. Except, I bet this is how anyone who’s ever stayed here would’ve felt – a regular guest, a long term resident, a celebrity or media alike. I tip my hat to everyone involved.

Oh, and want to hear the best bit? One Yellowtracer and their friend will soon have a chance to stay and dine at The Upper House, courtesy of Swire Hotels. Stay tuned for the details. Woohoo!!!

Related Post: #YellowtraceTravels: Hong Kong, China.

Rooms at The Upper House start from HKD5,200 (approx $940 AUD). Cathay Pacific flies to Hong Kong several times each day. For flights information visit cathaypacific.com.au.

Team Yellowtrace were guests of The Upper House during our trip to Hong Kong. All related thoughts, ideas and text in this post reflect our genuine opinion.