Hotel ICON

Hotel ICON opened in 2011 after a team of international architects, designers, and artists worked together to develop innovative public spaces. Everything from the rooms to the staff uniforms were meticulously incorporated into the hotel's aesthetic, which includes a striking use of natural wood and greenery in open spaces. In the lobby, a sweeping staircase rises up from polished marble floors to a mezzanine level with a massive vertical garden sprouting from the wall. The hotel is owned by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, many of the staff are students being trained for the hospitality industry. The hotel also has destination dining, including a Michelin-recognized fine-dining spot with stunning harbor views, as well as a wildly popular buffet restaurant that draws crowds of local guests. The hotel attracts guests from all categories of tourists, from couples and families on holiday to business travelers.

Located a bit away from Kowloon's main hustle and bustle, Hotel ICON is across the street from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Tsim Sha Tsui East. It's not quite within walking distance of major shopping destinations, but there are plenty of nearby transportation options, including the Cross Harbour Tunnel and the Hung Hom MTR Station. The Hong Kong Avenue of Stars (like the Hollywood Walk of Fame), as well as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, are within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. Knutsford Terrace -- a pleasant pedestrianized area full of cafes and alfresco eateries -- is nine-minute walk away, while the hubbub of Nathan Road is about 12 minutes away on foot. Hong Kong International Airport is about a half-hour drive to the west.

The hotel has 262 stylish rooms and suites, most with excellent city or unobstructed harbor views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms are huge by Hong Kong standards and outfitted with proportionately generous 40-inch flat-screen TVs, along with big work desks and designer ergonomic chairs. Free minibars, Nespresso machines, and 3G smart phones (for mobile hotspots and free calling) also come standard. Decor thoughtfully employs patterns that blend together nicely, from variegated wood paneling to vibrant brown marble to patterned carpets and tweed upholstered headboards. Seating across all room categories has a mod style, but draws influences from Scandinavian minimalism and retro trends as well. Color palettes are mostly neutral -- creams and browns, with pops of deep blue and lighter taupe shades as well. Big, modern bathrooms have glass walk-in rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs. 

Club Suites include access to a lounge with free breakfast, and additional in-room amenities such as Bose sound systems. There's also the stunning Vivienne Tam Suite, a multi-room unit created by the famous fashion designer, furnished with a Japanese-cherry wood table, vintage-inspired red seating, and items pulled from her own New York apartment. The hardwood walled bedroom feels truly luxe. It's a splash for sure, but the walls of windows might just be worth it for those looking to embrace Hong Kong's go-big-or-go-home ethos.

The ICON has a heated rooftop pool and a pool bar that works double duty as a cocktail bar and a juice bar, catering to the adjacent fitness center. The fitness center is open 24-hours a day and comes equipped with treadmills, cardio bikes, and a full range of weight training machines (personal trainer sessions can also be arranged). The full-service Angsana Spa has several treatment rooms, along with a sauna and an aromatic bath room. 

The hotel's dining options begin with the lobby's Green Cafe, which serves casual fare in a bright and airy space centered around a massive vertical garden growing up one wall, designed by a famed French botanist. On the second floor, The Market has one of the most popular buffets in town. Its sprawling list local and international cuisine attracts locals, and reservations tend to book up weeks in advance. For fine-dining, Above & Beyond has a prominent place on the 28th floor, serving dim sum and seasonal Cantonese cuisine, along with a lauded wine list and romantic harbor views. The restaurant has been acknowledged by Michelin Guides. There's also a relaxing lounge on the pool floor with free tea, coffee, and light snacks -- it's designed for travelers arriving early or departing after check-out who need a place to take a load off. 

For guests heading out on shopping trips, a free daytime shuttle leaves every 20 minutes for Tsim Sha Tsui Station and The Sun Arcade (at the Harbour City shopping complex). There's also a free seasonal shuttle boat that ferries guests across the harbor to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.