Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong

The Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong is an exception among the city's many luxury hotels, delivering a proper resort-like vibe within easy reach of the city's busiest neighborhoods. The number of amenities -- from excellent dining and drinking to a posh spa and harborside pool -- are enough to set this hotel apart from the competition. However, the Andre Fu-designed interiors here are refined and contemporary, which only further adds to the worlds-away atmosphere you'll find throughout the hotel. Make no mistake, though: This isn't some sleepy, sedate oasis. In fact, the Kerry's restaurants and bars buzz day and night, from locals enjoying happy hour at the Dockyard or the terrace at Red Sugar, to families and hotel guests poring over the buffets at Big Bay Cafe. With its sprawling layout, the hotel manages to feel uncrowded even if it is perpetually lively. As such, it draws a reliable mix of business and leisure travelers, and is rapidly becoming a staycation destination for Hong Kong's residents as well.

The Kerry Hotel's location is both one of its best assets and, potentially, a weakness. Situated right on Victoria Harbor, the hotel has entirely unimpeded views out across the water to Hong Kong Island from almost every public space. That means restaurants, bars, and the pool all feature scene-stealing vantages of Hong Kong's famous skyline. It's also only a five-minute walk from the Whampoa MTR station, putting you within a 15- to 30-minute commute of neighborhoods like Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Central. However, the immediate area isn't the most exciting. Aside from a few other hotels, it's mostly a low-key part of town, with lots of authentic Cantonese dining spots, but a bit less buzz than other districts (particularly when compared to trendy Soho). You'll find a ferry pier at the hotel, running to North Point on Hong Kong Island (it's not the most well-located end point, but is close enough to the MTR on Hong Kong Island to make for easy daytime jaunts). Even so, taxi rides to those livelier neighborhoods only take 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Budget 30 to 45 minutes to reach the airport by taxi, or 75 minutes by MTR and Airport Express trains.

Much like the rest of the hotel, the rooms here have a refined contemporary look that's simple, but elegant. Expect soothing tones of blue and gray alongside generous oak details, plus elegant textiles in calm neutral shades. All rooms have a full wall of windows that looks out onto either Kowloon or across the harbor -- the latter are easily the best rooms in the house, particularly as the Hong Kong Island skyline lights up in the evening. Rooms are easily some of the largest available in Hong Kong, with even entry-level units offering generous 42 square meter floor plans (452 square feet) plus windowside seating. The sheer size of the units and the furnishings all add to the resort-like vibe of a stay here, making the rooms themselves a destination worth enjoying (unlike other cramped luxury quarters in Hong Kong). Rooms also come with a long list of extras including large flat-screen TVs, Handy Phones, free Wi-Fi, Bluetooth sound systems, free minibars on arrival (excluding wine and hard liquor), Nespresso machines, individually controlled air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Marble bathrooms include rainfall showers and, in many, separate bathtubs as well, with Club-level rooms adding luxe L'Occitane bath products. Some higher-category units also add balconies, and top-tier suites have numerous rooms for unwinding and enjoying a truly luxurious escape. All rooms are exceptionally quiet at night. 

True to its self-described urban resort status, the Kerry offers numerous features -- in fact, it's a list that's essentially on par with anything you'd find in the Caribbean or Mexico (minus the beach). That starts with the outdoor spaces, all of which sit next to Victoria Harbour and include multiple sun terraces and a beautiful harborside pool. The hotel's numerous restaurants and bars also take advantage of this setting, with great outdoor spaces at Red Sugar and The Dockyard. The former is incredibly popular for happy hour, while the latter buzzes well into the night with its convivial food hall atmosphere. Hung Tong serves authentic Cantonese cuisine for lunch and dinner while Big Bay Cafe is the hotel's buffet venue, with offerings ranging from traditional Cantonese dim sum to trendier bites and locavore fare. The Club Lounge (accessible to higher-category bookings) offers an incredibly generous array of snacks day and night, as well as an excellent breakfast in the morning. The hotel's spa is a posh, relaxing space and is attached to the fitness center. A large selection of free weights, weight machines, and cardio equipment is all on offer, as are classes and personal trainers. It's a proper gym, and memberships are available for those living in Hong Kong as well. Other cool features include a coworking space that adds even more local appeal to the property, plus a ton of meeting and event space. The lobby lounge serves as both a cafe, afternoon tea venue, and meeting place for guests of the hotel and locals as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.