The Upper House: A Home Above the Clouds in Hong Kong

This acclaimed five-star establishment is part of Swire Group, a conglomerate that owns Cathay Pacific Airways, hotel properties and shopping malls in the city state. Housing both suites and private residences, The Upper House makes guests feel right at home in the hustle and bustle of the crowded metropolis.

“Houses, not hotels” is the philosophy that grounds The Upper House in the epicenter of Hong Kong Island. The staff and the interior design authentically and organically make everyone feel this way via every single detail.

The Hotel

Under heavy Asian influences, noted architect André Fu redefined the concept of luxury through The Upper House as his first hotel project in 2009.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

And what a spectacular success it’s been — he transformed a skyscraper of service apartments with perpendicular bay windows on the façades into a temple of understated beauty and a sanctuary of warm hospitality.

The lobby is surrounded by the water moat in a glass box. After checking in, guests take the escalators flanked by dimmed red rectangular lights inspired by Japanese Torii gates to the level where a café, an outdoor court with a green lawn, and a bank of lifts are situated. Porters move the luggage to the room while the concierge gives a tour of the suite.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

The central atrium is designed to resemble a cathedral, featuring two ponds and vertical lacquered paper lanterns at its base. Towering installations, 40 meters tall and made of warm metal, adorn the enormous walls and are inspired by the concept of water layers, symbolizing an upward journey. Light streams down from the glass dome above, creating a serene atmosphere. Being in the atrium evokes a sense of spiritual awakening.

Over 400 pieces of abstract ceramics and marble, sandstone, and bronze sculptures are placed throughout the property, even inside the elevators. This hotel is not just a home but a gallery of calming art.

The Spacious Studio

The studio on the 43rd floor, where I stayed for four nights, was very spacious, featuring two rooms, which is quite generous by Hong Kong standards. Large rectangular windows let natural light fill the space while framing a view of lush green hills.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

The main room included a king-size bed, an L-shaped sectional sofa, a wide desk, an embedded TV screen, and a snack station, all arranged in a way that maintained a harmonious flow.

Besides a dressing room with closets and a stool, duo sinks and mirrors, and an en-suite toilet, the limestone bathtub facing two huge windows in the center of the venue is the star attraction. There are automatic curtains by the windows. But soaking in a hot bath with an open view after hiking the winding streets after a long day is a treat. There’s even a soft headrest attached to the bathtub.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

If your suite faces Victoria Harbor, you must spoil yourself with the billion-dollar view of the Pearl of the Orient. A wooden sculpture next to the free-standing towel rack anchors the overall space. Next to the tub is the rain shower cove with Bamford wellness products. An amenity pouch of bath essentials and face masks is available, turning the whole bathing event into spa therapy.

Diligent Details

Housekeeping would tidy up the room a few times daily and keep stocking complimentary snacks and beverages (soda, beer, bottled water, milk, and coconut milk). A tray of warm cookies and a tin bottle of warm milk were left in my room on the afternoon of my first day. I might have consumed them all while basking in the dusk light.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

There’s a small gym with adequate equipment that’s open 24 hours. Yoga and fitness classes, meditation sessions, and in-room massages are all bookable.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

Furthermore, when I called the front desk, the staff always addressed me by my last name.

A culinary cut above

If the in-room nibbles are not enough, the top-floor restaurant, Salisterra, offers tasty Mediterranean fares. Diners must walk on a sky bridge hanging high above the inner atrium into the brasserie.

The bar is aptly nicknamed the Green Room as it’s decorated primarily in green with floral wallpapers and presents delicious cocktails made from the new spirit by the hotel called the House Gin.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

The complimentary breakfast includes a-la-carte dishes and menu sets. I indulged in the Cantonese and Japanese sets during my stay, as well as avocado toast and fresh fruit. I also had a group dinner here, sampling Mediterranean cuisine. The sous-chef cut open the salt-baked sea bass by the table and served the patrons with eagerness.

Many celebrities and notable figures have stayed here before and continue to return. The experience team works tirelessly to assist guests as if they were dear friends.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

They handle scheduling car services, arranging local tours, reserving restaurant tables, and even sending postcards when you can’t find stamps — whatever you need, they are always happy to help.

Verdict

This genuine care embodies five-star service and transforms an ordinary journey into an extraordinary one. The Upper House is the ideal base for your visit to Hong Kong.