Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Come to think of it, it is a little bit hard to believe there hasn’t been a Four Seasons here for almost a decade. But it’s a good thing there wasn’t, because now we get to watch as the venerable luxury chain makes its grand re-entrance into the Hong Kong market. And this truly is an impressive one — new hotels are rare here, and still rarer is the kind of expansive space this Four Seasons offers.

The slightly unconventional location helps. The Four Seasons Hong Kong is built into the new International Finance Centre in the city’s Central district, and looks back over the harbor towards Kowloon — a view that threatens to distract from the stunning mosaic-tiled outdoor infinity pools, but doesn’t quite.

Rooms are big, and the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows just make them bigger. By now you’re not expecting modern design hysterics, just crisp, sober luxury, and all the comfort you can reasonably handle, from the sheets to the showers to the massive televisions. At worst, hotels like this one can feel a little bit soulless, but that’s not the case here — and with a wealth of fine restaurants and some of the best service this side of anywhere, this Four Seasons is something of an instant classic.