Upper House is the number one hotel in Hong Kong on TripAdvisor, though I doubt the guests at this hotel found out about this design haven on the online reviewing site. Slick, chic and casually understated, this hotel is a favourite with stylish and creative travellers who want more than just luxury when they stay away from home. The façade is a miraculous creation of Thomas Heatherwick and the interiors are designed by Andre Fu. Hidden within a skyscraper tower block, the beautiful rooms and pristine public areas are adorned with mesmerising modern artwork and beautiful sculptural pieces.
I visited Café Gray Deluxe, the hotels rooftop restaurant, for a lavish lunch with panoramic views of the city. Our meal was prepared by the highly accomplished Finnish sous chef, Eric Räty. The dishes are a fusion of international and Chinese flavours and ingredients.
Foie Gras Torchon with Williams pear, grapefruit jelly, cumberland sauce and crushed pink peppercorn looked and tasted delicious. The tart and sweet fruit components cut through the rich foie gras to create a balanced mouthful of flavours. Served with toasted brioche it was a decadent and moreish first course. For main course we tried two contrasting dishes: Steamed Garoupa with ginger-water cress bouillon with baby pak choi, coriander and scallions; and Marsala glazed veal cheek with saffron risotto, shaved parmesan, sage and parma ham. The delicately steamed garoupa was a fresh and healthy dish served with vibrant Chinese herbs and vegetables and was subtly seasoned. The veal and risotto was bold and rich, the most wonderfully creamy risotto was a welcome break from Asian flavours and the veal was cooked to perfection, full of intensity and glory.
For dessert two of my favourite ingredients were combined for a tropical and refreshing dish. Rum marinated pineapple with mascarpone and coconut macaroons was a triumph of exotic flavours. The soft pineapple slices infused with a spicy hint of rum paired with the textured sweet coconut macaroons.
After lunch we walked around the hotel to admire the architecture and artistic details, silently hoping that next time I visit Hong Kong I could afford to stay here. Before leaving I couldn’t resist trying the exclusive Louboutin manicure, offered in the Suites at Upper House. It has proved to be a very popular collaboration between the hotel, designer and hip local beauty venue, The Nail Library. It was an hour of total bliss, and the iconic red Louboutin shade stayed intact on my nails for weeks after the treatment.
In such a manic city, the Upper House offers a calm and cool environment to sleep, eat and relax.
More information and book a stay at Upper House here.