Opening of the New Ritz Carlton Hotel in the International Commerce Center (ICC) – First look at the Ozone Bar

Last night was one of the most anticipated events for luxury travelers around the world. Finally, the Ritz Carlton opened its doors for the public here in Hong Kong. The “soft-opening” of the new Ritz Carlton Hotel in the International Commerce Center (ICC) went smooth and I have to admit that I’m impressed. Hong Kong’s new iconic landmark (the ICC building) adds not only another dining and accommodation attraction, but also a place to see and to be seen.

Victoria Harbor from the Ozone Bar

Entrance of Ritz Carlton Hotel

The five star hotel is located from the 102nd floor to the 118th floor and it seems that all 312 guest rooms are offering spectacular city and harbor views. The Ritz Carlton is currently the highest hotel in the world and dominates Hong Kong’s skyline at 490m height. For all of you who are interested to book a night at this prestigious hotel: the Ritz Carlton offers currently a promotion…starting at HK$ 3,888 a night for single occupancy (valid through April 30th, 2011).

Ozone Bar’s Logo

Besides the normal accommodation, the Ritz Carlton offers six different dining venues. Most of them are located on the top floors and my guess will be that these dining facilities will become not only the “denier cry” for weddings and other family gatherings, but also be handled as the latest insider tips for all of you who like to go out for a drink or two.

I had a chance to take a closer look at the Ozone Bar on the 118th floor (the top floor). The Ozone Bar has the potential to be the new hot spot in town and has everything to enjoy a night out. The prices for cocktails and beer could be considered moderate taking the environment (five star hotel, highest bar in the world, situated in Hong Kong) into consideration. Expect to pay for a cocktail about HK$ 95, for Champagne cocktails somewhere around HK$ 190 and for a bottle of beer (Tsingtao, Heineken, Carlsberg, etc.) HK$ 65.

The Views Inside Ozone Bar

The environment of the Ozone Bar has a modern interior, offers ambient changing light settings and could be best described as a place to enjoy and relax after a hard day’s work. The most stunning about the Ozone Bar is that they offer an outside terrace with one of the most spectacular views I have seen in Hong Kong. The only drawback is that it can be very windy and fresh outside…so if you opt to enjoy some fresh air, make sure to take your jacket with you. In case you forget your jacket or you still feel freezing, simply ask the helpful staff to provide you an additional jacket…

Besides that guests cannot only be assured that they probably get some fine dining options at the Ritz Carlton, but also can enjoy some stunning and breathtaking views of the harbor and city from all of the six dining venues. The two restaurants are an Italian one (Tosca) and an authentic Cantonese cuisine (Tin Lung Heen) and it seems to me that the Ritz Carlton wanted to reflect with their selection the east meets west cliché of Hong Kong by offering these restaurants. Furthermore, for all of you who just like to have a tea time or cocktail try to have a look at “The Chocolate Library” as well as “The Lounge&Bar”. This might be another option besides the already mentioned “Ozone Bar”.

Ozone Bar Sushi Bar

Inside Ozone Bar

The Bottomline:

Would I recommend the Ozone Bar? Certainly…no question. The atmosphere, the settings, prices as well as the fact that this is currently the highest bar in the world…make it definitely a place to visit.

Here is the address:

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
International Commerce Center
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Enquiries Call: +(852) 2263 2263