Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Retains '80s Grandeur With a Modern Update

HONG KONG

There's plenty of reason to fawn over Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, one of the city's oldest luxury hotels. Opening in 1989 as the Asian flagship for Hyatt International, it was once the hub for late-night discos and VIP visits including Bill Clinton, Chinese president Hu Jintao and David Beckham. Fast forward to today, the five-star venue continues to impress elite travellers with its exceptional service and array of dining venues to indulge in. But that's not all—besides its 12 restaurants and bars to choose from, guests can also immerse themselves at the tranquil Plateau Spa to relax and rejuvenate in undisturbed glory, or at the expansive outdoor pool for all-day sun soaking. We check in to Grand Hyatt Hong Kong for a one-night stay to test the waters.

The opulent lobby at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

Located in bustling Wan Chai, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong sits within close proximity of public transportation and offers an impressive front entrance for those arriving by taxi or car. Its opulent interiors and show-stopping signature black marble columns make a majestic first impression for first-timers, enhanced by the recurring symmetrical frames found from head-to-toe in the hotel. Although the hotel underwent a renovation since its opening for a more contemporary overall façade, its old-school grandeur remains prominent throughout thanks to its dark colour tone and shades of mahogany reminiscent of the '80s.

Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

We stayed on the 25th floor in a King Bedroom overlooking the garden and pool area. The stylish room was equipped with suave Balmain toiletries, a rainforest shower, a bath and essential coffee and tea making facilities. Guests can also opt for spa-themed rooms, harbour views, terraces or the indulgent suites which take hotel stays to new highs.

Grissini interiors at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

When it comes to dining at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, there's certainly no shortage of options. Guests can wine and dine at one of the 12 restaurants and bars:

• Grand Café – a la carte, breakfast and dinner buffets

• Tiffin – continental cuisine, popular for its Sunday brunch buffet

• Grissini – upscale, South Italian cuisine

• Grand Hyatt Steakhouse – as you probably guessed, prime cuts of steaks

• One Harbour Road – traditional homestyle Cantonese cuisine

• The Grill – poolside dining

• Kaetsu – contemporary Japanese cuisine

• The Teppanroom – teppanyaki grill

• Champagne Bar – capturing the elegance of 1920s Paris, this is the ideal venue for pre-dinner or pre-theatre celebrations

• The Waterfall Bar – outdoor poolside lounge

• Chocolatier – sustainable chocolate from Ecuador
  

Grissini Dinner at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

Greeted by beautiful interiors which pay tribute to Italian fine dining, we were also impressed by the chef's table cemented at the entrance, making bread throughout the night. We were of course excited to try the namesake breadsticks at Grissini and can thoroughly confirm that they are worth the hype—a third round in, we thought it best to stop there.

The sumptuous design is only part of the experience as we learned quickly through the attentive service and recommended dishes served throughout our meal. Highlights from our experience included the yellowtail carpaccio and slow-cooked veal loin for starters and the braised cod to share, served on a huge plate—rest assured, this one will leave you feeling full. Be sure to ask for wine pairings too.

Grissini's homemade limoncello | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

We have also previously dined at Grand Hyatt Steakhouse, an incredible joint featuring prime cuts of beef from the US, UK and Japan.

If, like us, breakfast is an important element of your stay, then get ready to dive into the massive buffet selection at Grand Café served every morning. It's a delightful way to begin the morning after coffee, where Japanese, Chinese and Western cuisine awaits.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong's outdoor swimming pool | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

Flanked by two poolside bars, the swimming pool serves as an all-day relaxation hub and spot for day drinkers. Unsurprisingly, many guests flock here during all times of the stay, so it remains a busy activity with many residents looking for an urban respite that includes a pool. It's the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon—add in a glass of bubbly for a well-deserved treat.

Entrance to the pool | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

The award-winning Plateau Spa offers a much-needed wellness escape whether you're staying overnight or not. Popular among well-heeled travellers overcoming long-haul flights, the spa is a serene oasis that feels like a resort in itself. We tried the signature Plateau Massage for an hour of total bliss, complemented with fruit and warm tea to set the scene.

Plateau Spa | Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times

With over 30 years of impeccable service under its belt, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong continues to strive in what it does best—its spa, dining and stellar hospitality.

Rediscovering our own backyard during COVID times has brought in a wealth of new experiences for us to uncover the best of the city, including Hong Kong's abundant hotel scene. Although it will be a little busier during the summer months with travel locked down, it's worth the wait for facilities like the swimming pool where you can then spend the day sunbathing. Unsurprisingly, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong remains a gem among the top hotels and if you're looking for a dining and spa-centric staycation, this is the place to be.

1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, hyatt.com