RITZ-CARLTON
Starting on the 102nd floor of the cloud-puncturing ICC building, the Ritz-Carlton is the world's highest hotel. Yes, the guest rooms have fabulous views but if you really want to test your tolerance to vertigo, dip your toes into the hotel pool. At 490 metres, it's almost the same height as The Peak across the harbour, reached by rack railway. The infinity edge plunges 118 floors and, at times, you're swimming in the clouds. If your nerves are a little stretched, retreat to the Ozone Bar, where the harbour views are just as dazzling. Rooms from HKD 4500 ($618).
See ritzcarlton.com.
INTERCONTINENTAL
This rather ugly, red granite building is a real treat inside. After all, it's Hong Kong's only absolute harbour-front hotel, with a ringside seat of one of the world's greatest urban spectacles. Lie in bed, press a button and the curtains slide back to reveal ferries chugging past on Victoria Harbour against a backdrop of Central skyscrapers. Before dinner, take a seat in the lobby bar, where three-storey windows allow you to watch the 8pm Symphony of Lights show, when lights and lasers add further glamour to the scene. Rooms from HKD 2690.
See intercontinental.com.
THE PENINSULA
This venerable star of the Hong Kong hotel scene has had some thunder stolen by younger upstarts but it remains a very stylish place to stay, particularly if you arrive in one of the hotel's Rolls-Royce transfers. Only the top room categories have harbour views these days. Still, anyone can head to the spectacular Philippe Starck-designed Felix Bar for more of that glittering panorama, traditionally accompanied by champagne. Gents can also enjoy Hong Kong's best washroom views at the urinals, which face a glass wall fronting Kowloon, something of an infinity-edge experience. Rooms from HKD 4880.
W HOTEL
The oh-so-hip W Hotels have made their name by providing funky luxury, and Hong Kong's outlet is no exception. The immodestly named Fabulous Rooms have sweeping harbour views. The Cool Corner Rooms have a city skyscraper outlook to boot. Go for the Extreme WOW suite if you want ... well, you get the picture. Meanwhile, at the 76th-floor pool, you practically swim though the sky. Bob in the infinity-edge jacuzzi and watch the sun go down over one of the world's most stunning harbours for a sumptuous end to the day. Rooms from HKD 2640.
See w-hongkong.com.
MANDARIN-ORIENTAL
There's no time for TV in the harbour rooms here, because you will be glued to the in-room binoculars that allow you to see every detail of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon on its far side. Studying passing junks, ferries, cruise liners and container ships is mesmerising. You can also see the view from the glass-walled shower, so you don't miss a minute while scrubbing. Several of the hotel's noted restaurants also have panoramic outlooks, as does the M Bar, where an Earl Grey martini is the perfect match for shimmering lights. Rooms from HKD 4700.
See mandarinoriental.com.
FOUR SEASONS
Four Seasons sits in Central and gazes across to Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side of the harbour. It therefore misses out on views of the tallest skyscrapers, but the panorama is still a showstopper, displayed everywhere from the outdoor pool to the windows of the hotel's two Michelin-starred restaurants. The outstanding executive club lounge on the 45th floor has a narrow wrap-around balcony not for those afraid of heights. It takes in most of the harbour and is worthy of a toast with the lounge's complimentary Taittinger champagne. Rooms from HKD 5100.
