A gleaming tower of glass and steel, this relative newcomer storms the scene with famed service standards, outstanding cuisine, excellent spa facilities and spectacular harbor views that make it one of the finest hotels here. Quickly gaining attention and excitement from high-end businesspeople and tourists alike, the Four Seasons can justify charging high rates. Shoppers adore the location attached to the IFC shopping and office complex, and tourists take advantage of the nearby ferry access to other areas or just linger by the hotel's pool with fantastic Kowloon views when not indulging in the extensive spa offerings.
The spacious high-ceilinged lobby provides stunning harbor views and ample seating areas draped in velvet, though it looks and feels more like an office reception than world-class hotel, lacking the formal grandeur of the Pen or even the Mandarin Oriental. Fresh flowers and natural lighting are among the accents that add elegance to the fine appointments. Bellhops stand ready to open doors, provide bottled water to runners and assist arrivals with heavy bags. A curving staircase leads to the second level, where more sweeping vistas are found. The small lobby-level newsstand offers daily papers, magazines and a few stylish knickknacks for busy travelers who don't have time to shop for gifts and souvenirs.
Diners are in for a multitude of treats at the three main venues here. Caprice, the French restaurant, is a tasteful, fine Parisian eatery that serves arguably Hong Kong's finest European cuisine and is consistently ranked among Asia's top tables. Sparkling chandeliers illuminate the linen-topped tables and specialties of duck foie gras, lobster ravioli and stewed venison. Floor-lit panels resembling a catwalk lead to the seating areas. A tasting station is the highlight, with an eclectic medley of flavors, though others rave about the sterling silver covered chairs in the private dining room. Thankfully, service is more Four Seasons than stereotypically French.
The Cantonese dining room is more modern with sleek curves and skyline views, and guests dine on seafood entrees and spicy noodles, though this is not one of the best Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong—for that, diners should head to the Mandarin Oriental or Grand Hyatt. Casual dining is in The Lounge, and shaken martinis or cosmopolitans are enjoyed in the sexy, aquatic Blue Bar, where bartenders concoct 88 blue drinks (the number is a Chinese symbol of good fortune), but those in the know say the real scene is in the intimate Caprice bar.
Guests can use the round-the-clock, top-of-the-line fitness center with machines equipped 
with LCD-touch-screen TVs. Also available are the yoga and Pilates studios, sauna, mother-of-pearl-tiled steam room and vitality pools. A comprehensive spa provides a wealth of beauty and massage treatments with the finest European products. The crowning option involves private spa suites complete with private showers, patios, whirlpools and a bar. Three heated pools offer views of the skyline and harbor. Especially famous are the whirlpool and infinity pool, which offer romantic sojourns. A doting staff tends to sun worshippers reclining in chaises longues, sipping tropical drinks and enjoying fruit or more substantial healthy fare such as salads and grilled seafood. Expansive meeting space for medium-sized groups presents cutting-edge function rooms and the latest technology. The 24-hour business center has all of the expected necessities.
At 484 sq ft, standard rooms are among Hong Kong's largest. Guest rooms, divided into two categories, Western and Chinese, are understated and calm, perhaps to highlight the incredible views of the harbor and surrounding cityscape. Chinese rooms are far chintzier with gold leafing, darker woods and Oriental touches in the artwork and overabundance of lacquer ware. Western rooms are more focused on efficiency. The modern look focuses on king or queen sheepskin underlay beds topped with lush duvets and accent pillows. Shaded tones create a feeling of warmth amplified by subtle lighting and leather 
accents. Big desks provide high-speed Internet access (for a fee), phones with data ports and voice mail, and ergonomic chairs. All of the basics, from flat-screen TVs to safes, minibars and DVD players, are present. Reserved artwork clings to the silk and wood paneled walls, and fresh flowers and fruit break up the monotony. Lavish baths are swathed in marble and mirrored surfaces, plus imported L'Occitane bath amenities. Double vanities, adjustable lighting, luxury toiletries, scales, flat-screen TVs and thick towels ensure that baths are as substantial as guest rooms. Fresh flowers, robes, slippers, hair dryers and magnifying mirrors are on hand. Executive-level guests enjoy butler service, access to an elaborate 45th-floor private lounge with breakfast and evening snacks, and free Internet access and pressing services. Additional highlights in the lounge include a balcony with sweeping views and a doting staff.
Room service is round-the-clock, and pets are not welcome. Smoke-free accommodations are available. Concierge services are excellent, and housekeeping does double duty. Most of the accommodations offer coveted harbor views. This stupendous option is as fine as the Pen, but its benefits include a fresh perspective among the staff, management and the furnishings themselves.
