By day or by night, Hong Kong's harbour is simply breathtaking. And you can't get much closer to the water in Hong Kong than this; the 17-storey, polished granite InterContinental Hotel. A Kowloon landmark, it is literally built over the edge of Victoria Harbour, commanding uninterrupted, panoramic views of the busy waterway and Hong Kong Island. But the views aren't the only draw. Its legendary lobby has been totally redesigned following the principles of feng shui, and boasts a soaring glass facade through which you can savour the dramatic skyline. 

The majority of the hotel's 495 rooms and suites have sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong. In keeping with the hotel's sleek new image, they have an Asian minimalist feel with touches of regality thanks to gold and silk accents. Other features include spacious Italian marble bathrooms with sunken bathtubs and Bulgari toiletries, and separate showers. The rooms are also packed with plenty of high-tech gizmos including high-speed broadband internet access, 37" LCD televisions, Bose home entertainment sound systems, and iPod Docking stations. 

Dining: 

Like most of Hong Kong's top hotels, the InterContinental wows food lovers with some impressive options. They include Spoon, an exciting French contemporary restaurant inspired by the award-winning chef, Alain Ducasse. It boasts a menu which is only overshadowed by the stunning decor, featuring more than 500 hand-blown glass spoons on the ceiling. If you get a hankering for a good steak and a glass of red, the Steakhouse can satisfy you on both counts.  The most recent dining venue, however, is Nobu - a dining room, sushi bar and lounge brought to the hotel by the Sushi master himself.

The hotel's laundry list of great facilities starts with the state-of-the-art Club InterContinental, an exclusive retreat for a business meeting, afternoon tea, or relaxing with a pre-dinner cocktail. Another is the feng shui-inspired I-Spa - an urban oasis in which to indulge in a rejuvenating massage or beauty treatment. Afterwards, you can relax in the unique trio of outdoor spa pools. Set in granite with glass walls, they are perched right on the water's edge offering an unequalled overview of Hong Kong's bustling harbour. 

The Verdict:

The InterContinental is a large hotel, and equipped to make it perfect for either business or leisure stays. Big on style and service, it manages to be secluded from the non-stop bustle of Hong Kong, yet embodies the city's dynamic personality. It's a quintessential Hong Kong experience, and undeniably the best spot for viewing the daily laser show.