Quite often when you travel to a new destination and you have least or no expectations prior to arrival, sometimes it may fail you by not delivering what you expected from various aspects but the rising tourism of Chongqing’s limitless vibes and dining culture is currently in a state of euphoria of high density tourism for domestic and international travellers alike coming to this magical cosmopolitan city to explore the unknown with that intense joy of anticipation.
On top of that, the luxury comfort is another added bonus and the Niccolo Chongqing sits atop the Chongqing IFS complex with upscale retail shopping in the city’s new Jiangbeiqu Central Business District, it is also one of the best locale to marvel some of the major landmarks such as the enchanting 11-story stilt-building complex Hongyadong that was built into a sheer cliff along the Yangtze Jialing River, famous for its tiered, traditional Bayu architecture that blends ancient fortress elements with modern dining and retail; the Yangtze River Cableway which looks across to the main island that is considered the centre of Chongqing and with the Jiangbeicheng metro station adjacent and connected underneath, you have the city at your fingertips. Location is everything especially when you make up your mind on accommodation, which not only landed you on one of the best sights or views of the city, but most importantly the ease of lesser commuting and the convenience of seeing the sights, shop and explore the designated neighbourhood on foot within a fair walking distance as well as well connected with the public transport, especially the brilliant Metro networks in this promising vibrant city of Chongqing.
The elevated position of Niccolo Chongqing reaches for the clouds at some 62 storeys high and can be easily accessed by various means of transport. Our arrival experience began with a limousine pick up by a well groomed and hospitable female chauffeur that was a great touch point. Polite and helpful showing her professionalism at all times, cold towels and water were offered upon settling ourselves in the luxe of the limousine and delivering the brand experience prior to arriving at the hotel. Before we knew it, we were pulling up to the dramatic, multi-stage shared, ground-level mall and hotel entrance.
A big warm welcome by the hotel team awaited our arrival and immediately we were escorted to the high-speed elevator past the bustling city skyline straight up to the high-altitude “Sky Lobby” situated on the 62nd floor. Upon stepping out from the chic and informative elevator, powered by a flat digital screen featuring the hotel sleek facilities, you are greeted by the sweeping, 270-degree panoramic views of the city skyline and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The striking Sky Lobby is characterized by soaring architecture and the interior aesthetic and space is defined by an elegant, minimalist palette of grey, white and gold.
The hotel celebrates a great affinity with art and culture and often featuring bold statement artworks, be ready and to be greeted by one of the two iconic “Beijing Girl” series large format oil painting, Honging by the contemporary artist Zhang Xiangming which features the beautiful and ignorant, brave and rebellious character, looking at the world with arrogant eyes that reveals her youthful naivety that sets the scene for the hotel’s chic address and is incredibly eye-catching.
The guest floor lift lobbies are also beautifully done, each with a large black and white framed photo above a console table, on which is an attractive blown glass vase or ceramic vase, so another thoughtful touch that turns what can be a bland space into an eye-catching detail.
The 62nd floor is a transition from the bustling streets to a sanctuary of luxury and also where everything is happening.
Besides establishing the chic and contemporary aesthetic, highly personalized service is what the hotel strives to deliver. Formalities were very quick and we were soon opening the door to our luxurious home away from home, a Deluxe River View Corner King Room, with two different views of Chongqing and you could not have a better vantage point for a panoramic vista and beyond on level 57th.
#Room 5707. The transition into the room completes the arrival and marble flooring anchors the entrance and bathroom and then a light coloured carpet for the rest of the room. Then to your left is the spacious bed/living area with the king bed positioned to enjoy the uninterrupted views.
A large luxurious sofa is across from the bed under one wall of windows and a wall mounted TV above the work desk on the right hand wall. Beige wallpaper in the bed/living area and leather look wall coverings behind the bed add subtlety and the bedside tables are very slim line in design giving the feeling of more space. The lighting was perfectly judged too.
The spacious bathroom with walls in white and grey marble is straight off to your left after the minibar and also comes with a large marble single vanity counter, a separate toilet next to a huge walk-in shower with handheld and rain shower options with strong water pressure offering more views of Chongqing and beyond. Luxury Apotheke Brooklyn bathroom amenities are offered for your enjoyment.
We loved this corner room and were mesmerized watching the changing sights of Chongqing from dawn to dusk. A bonus is this room type affords you two pieces of complimentary laundry daily. Generous welcome amenities with sensible turndown service comes with all the little touches that made our stay more special.
You must always find time to relax while staying in the hotel and the 52nd Floor is your wellness oasis in the clouds. The indoor pool deck is quite an architectural setting with huge windows framed by the architectural struts of the building and such a stunning vista the moment you walk into this space.
The large 25 metre swimming pool and adjacent Jacuzzi were the tonic for us every day to chill and admire all the dramatic sky high views.
The fitness center equally has views to kill for while you burn off some calories and is well equipped for all your needs. If facials and massages are an essential part of your hotel stay, pop over to the hotel spa that caters for all your rejuvenation needs.
Breakfast in Niccolo Kitchen was a highlight each day during our stay delivering an impressive buffet spread with lots of delightful varieties to enjoy, particularly the huge range of Chinese dishes from local to regional specialties and all our favourites were there, including Handmade Beef Pancakes and Crispy Golden Pancakes, signature Fried Rice, delectable Yellow Chicken, Crispy Dough Sticks, heart warming Congee, fluffy Steamed Buns and so much more.
Besides, you also got to choose from the crafted a-la-minute menu with more Asian selections and Western varieties especially with their specification of the free range eggs used that is a nice touch. Highlights from the menu were Chongqing Special Spicy Porridge, Glutinous Rice Shao Mai and Pan-fried Beef Dumpling for the Asian section and Egg Benedict, Smoked Salmon Blini for the Western selection and not one dish missed a beat.
English communication was easy with every team member, Jay and Alina led a strong knit team front of house and Francesco, the Executive Chef lead the kitchen brigade who cooked up a storm. A well run breakfast that put smiles on all the guests faces and even the tea and coffee selection were of a high quality too, so all the boxes were well and truly ticked!
The Tea Lounge should also be made another essential part of the stay, as the afternoon tea is a splendid repast set in an elegant ambience while marveling the majestic view of Chongqing high above on the 62nd floor.
The afternoon tea set presentation was extremely attractive, with a mirrored jewellery-like box as the centrepiece, displaying all the sweet delicacies: Yong Chuan Tea Fruit BaBa, Jiang Jun Green Pepper Basque, Lao Ying Tea Orange Fudge Cake, Black Sugar Sesame Raspberry Mousse Cake, Fragrant Wine Rice Mochi Mei Niang and Niccolo macaroons, not forgetting the plated scones with cream and blueberry jam. It was a little dry for our liking, but tasty nonetheless.
Then you have the savoury selection in beautiful little chinoiserie bowls with a spring flora design elements holding Australian Scallop Mini Basket and Sichuan Green Pepper, Red Wine Goose Liver Mousse and Cooked Ham Cannoli and Truffle Marscapone. Naturally this can all be enjoyed with a selection of fine teas and coffees and nothing is left to chance. The mini scallop basket with Sichuan green pepper was a highlight for the savoury section with the goose liver running a close second, as each had a distinctive flavour profile that really stood out. The incredibly presentation also comes with sweet pastries that were all equally delicious and attractive to the eye with consistent and delightful flavours with every bite. An extremely well done afternoon tea combination that would be hard to beat! You can also upgrade yourself to some French Champagne to indulge in a lazy afternoon.
Besides, The Tea Lounge also is a most sought-after venue for destination dining for special events as well as romantic sunset dinners. You can always find out more from the dedicated concierge team for the latest and on going promotions.
If you are looking for a charming place to imbibe for a pre or post dinner drink, then you also can’t go past the chic and stylish Bar 62. As daylight fades, bright ideas come alive after dark with the Mixologist Experience which is the perfect location for a great libation while enjoying the sensational night views of Chongqing, again from a different vantage point.
Connor hosted us for some refreshing cocktails and looked after us suitably with some great recommendations. We tried a “Niccolo Chongqing” – a very masculine cocktail like a Negroni – and a “Lavender in the Air” – a feminine cocktail with lychee flavour as the highlight – and both were equally enjoyable.
It is an attractive bar in design with some private sections filled with daylight and framed by sweeping views of the city skyline in such an elevated sleek and inviting setting.
Our stay was too short lived and we craved a much longer time to soak up the environs of this eponymous luxury hotel. It is not often that we see Management impacting directly on the guest experience, but the Niccolo Chongqing team were front and centre on the floors and any question or problem raised was answered or rectified before you knew it and it can only be a direct influence from the hotel dedicated and passionate senior management team.
We enjoyed some exceptional service from some key team members – Jinx, Aaron, Lydia and Jacky from Rooms Division, Francesco, Jay, Alina, Hayley and Hobbes from food & beverage department and many others too numerous to mention. Luxury means different things to different people, but in our estimation this hotel presents luxury in a refined and consistent way with many special touches from the aesthetic of the interior design to the generous and dedicated hospitality that was second to none and an integral part of our memorable stay.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
