Providing a new focal point for Island East is the Swire Properties hotel. Commanding magnificent views of Victoria Harbour - particularly from its rooftop bar, Sugar (above left), which has already emerged as the area's trendiest nightspot - the hotel enjoys a strategic location right next to Taikoo Shing MTR, 15 minutes from Central and only 45 minutes from the airport.

A "lifestyle business hotel", East offers guests the latest technology in its 299 rooms and six suites, including free Wi-fi broadband available throughout the property, 37-inch high definition LCD TVs, and iPod docking facilities, and comfortable living space with rooms at an average size of 28 square metres.

Architect and interior design studio CL3 Architects were commissioned to create a comfortable environment with "a balance of the body and soul, the yin and yang". The design starts with innovative planning of the guest rooms and all public areas to maximise the spatial experience and to capture the city and harbour view.

Sugar and the all-day restaurant, Feast, both created in consultation with chef entrepreneur David Laris of the award-winning Laris at Three on the Bund in Shanghai, were designed with the needs and tastes of the local community in mind and those of guests. Both are now popular rendezvous points. Sugar is noted for creative cocktails, while Feast's extensive menu includes Western and Asian specialities. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour gym. Rates range from HK$988 for an Urban View Room to HK$3,500 for a suite.

Address 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Island East
Reservations 3968 3968
Website www.east-hongkong.com