Dining as Storytelling

Dining as Storytelling: A Deep Dive into PolyU’s Heritage And its Architectural Accents

Dining as storytelling transforms a dining experience into an unforgettable journey by connecting food with heritage, memory, and emotion.

As a distinguished property owned by PolyU and recently honored with the prestigious One MICHELIN Key, Hotel ICON embodies a distinctive identity where pedagogical excellence, cutting-edge design, and institutional legacy converge to create a hospitality destination of profound character.

Blending traditional elements with a contemporary aesthetic, Hotel Icon Chinese cuisine Above and Beyond presents a newly renovated Chinese private dining room that reimagines the guest journey through the rich heritage of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).

Celebrating the Heritage of PolyU and HOTEL ICON

The journey begins in a galleria space, thoughtfully designed as a visual introduction to PolyU heritage where curated imagery is framed by custom-built picture frames with refined craftsmanship. Continuing the narrative, the experience culminates in the arrival of the private dining rooms through a series of welcoming, iconic archways—a transition that signals both warmth and occasion.

Each private dining room is themed around one of four defining milestone dates in PolyU’s history: (1) 1937 — Origin of PolyU heritage; (2) 1972— Establishment of The Hong Kong Polytechnic; (3) 1994— The Hong Kong Polytechnic officially became an university; and (4) 2011 — Establishment of Hotel Icon, the world’s first fully integrated teaching and research hotel, owned by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A fifth dining room, the U Room, expands the storytelling experience with a dedicated interpretation of PolyU’s evolving spirit.

Reimagining PolyU DNA

Designed to echo PolyU’s architectural accents, all rooms draw inspiration from distinctive forms and spatial cues, including the waffle-slab inspired ceiling design, grid patterning, archway and geometry, and other signature elements that translate institutional heritage into an intimate hospitality setting.