W Hong Kong
Monica Tindall
W Hong Kong is located in vibrant and bustling West Kowloon, offering business and leisure travellers a prime position. The hotel features excellent food and beverage outlets, exceptional facilities, and contemporary decor with a luxurious touch, making it a popular choice among guests seeking modern and stylish accommodation.
W Hong Kong Location
For fun or work, you couldn’t ask for a better location to stay in Hong Kong. The MTR and Airport Express are directly accessed through the Element shopping mall, linked on the concierge floor of W Hong Kong. The covered, air-conditioned route to Kowloon station is much appreciated, making reaching the city and airport on Hong Kong’s first-rate public transport system a breeze. Additionally, West Kowloon Cultural District is a five-minute walk from the hotel. It’s the city’s latest development, and here you can find a dynamic mix of old and new, with highlights being the newly-constructed M+ Gallery and Palace Museum.
Design
W Hong Kong fits right into the cultural and arts district with its unique and modern design. Combining contemporary elements with local references creates an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel’s exterior is a sleek, modern glass facade reflecting the skyline. The lobby is equally impressive, featuring a soaring ceiling and eye-catching artwork and furniture. The vibe is chic and trendy, and the upbeat staff contribute to the mood. Of note, the concierge team were accommodating – not only recommending places to visit but offering guidance on the best way to travel and assisting with bookings.
W Hong Kong Rooms
The hotel boasts 393 guest rooms and suites designed to offer comfort and convenience. The rooms are modern and stylishly decorated, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the city and the harbour. Decorated in a modern and minimalist style, the palette is relatively neutral, with occasional threads of vivid colour breaking up the cool greys. Quirky elements such as open-page books serving as room numbers and faux libraries in elevator lobbies spark curiosity and elicit smiles with each discovery.
Several categories include the Wonderful Room, Spectacular Room, Cool Corner Room, Fantastic Suite, Marvelous Suite, and the Extreme WOW Suite. The entry-level Wonderful Room offers 42 square meters of space, and size increases up to the Extreme WOW Suite covering 231 square metres.
No matter the size, rooms are ergonomically designed, well-appointed, and equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, work desks, separate showers and bathtubs, iPod docking stations, Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi. High-quality materials, such as plush bedding (I want one) and premium toiletries, make for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
It’s the additional thoughtful touches, though, that stand out, such as turndown service with chocolate left on the pillow and yoga mat in the cupboard. On top of the regular iron and ironing board, there’s also a clothes steamer and clothes horse. My only complaint is the provision of single-use everything. A hotel of this esteem could really lift the game by providing bath products in reusable pumps and only providing toothbrushes, combs etc, upon request.
Facilities
W Hong Kong boasts a wide range of excellent facilities, making it oh-so-easy to stay in. Actually, on this nine-day trip of non-stop action and appointments, it was the perfect respite towards the end of the week, where I said no to everything else and did, indeed, take roost for a day.
First, the heated rooftop pool on the 76th floor has a stunning infinity-edge design. It’s backed by a magnificent mural and lined with recliners, making it an ideal spot to relax and soak up the sun. Refreshments and light snacks can be enjoyed from the WET Deck pool bar while taking in the panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline. The pool area also features a whirlpool with an infinity edge, which was even nice on an overcast day.
The FIT gym at W Hong Kong is equipped with a state-of-the-art Technogym range, including cardio machines, free weights, and strength training machines. The brand is well-reputed worldwide, but this range is top-of-the-top, with electronic panels acting as personal trainers guiding the flow and timing of movements, as well as logging and tracking progress. Each strength machine also has a place for phones and water bottles. It’s the little touches that go beyond. Furthermore, the fitness centre is open 24/7, allowing guests to work out at any time of the day or night.
Bliss Spa is worth checking into even if you’re not staying at W Hong Kong. The spa includes nine treatment rooms, a nail salon, and wellness facilities such as an incredible whirlpool, dry and wet sauna, ice shower and rainforest shower. Moreover, the use of the amenities is complimentary for hotel guests. The treatment menu is comprehensive, providing an outstanding experience in terms of products, technology and service. I recently spent a day here and would return in a heartbeat. More details on treatments, prices and personal recommendations here.
Food & Beverage
W Hong Kong has several restaurants and bars that also merit a visit whether you’re staying at the hotel or not.
The Kitchen is the hotel’s all-day-dining outlet and where I have buffet breakfast during my stay. It’s an open kitchen concept serving international cuisine focusing on fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. The buffet serves sushi, seafood, salads, dim sum, noodles and eggs made-to-order, and a popular pastry counter. Coffee is Nespresso (not my favourite) but a range of dairy alternatives are available and appreciated.
Sing Yin Cantonese Dining on the ground floor of the W Hong Kong should definitely be on a gourmet’s list, especially if you appreciate a fine, beverage-paired meal. I dined on “Chef Simon’s Gastronomic Journey” with Yoichi Whisky and found the experience delicious, thoughtfully curated, and professionally serviced. Read more details about the restaurant and menu here.
Finally, WOOBAR, located on the same level as the lobby (6th floor), is a trendy bar with a chic and modern design. There is no separate club lounge in the hotel, so various tiers in the Marriott Bonvoy program award guests with an evening cocktail here. Expect signature cocktails, craft beers, a wine list curated by the hotel’s sommelier, as well as light bites and a creative afternoon tea. It’s a versatile space making a coffee and cake catch-up or late-night cocktails partnered with live DJ music just as suitable. Read more about WOOBAR’s afternoon tea here.
W Hong Kong Review
My stay at W Hong Kong was exceptional – from room comfort to service, quality food and beverage, location and facilities – it ticks all the boxes for those desiring convenient, stylish and comfortable accommodation in Hong Kong.
Reasons to stay at W Hong Kong: fantastic location near the newly developed West Kowloon Cultural District and with direct access to the MRT and Airport Express line, must-eat at Sing Yin restaurant, a fantastic gym and a rooftop pool, don’t miss the chance to book a treatment at Bliss Spa, some of the best bedding in the industry.
W Hong Kong
6/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West,
Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong
+852 3717 2889
Find more recommendations for travel to Hong Kong here, and stay up-to-date on the latest culinary happenings around Malaysia here and here.
Pretty fancy place.
Coffee is on and stay safe.
That’s a massive room considering it’s HK!