A 1969-built icon rescued, Foster + Partners rejuvenated the quirky 25-story building, enhancing its tall arches, making the most of its large plate windows and giving guests stunning outlets with terrace bars poised to make the most of its oasis-in-the-city location. Rooms are contemporary and colourful, full of space and art.
The View: 360-degree views take in Hong Kong’s neon-bright CBD and a slice of Victoria Harbour on one side, contrasting with the landscaped greenery of Hong Kong Park and the island’s jungle-clad mountains on the other.
First Impressions: A 1969-built icon rescued, Foster + Partners rejuvenated the quirky 25-story building, enhancing its tall arches, making the most of its large plate windows and giving guests stunning outlets with terrace bars poised to make the most of its oasis-in-the-city location. Rooms are contemporary and colourful, full of space and art.
The Location: Slap, bang in the very middle of Hong Kong’s CBD, The Murray is set within the Cotton Tree Drive ring-road, giving easy car access. The Peak Tram is a few steps away, while Central MTR subway is a 10-minute walk. Looking west St John’s Cathedral sits at the foot of the HSBC and Cheung Kong buildings, lights sparkling as the sun sets, while east offers calm, green views into Hong Kong Park, with the Zoological and Botanical Gardens within leg-stretching reach.
The Room: The 336 rooms and suites are unequivocally contemporary, clean lines and neutral shades softened with splashes of colour and touchy-feely textures in throws and cushions. Bathrooms offer white marble, Grown Alchemist amenities and spacious showers and/or rounded tubs. The views through floor-to-ceiling windows bring the city or the park in, stunning at all times of day and night. Dogs are welcome to stay too.
The Service: Refined yet friendly, with great attention to detail.
Memorable Moment: Drinking theatrical cocktails on the rooftop terrace of Popinjays as the sun goes down, the neon blings and the space is transformed into the most delightful, star-topped bar in town. Chef Didier Quennouelle follows the sundowners with his own artful interpretations of European dishes. The buffet breakfast and afternoon tea at the Garden Lounge bring a refreshing take on staples, and Guo Fu Lou’s Cantonese dining serves up luxurious local cuisine.
The pool is indoors, surrounded by green walls. Just big enough for laps, it pulses to the sound of its own waterfall. Wellness at The Murray also offers alfresco bootcamps, indoor yoga and gym sessions and five spa treatment rooms for Kerstin Florian and Grown Alchemist therapies.
Final word: Hong Kong’s newest hotel gives The Upper House a worthy competitor in style and substance, and is already a favourite haunt for locals and overseas guests.