Hong Kong has been one of those cities where the choices of SPG properties has been very slim. There has been the Sheraton Hong Kong and more recently the LeMeriden CyberPort. I've been to Hong Kong usually 2-3 times the last 4-5 years and have always stayed at the Sheraton Hong Kong. As a Platinum I've always been upgraded to a city view suite or deluxe harbour view room. They also offer continental breakfast. Well now there is a new SPG property to add to the mix, the W Hong Kong.
I was debating on giving it a shot but the prices at the W Hong Kong were considerably more than what I pay at the Sheraton. Shortly before I was suppose to leave for Hong Kong, the W started offering an introductory rate of 1650HKD++ so I decided to give it a chance for my 2 night stay.
The W Hong Kong is located at Kowloon Station in the new Elements Mall. The hotel is pretty easy to find once you get to the Mall. If you come in from the mall you will likely enter the hotel from a side entrance. On the lower level you will also find Fire (restaurant) and the gift shop. There are multiple lifts (elevators) at the W Hong Kong. You need to take the lift up to the 6th floor where the living room and the Kitchen (restaurant) is located. From the living room there is another set of lifts that goes to the guest room floors and to the Bliss Spa and WET (pool). Prior to arriving I noticed my reservation was inaccessible from
www.spg.com, which is usually a sign that the hotel has upgraded your reservation. In my case I was upgraded to a Marvelous Suite on the 28th floor (#2811). I was escorted up to my room by one of the staff.
As I entered the room there was a 1/2 bathroom on the left and a big black mirror looking device. On the other side of the black looking mirror was a living room which included a couple sofas and tables. There is also a bar off to the right. The other side of the black looking mirror happened to be a television. To the right of the living room separated by another door was the bedroom. There were windows overlooking the harbour from the bedroom and living room. The views consisted of the ships, some buildings across the Harbour and the new Ritz Carlton which is under construction. There is a large Bang and Olufsen entertainment system in the bedroom that also has iPod connectivity.
The bathroom area was well porportioned. The full bathroom area leads into the closet and the tub (with a view) and shower. For those that enjoy Bliss the suites (for now) have larger 4 oz bottles of Bliss! By the tub there are also the full bottles of Bliss.
I didn't go to the Spa, but did take a look at the pool area on the 76th floor. To get to WET or the Spa, you need to go back to the 6th floor and then take one of other lifts up to the upper floors (72-76). The pool area was open from 6AM - 10 PM. There is suppose to be a bar up there eventually once they get a license. Both the pool and hot tub are very nice as they are infinity pools overlooking the harbor. Very very cool area up there and there is adequate space available if you want to sunbathe.
I had one little issue and it involved taking photos around the hotel. I was a bit surprised. Most if not all the photos I was taking in the public areas (lower level), living room, and WET happened when there were no other guests in the area. I later asked someone who had stayed at hotel and they said apparently the hotel is afraid of other hotels copying their concept. I saw others taking photos around the hotel too, but don't know if they were questioned. I was questioned 3 times in all different areas (lower level, pool, and living room). At the pool area they asked for my room number even though a key card is required to get to the area. In the living room I was told not to take too many photos and on the lower level I was told photos couldn't be taken. Go figure.
So the W Hong Kong is very convenient to the Airport Express station. However it is not so convenient if you want to go to Tsim Sha Tsui or Central. From the Kowloon station you need to take the Tung Chung line to the Hong Kong station which is connected to Central MTR station by a long walk (probably 8-10 minutes). I don't know the frequency, but the Tung Chung MTR doesn't seem to run as often as the other MTR lines.
Overall a nice addition to the SPG brand in Hong Kong if you don't mind the location issues or lack of continental breakfast. I don't mind staying there at the introductory rates, but if the rates go back up to what they were initially 2600HKD++ then I'm back at the Sheraton since I pay for my own travel. One more important thing to note is there is free WiFi in the living room.
Now for some photos which I know some like with the reviews!
Marvelous Suite (#2811) Bedroom at the W Hong Kong.
Bliss Amenities in the Marvelous Suite at the W Hong Kong. These aren't your travel size bottles either!
The infinity pool at the W Hong Kong.
Lounge chairs located next to the hot tub at the W Hong Kong.
Living Room at the W Hong Kong.
Wide angle view looking at the living room in a Marvelous Suite (#2811).
Wide angle view of the bedroom in the Marvelous Suite (#2811).
Wide angle view above the tub in the Marvelous Suite (#2811).
Sink with Bliss amenties in the Marvelous Suite at the W Hong Kong (#2811).
Bang & Olufsen television and sound system in the bedroom in the Marvelous Suite (#2811) at the W Hong Kong. Note there is also iPod connectivity too!
Want to see more photos?
W Hong Kong Pictures from December 2008 visit.