If the views of the island skyline and proximity to TST are really that important, then stay at the Sheraton. However, the W HK is a really nice property and I can heartily recommend it, even if you don't feel strongly one way or the other about the W concept. PLTs get upgraded to Fantastic Suites (the one I reviewed) if they're available. There're v few of them atm as not many floors are open, but depending on when you travel the suite upgrade chances should be more consistent as more floors are ready. The W is also attached to Elements which is rather upscale and trendy and has much better shopping than the Nathan Rd area (though it may be fun to soak up the mayhem of the latter for first time visitors). I personally find the Sheraton rather staid and the service can be rather cold. Plus I don't really like their attitude towards SPG benefits.

That's good news. I loved Kitchen. The only thing that held me from going back for another meal was the pricing - I'd rather spend my money on the grog. :p Might even check out Fire this time if they're reasonably priced.

Hong Kong is all about the views...

Then you've answered your own question - Sheraton for you. :)

The W is in West Kowloon. You do still get to see the harbour (from the room I got anyway). But instead of the evening light show, you get the docks, ships and container ports. Views from the pool on the 76th floor are also v nice.

I think the W Hong Kong is probably past its soft-opening stages. They are now offering a "special opening rate" of HKD 1650/night, bookable for stays up to 31.Jan.09.

Not a bad rate at all.

Yes, I was referring to the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

The Cool Hunter has some glam pics of this uber fetching slice of heaven on earth:
http://www.thecoolhunter.net/travel/W-Hong-Kong/

Love the v dramatic pool! Looks like a great place for posing. :cool:

I've requested for a Glamourous floor for my stay next month which is the other design scheme by the Japanese designer (ie not the one in existing review), so I'll come back with more piccies of the place. I hope the pool side bar is ready by then.

Shortly after booking this hotel, I've noticed that my reservation details had been changed. The "P" in front of my SPG number was dropped and my special request was removed.

I then tried again with a new reservation and same thing happened.

What gives? :confused: Should I be worried the hotel will not see me as a Plat? I've had that happened to me once when staying at Westin Whistler. The P dropped off and I was told by the agent that they saw me as a general member. :rolleyes:

The system still has you as Platinum; however, the hotel has definitely removed your special request.

Bottom line: No one knows why except for them. So, I would send them an email inquiring why to [email protected].

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

I will contact them. Thanks William.

The discounted rate is likely to be as a result of the 50% off promo that is / was recently running.

I am looking for a booking in the 2nd qtr of '09 but cannot see any rates less than $3050HKD+++

No, it isn't. The 50% off promo is a prepaid, non-refundable rate. The special opening rate I indicated is cancellable up to 1 day prior to arrival.

The reason why you cannot find this special rate is that you are looking for a stay in Y2009 Q2. This rate is only applicable for stays up to 31.Jan.09, as I posted originally.

So I just checked into the W HKG and all I can say is WOW.

This is like no other W I've been to. Will try and get photos up this week.

Upgraded to a Marvelous Suite.

BlissWorld, you're going to be happy with this place.

Unlike some SPG properties where you need to ask for an upgrade, there was no need to ask here ^

You got into a Marvelous Suite? Good for you.

I only got upgraded to a Fantastic Suite during my previous stay. This also seems to be the case with the previous posters' stay experiences. So, your upgrade to a Marvelous Suite, I hope, is something we Platinums can look forward to!

Not to downplay the enthusiasm, but allow me to interject a bit of reality for those who book a room at this hotel expecting a great upgrade...

My first stay as a plat, and after reading the earlier reviews I was looking forward to some (any) kind of suite, especially since I was only staying one night. I was pretty disappointed when, after paying a premium to stay (at the most expensive SPG property in HKG), I was only given a corner room. There don't seem to be too many benefits (other than a potential room upgrade) when staying at this property - no lounge, no breakfast, not much of anything really.

Now that said, the staff were unfailingly polite, friendly, and helpful. The location is great if you a) don't mind taking a taxi to TST, taking the MRT to Hong Kong Station and then backtracking, or walking, or b) you are simply overnighting before a morning flight elsewhere (it's only one stop away on the Airport Express line from the airport). The Elements mall can be a fun diversion, and I happen to really like the Wooloomoolloo (mis-spelled no doubt) steak house on the second level. I paid 20HKD for a taxi from the hotel to the China Ferry Terminal - a very short trip (but I was in a hurry).

You do not get full-size Bliss amenities as a Plat in a Cool Corner room (at least I didn't) - perhaps this is a suite-only thing? They do, however, provide almost two full sets in the room (one full set by the sink, and shampoo, conditioner, and something else by the tub/shower).

Overall, a fine, new hotel, but all these "this hotel is wonderful 'cause I got upgraded to a huge suite" type reviews should be taken with a grain of salt.

And the cool corner room is definitely cool - you can give the world quite a view of you as you shower if that's your thing, but it's not a suite... :)

I hope I have better luck the next time I'm in HKG - this property has great potential...

Is the pool heated in winter? I wonder if I can swim there NYE. :)