New York Times reviews W Hong Kong (sort of)
 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/tr...hong.html?_r=1

Mixed Review
 

Checkin 13th Dec Checkout 14th Dec

Checkin: a disaster when hotel checkin/out area is very small with 4 checkin/out desk plus when hotel occupancy is high and no proper line as guests lines up at every desk and if one gets a staff that handles well, that lines moves fast, but if one gets a staff that handles on his/her own sweet time, plus can't even get the key card to function properly with the lifts and I have to get back in line! Not a good first impression plus worse if I have paid for the room as I was using SPG points redemption.

Room: upgraded to marvellous suite 2811 maybe to correct their checkin boo boo and the view of HK harbor and HK island was magnificient, room service was good.

Checkout: as I assume it will be like checkin chaotic scene, so I decided not to take my chances of using Platinum late checkout, but checkout earlier before noon as there were lines but this time, seems I knew which line and staff to checkout, at least this staff line moves fast.

I ate there last night at The Living Room (a very nice comfortable place for drinks, and very happening), and had friends who had connections, and was able to tour the hotel. I took a lot of pictures, and will most likely upload them in the next two weeks.

First, the Extreme Wow Suite (I believe Rm 3808) really suits the name. As soon as you enter in, you will open your months and grasp at the coolness and beauty of the suite. Think of it as more like a playboy mansion than a presidential suite. Surround sound audio, super large couch, another couch in a dog shape cutout with bling, large kitchen, glass tables with star-light type purple colors coming from underneath, to a jacuzzi that can fit ten comfortable and overlooking the ocean... it is extremely breathtaking. It is like walking into those show-suites for luxury residential projects. I heard Kylie Minogue stayed here a few weeks ago, and someone big is staying here soon.

Second, the Pool on the 73 or 78th floor (I forgot) is amazing! It has these little floating lamps that illuminate when you touch it, and it is pretty cool. There is also a jacuzzi on the side that overlooks the victoria harbor/icc to the "real" Hong Kong Island view. The hallway from the elevators to the pool is also quite a journey with so much LED lights and water features around - it is really cool.

Third, got a tour of Bliss, the Men's Lounge, and the VIP Room, the Medi-Pedi room which they call The Nail Lounge. The Nail Lounge is the best thing I have ever seen before. As soon as you walk in, they have these nail polishes hanging like drapes around you, and then you see a rotating sushi-table like table, but instead of sushi, it is all the nail polishers. There are also plasma TV around, great music system, and nice seating areas.

The Men's Lounge is smaller, but very cool. Nice recliners that illuminate, plasma TV and everything.

The Spa VIP Room and the regular rooms are pretty cool. There is a swing for you to sit and see the harbor views. The products that they sell in Bliss is actually something useful, affordable and convinent, unlike what they sell in Four Seasons HK - which is very expensive, and much more up-scale and somewhat less everyday item. I brought a "Sinkside Six" toiletry bag, which is in a clear plastic just right to go through airline security.

I also checked on the treatment prices on the Spa - and it is on the expensive side - as expensive as FS HK, but do ask about discounts.

Review from 2 night paid stay in December 2008
 

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!

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442887488_YQnYv-M.jpg
Marvelous Suite (#2811) Bedroom at the W Hong Kong.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442896377_HHSkv-M.jpg
Bliss Amenities in the Marvelous Suite at the W Hong Kong. These aren't your travel size bottles either!

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442897670_WgiUB-M.jpg
The infinity pool at the W Hong Kong.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442898065_9u9No-M.jpg
Lounge chairs located next to the hot tub at the W Hong Kong.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442899851_BqHCM-M.jpg
Living Room at the W Hong Kong.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442905594_nUXvv-M.jpg
Wide angle view looking at the living room in a Marvelous Suite (#2811).

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442905880_J2Xve-M.jpg
Wide angle view of the bedroom in the Marvelous Suite (#2811).

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442906121_gHDi4-M.jpg
Wide angle view above the tub in the Marvelous Suite (#2811).

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442908450_aMFmJ-M.jpg
Sink with Bliss amenties in the Marvelous Suite at the W Hong Kong (#2811).

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/442917102_RFdmq-M.jpg
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.

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It's really an excellent property. We stayed five nights in November and had a wonderful time there. Maisie, with whom many of us worked on pre-opening bookings, called while we were there to thank us for coming, and treated us to breakfast on our last morning.

I love HKG and this is my new property of choice. Big ^

a travel buddy of mine just got back from the sheraton hkg. he was asking about how the w was doing and whether it was worth staying there. the gossip he heard was that occupancy rates where low ( with one night having only 41 rooms booked ) and starwood was cutting staff salaries there. interesting as it appears that they haven't lowered rates to increase occupancy.

I also got the impression that bookings were not as strong as had been hoped. Perhaps this spurred the HKD1650 promo rates.

Just finished a two-night stay at W Hong Kong over 26-28.Dec on the two-free-weekend-night promotion. Checked in around 2:00pm, and was informed no suite available as a Platinum upgrade, and ended up getting a Fabulous Room. While in the room for only 30 minutes, pulled out my iPhone and checked online for suites...did find one Fantastic Suite and one Marvelous Suite available for booking. Called back down to the front desk and was told that these two suites had JUST become available after housekeeping had finished with it. :rolleyes: I was able to arrange a room change to the Fantastic Suite. Don't know whether the housekeeping comment was an excuse.

I also noticed the confusion of the lineups at the front desk during both check in and check out. People really didn't know where to line up, and I overheard an argument between two parties of who got here first... The hotel really does need to sort this out in the future and I could see it become quite chaotic during the peak busy periods.

I did not really enjoy my stay here as much as previous stay. Service has gone slightly downhill, in my opinion, and is definitely not the usual "asian service standards" that I have grown accustomed to while travelling and experiencing other hotels. First evening I was there, we had to call for evening turndown at 9:00pm, and the second night, we came back after a late dinner/movie, and found out the room had not been turned down at all. Is the hotel skipping evening turndowns altogether now?

Well, I will be experiencing this hotel much more in Y2009 through the USD 139 promo rates booked. Let's see what changes in the future.

I think the W opened at the wrong time esp under the current economic situation. As a new player, they have yet to establish their client base and new clients whom they want to attract have cheaper alternatives to choose for. Also, this hotel can only appeal to a narrow range of clients, those that prefer to stay in a supposedly "hip" place. I toured this hotel under the invitation of their marketing manager but was not impressed. Their harbor view is a joke ( it's shipyard view ) and the whole place resembles a discotheque more than a proper luxury hotel.

The reduced ( "promotion" ) rates are very telling and bring them down to the level of Holiday Inns and Sheratons and are indicative of poor occupancy.

I agree with you BENLEE. plus, i think this location is not where the hip people will choose to stay for this type of money. if not for spg, i would much rather stay in central to be closer to what is going on in hong kong.

I'd like to stay at this W but the BArates from the 2nd qtr 09 starts from 2650HKD++ which is way too expensive (for a self funded traveller like me).

With the Conrad HKG offering 1500HKD pn for my likely travel period of April/May 09, it looks like they will be getting my business for now.

W Hong Kong
Austin Rd West

This property defo puts the W in WoWness, and is quickly becoming my favourite hotel of all time. I honestly could not imagine that my last stay could be topped in any way and my expectations were set sky high, but the W Hong Kong manages to continue to surprise and delight.

I'd originally booked this stay at the BAR of HKD3550, but at the last minute the incredibly fab value HKD1650 Opening Promo was launched which made it all the more sweeter, since the AUD isn't exactly hot stuff at the mo.

This time I got upgraded to a Marvellous Suite, one room category above what I got last time. I'd warned the hotel that I was arriving early due to a last minute itinerary change, and they'd promised that my room will be ready when I arrived. I'd also assured them that I was willing to wait in case my originally assigned room isn't available. I'd arrived at noon, way before the check in time - and sure enough a Suite was ready and waiting for me. My prior request for a room designed by Glamourous was also honoured. I was quite prepared to wait in the Living Room or spend time at Elements if the room wasn't ready rather than accept a downgrade but I was quickly ushered to my Suite - v impressive.

Having now stayed at both G+A (refer my last stay review or kluau88's review) and Glamourous, I found the G+A design far more to my liking - it's in your face, fetch, flirty, loud and above all - an outrageous PARTY room; Glamourous OTOH is more sedate and restful, too subtle, more a family sorta room for a quiet time.

Design aside, I was nonetheless v impressed with the Glamourous Marvellous Suite. It was expansive, with views of both the Harbour and partial views of the HK Island skyline (obscured partially by the ICC). kluau88 probably put it rather well in his review so there's not really much I can add and I'd let my pics of room #2911 do the talking.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01247.jpg
living room

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01248.jpg
dining area

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01254.jpg
view from living room

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01249.jpg
bedroom

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01250.jpg
bathroom

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01255.jpg
view from bedroom and bathroom

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01251.jpg
walk in closet and dressing area

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01252.jpg
living room toilet

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01256.jpg

The welcome sweets platter for PLTs had changed:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...k/DSC01257.jpg
jello, cake, green apple, gummy bears - I miss the choccies

Other noticeable changes include more signage around Elements Mall directing guests who come from the Airport Express to the hotel, the completion of the huge butterfly mural at WET (see kluau88's review - didn't make it to WET this time), changes to the drinks list at the Living Room, and reduction in drinks prices. They'd also launched the rather popular Sunday brunch, a HKD590 All You Can Eat affair which includes free flow Perrier Jouet - unfortunately my flight left around lunchtime on Sunday which didn't make it worthwhile to check out brunch. I was advised that booking in advance was recommended for Sunday brunch as it's often packed to the rafters.

What remained constant was the consistently excellent standard of service throughout my stay. For starters, everyone remembered me and even my name - from the moment I stepped through the entrance till the v end (but rather embarassingly I'd forgotten who some of them were). It was lovely to see familiar faces again, such as the W Insider Alison who excitedly welcomed me back and did many little things to make my stay just that little bit more special - such as organising seats with fab views for my dinner at Pearl on the Peak, as well as the ever enthusiastic Minnie who manages the Living Room bar; Minnie and her staff went above and beyond to bring back a favourite cocktail of mine which had been dropped from the list (not the easiest operation for it involved finding an egg) - bless them all. And I must have drunk more than my fair share of mojitos on my last visit for the first thing the bar staff said when I sat down at the Living Room was whether I wanted more mojitos.

The hotel was rather busier than my last stay which is great, especially at a time when the economy isn't too flash. After the tragic demise of the W Sydney, I didn't need another W, especially one which sets such an unbelievably high standard for itself and in a favourite city of mine, to disappear.

My one and only MAJOR complaint about the W Hong Kong? Having to actually leave!!

just back from W hotel hong kong.
was upgraded to a corner suite(forgot the name of the room)
i have to say, it was amaing!!!
every touch was done miticulously, and state of the art tech things.
just top notch for anyone into it.

i also noticed theres W taipei 2011 appearing in their official magazine.
does anyone know anything about this?

I'm at the W now and it's all good. I'm posting in the Living Room and it's fairly busy even though now is a relatively dead time in HKG. The staff is great and the Fantastic suite is even better. Two stereo systems which both have iPod docks. And a HDMI and RGB socket for the TV. B&O in the bedroom. The gym is nice and the locker rooms have Jacuzzi, Steam and Sauna. I'm a happy camper, especially since I'm staying on points.