snufl

Finally uploaded pics of my stay at the W. http://www.flickr.com/photos/3063128...926362/detail/

RTWSTARALLIANCE

All the nights I will be at the W can be booked under the current "free" night promo. I am in at 7 AM into HKG and out at 12:15 AM. Would you book the prior night for arrival or try and check-in early? Would you rely on the late 6 PM check-out or book a night cutting out early aroun 9 PM? Any comments appreciated. Is Elements open early to walk thru to W? The Conrad is also a option for my arrival to check-in regular time for a possible better upgrade. Thanks.

LilZeppelin

Elements has train stations, so I think it is accessible 24hrs. In your shoes, I would not waste a night for 8am check-in. This property popping up on starpicks, would mean they are not usually at capacity. If it were important for me to stay until 10pm, I would book a night, but it would still feel like a waste. With these hotels, one can usually go and use their spa to refresh. The lockers are large here and would hold a carry-on.

RTWSTARALLIANCE

Thank you. Is a 6 PM check-out a general hope for Ps? Thanks.

gleff

I had no difficulty getting a 6pm checkout at no charge.

RTWSTARALLIANCE

Thank you. Going conservative.

Keith009

Hehe i love reading FT because you get so many varied opinions.

I LOVE the "wall hangings" and the tree bark design scheme by G&A. So much so that I've actually contacted them to do some interior designing for my new apartment.

OTOH one of my quibbles about this otherwise perfect (IMO ) hotel is the fact that it's far too bright. A bit disconcerting especially when heavily hung over. Sadly the Ws seem to be going this way, like the W SF refurb. I much prefer a more dim and soothing scheme like W Union Sq or the Night Hotel NYC. It'd go SO well with the music they play in the hallways. In general, if it's bright enough to see lift buttons it's too bright! I'm also not such a big fan of the big flashing screens in the lift and behind the Welcome Desk - cute at first but quickly becomes irritating when the novelty is over.

Keith009

Sexy! Ta for sharing! Looks like you got the Glamourous scheme. Ask for G&A next time - the design is much bolder and cooler IMO with a starker colour scheme.

Will be back in a couple of weeks - miss the place and can't wait, though sadly only a quick stopover this time.

tfjim

I'll be staying over the last weekend of July in Hong Kong and was considering redeeming points to stay at the W. Since I'm thinking pool time and fun around the hotel what is the scene like on the weekends? Any hotel-sponsored events, happy hours, etc. that are cool? What is the pool like on the weekends? Packed to the gills? Which night would be best? Friday? Saturday? Sunday? Thanks.

Keith009

Can't advise on the pool except last I checked they'd still not obtained a liquor license for the bar upstairs. IIRC you're able to get drinks sent up to you from the Living Room.

But I do love the Living Room action. A DJ spins in the Living Room Thurs-Sat nites and Sunday afternoons - gets pretty happening on some of these days. Can't remember specifically when DJ Angus is on - you want to look out for him. And special guest DJs from time to time.

They do have happy hour daily between 6 and 8pm. Can't remember prices off the top of my head due to one too many tipple whenever I hang out there. And special promos on certain days such as Wine-derlust Wednesdays, Candy Bar Thursdays (flavoured vodka shots) etc. Sunday brunch at Kitchen features All You Can Drink Perrier Jouet.

To keep track of special events, best to sign up to their official Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pa...8408870?ref=ts

Enjoy!!

tfjim

Thanks for the info. I think I will shoot for that last Saturday in July night stay with a late Sunday checkout to maximize pool time on both days.

RTWSTARALLIANCE

SIM: The FAs on my CX flight told me to get a SIM card at the 7-11. Upon exiting baggage claim this will be to your left. It was early so I approached the counter with my phone and asked for a SIM card. The price is $60 HKD and should be good for 240 minutes to the US. Now I have bought these things before and had a heck of a time getting them to work. So I asked her kindly to put in and she pushed some buttons. Now I could probably have done that but when I left it was working and that is all I cared about. I gave her $20 HKD with a smile. I insisted she keep it.

The card is provided by one2free. Inside was a $20 off coupon so I may try and use. To call abroad aka US dial 1718 then country code with number send. I have not been able to figure out how much is left but I will just run it down.

Please see my report below. Thanks.

seiknujnama

I will in W HK tomorrow,Did they offer you suite?

HOKK

You can dial 179179 to check the balance. It's free in HK.

RTWSTARALLIANCE

Not been to Hotel yet but hoping for a upgrade.

Tried that number but only in Chinese. The Lounge agents tried to reset but we will see. Thanks.