Perched atop of the prestige ELEMENTS shopping mall in Kowloon and adjacent to the International Commerce Centre(ICC), W Hong Kong has carved out the brand niche to create a must go to hotel destination for more than just a hotel room. Get set and ready to check-in to this energetic, bold, full of colors and funky sense of vibe in no time. mylifestylenews writes.
The W hotel brand is all about a playful and hip vibe and this brand usually nails it when it comes to the arty design and its colorful interior where comfort meets stately chic. The strategic waterfront location of W Hong Kong only draws more attention to travellers for a playful staycation that would inject those positive vibes and boundless energy to kick up your heels in your glad rags – you will need a lot of stylish outfits to blend in to its whimsical and blissful vibes and experiences to dress up or down for the picture perfect instagram! W Hong Kong not only being one of the most sought-after weekend light-hearted escape staycations for the locals alike, the fun-filled hotel has something for everyone and you have to keep an eye open in every corner for so many funky pieces of artworks and sculptures to admire and to be inspired that are the hall mark of the brand wherever the location is. To be able to be relevant to their target market, guest experience is their utmost principle and the W approach to creating the vibe for guests is to hire personalities that can deliver the brand and shine in front of guests and they have certainly got that one sorted in some areas to leave an impression, but that is just not all.
With the new addition of the arts precinct by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote the West Kowloon Cultural District, there are plenty of things to do and sights to explore beside shopping, from visiting the museums, performing art centre, gallery to outdoor exhibitions and events from time to time being taken place means there is never a dull moment to explore the excitement within an easy walking distance, so culture on the doorstep is an added bonus.
We came straight off the airport express train and made our way through the prestige ELEMENTS shopping mall, all weather proof under cover without needing to step out of the entire premise while keeping your eyes busy window shopping by spotting your favorite store to visit after check-in. The arrival experience is rather intimate and warm. “Welcome to W Hong Kong!” - on entering the W Hong Kong elevated ground floor lobby, the Concierge team spotted us and ran straight to us to help out for luggage assistance with that warm greeting before escorting us to level 6 where the hotel reception is located for further check-in.
The reception wasn’t that busy yet passed the peak check-out time, Calista who checked us in and was absolutely on point and gave us a very positive experience from the get go. Simplifying check-in process is indeed what the guests look forward to especially for those who got in from a long-haul flight. Not only speeding up the entire protocol but also allows the weary body to rest and relax and to discover their new sense of adventure. After all, that is what reservation details are needed for in advance is all about.
Our room was assigned on the 30th floor and once we stepped out of the lift more fun begins, with quirky bookcases that look like they are from Alice in Wonderland and this is where you will find some of the lift buttons, almost camouflaged but not hidden.Of course it is all for show and there are no books to read, but what a great talking point and let you leave a smile on your face. Then you notice the guest room number designation which is in the form of a book stand by carrying on its whimsical touch of quirky plotted humour. Once you have entered, it is more what you would expect and the playfulness will be temporary left outside the door.
We were quickly settling into our 40sqm partial Harbour View (as mainly blocked by the gigantic ICC building) SPECTACULAR ROOM and in no time found ourselves enjoying the warm ray of natural light of Hong Kong cityscape.
The modern and sleek room has a decent size and enough space to spread ourselves out with all the luggage and shopping we had done. Despite the soothing nature theme of interior (the used of polished concrete) was being recognized, it has a kind of brutalist feel in some regards, but the carpet, upholstery and color cushions soften and brighten the ambience and then there is the view.
The utilization of a sliding bathroom door between the shower and toilet is rather a sensible creation, although it was rather heavy to move and made an irritating squealing sound and there is a large separate bathtub which is always nice to have. The vanity is a large layout singular basin and is open plan and segues into the entrance foyer and bedroom area, so an extensive feeling of spaciousness overall. One wall is given over to a line of amenities – the large wardrobe, then a built in luggage rack followed by the work desk and then the minibar section. Quite practically well done.
The level 6 lobby isn’t huge but it is filled with a quite a few touches of bold and fluorescent colors adding to the young whimsical element and vibe that brightens up the entire floor.
While some of the large art objects may not be everyone’s cup of tea yet the entire hue of colour well defined the contemporary and luxe, with a modern European sense of elements juxtaposed with some of the arty black and white images as well as some striking ornamental displays on the wall shelves diagonally across the entire lobby.
W hotels have a common thread in terms of what facilities they must have and how colourful and trendy they can be and this hotel is without no exception.
Food and beverage is well catered for, so chill out at WOOBAR® – the lobby bar on the 6th floor – that is right behind the reception which is the city folks hip hang-out, offering a sophisticated space to enjoy a W signature cocktail or two while admiring the sunset views and to see and be seen for Kowloon’s in-crowd that can unwind over the live music.
WOOBAR® W Hong KongYou can also sip and snack at WET® Deck on the cloud nine 76th floor if you want a more relaxed al-fresco moment and to admire the amazing artistic mosaic tile wall that adds some dynamic vibe and colour to the poolside experience. The roof top outdoor heated swimming pool (in the winter months) beckons and is a fun-filled spot to unwind and to watch the sun set while swimming atop the city skyline.
Not forgetting to book yourself a revival spa experience at the BLISS SPA for further indulgence. This urban spa will be able to satisfy your needs of the weary soul or those looking for some pampering.
In conjunction with this experience, one floor above is the gym and additional “spa” facilities, so do no miss the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi located in both the men’s and women’s changing rooms that will have you glued to the views of Hong Kong while enjoying the aerated bubbles of the Jacuzzi, as if you are front row at the cinema, only looking at the jaw-dropping skyline of Hong Kong!
Then you have KITCHEN – the all-day dining on the 6th floor with views out to the harbor and featuring whimsical décor which is vibrant and bright. With the abundant gold eggs pillar, oversized dining table and the stacked plates showcase in the buffet area, this is quite a sight to see and also renown for their weekend elevated champagne brunch fare.
Finding breakfast each day in KITCHEN is to be a great boost for the day. The breakfast buffet is one of the largest in town that we have experienced and it is all about quality.
There is a huge variety from your classic Cantonese selection from even wok-fried dishes besides their infamous Dim Sum selection, the live stations also cater for Asian noodles a-la-minute, don’t miss out on their laksa as well as wanton noodle soup which are our all time favorite comfort foods. International selection was not forgotten from various kind of pastries to cold cuts choices as well as other gourmet delights despite the Danish and the croissant were the industrial type but Chef Jeffery and Chef Benny from the culinary team will make it up for you if your demanding request for something you wish to have that may not be available from the spread.
The front of the house team may be a little sloppy with the mind-my-own-business kind of character applied to a few wait staff, not as responsive and seemed quite junior and not having mastered the art of guest engagement to the point of being completely mute and not answering our questions by delivering the food to the table and walk away immediately yet Lucas, the Assistant Manager does his rounds and ensures his guests are a happy chirpy lot under his operation. But the sumptuous food speaks for itself of some quality dishes that were in abundance with quality ingredients. It was quite prescient that this is a go to breakfast, so that speaks volumes!
For some fine Cantonese dining there is Sing Yin at the entrance on the ground floor which is a destination for in-the-know foodies who crave the old day's flavours of Hong Kong with a modern touch. As it has a reputation for excellent authentic Cantonese cuisine and this did not disappoint, so we ordered some of the typical signature classic dishes and they were delicious in taste and spot on for presentation and the service is so attentive. It is quite clear they have a very talented culinary team that does not fail to please the palate.
The W Hong Kong really covers all bases and stands strong and true for the brand globally. The location is just perfect for getting around the city sitting atop the MTR and is so easy to access the airport on the express train with the staff willing to help you with your luggage to and from the station below. The feel is urban, chic, unhurried. You’ll be increasingly shunning the mass hotel vibe for this hip boutique accommodation experience that offers a taste of modern vibe in a place with all these requisite comforts of modern travel that is easy to explore the Kowloon beauty and surrounds that redefine your urban chic staycation.
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