The Murray arrives in Hong Kong
Wharf Hotels has announced the opening of The Murray in Hong Kong, becoming the latest addition and flagship to the brand’s Niccolo collection.
As one of eight historic landmarks under the Conserving Central initiative introduced by the Hong Kong government in 2013, architectural design firm Foster + Partners have conducted a high-profile preservation project to transform the colonial-era building into a luxury hotel. The original deeply recessed square windows, for example, have been enlarged to amplify vistas of the city skylines and surrounding gardens, whilst continuing a heritage of energy efficiency.
The property comprises 336 guestrooms and suites spanning 25 floors, and offers some of the city’s most spacious accommodation choices with over 75% at 50m2 or larger. Interiors are adorned with natural fabrics and stones, leathers and plush textiles, creating a contemporary chic sanctuary and an ambience of understated sophistication.
“We are delighted to announce the opening of The Murray, a new hospitality icon for not only Hong Kong, but our global community, and the flagship for the Niccolo brand,” comments Jennifer Cronin, President, Wharf Hotels. “Niccolo Hotels was launched as a new luxury hotel concept with Niccolo Chengdu three years ago, where it soon became one of the leading hotels in the city, followed by Chongqing in September 2017 where Niccolo Chongqing is making its mark as a sky hotel. Niccolo’s Changsha and Suzhou will also open sky hotels in the next two years.”
“As a Hong Kong based hotel group, we are indeed proud to bring Niccolo’s flagship to life where the story really began. We are extremely excited to be able to evolve the legacy of the past from an iconic city landmark, to a new destination for luxury hotel experiences of the future. Under the leadership of Duncan Palmer, Managing Director, The Murray will become one of the great hotels of the world for which Hong Kong will be extremely proud,” Cronin adds.
Dining venues at The Murray include modern European restaurant – The Tai Pan, Wall Street-inspired bar Murray Lane, and Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant – Guo Fu Lou. Elsewhere, the Garden Lounge serves up afternoon tea, while rooftop restaurant and bar Popinjays affords panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline.
Meanwhile, over 1,900m2 of exclusive meeting and event spaces have been designed for exhibitions, weddings and corporate occasions. Amongst the spaces, Foster + Partners has honoured the building’s rich history by retaining the former driveway that circled the building beneath the property’s welcoming three-storey arches. Transformed into semi-alfresco venue The Arches, the space can accommodate up to 350 guests, and overlooks Hong Kong Park and St. Johns Cathedral.
