Rising above Elements mall in West Kowloon, W Hong Kong draws both fun-loving holidaymakers and business travelers eager to let their hair down after the day ends. This 393-room hotel is notable for its playful eye-popping aesthetic, a joint effort between Yasumichi Morita — one of Japan’s most celebrated interior designers — and Nic Graham of Sydney-based studio G+A. Here at the W, the famed concrete jungle of the surrounding city has been reinterpreted as an enchanted forest: the look also alludes to the five elements of nature with fire-themed video art and hanging screens of painted tree-trunk segments. Guests will be impressed by a stylish combination of bold prints, digital LED displays, and quirky artworks, not least the giant mosquito above the Welcome Desk and a seal balancing a piano on its snout in the ballroom foyer.

Upstairs, accommodations have been done up in eight different styles, with the common denominators being comfort and an abundance of natural light. The aptly named WOW Suite boasts a dual-aspect lounge area, dining room with pantry, walk-in closet, and a spacious bathroom. In all, you can look forward to 120 square meters of living space. It’s the perfect perch for admiring sunset views over the western approaches to Victoria Harbour, before watching the lights of Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers flicker on.

A bird's-eye view of WET, the hotel’s sky-high outdoor pool. — A bird’s-eye view of WET, the hotel’s sky-high outdoor pool.

WOW Suite bedrooms also offer uninterrupted sea views. — WOW Suite bedrooms offer uninterrupted sea views.

Local barbecued specialties can be enjoyed at Sing Yin Cantonese Dining.

Hungry guests will not need to leave the W to fuel up on good food. Conceived as a modern bistro, Kitchen is an all-day dining venue where impressive international buffets include everything from dim sum and Indian favorites and to roast meats, sushi, and a decadent array of desserts. Downstairs at the arrival lobby, Sing Yin Cantonese Dining occupies a series of spaces where the decor nods to elements of classic Hong Kong, including a cheongsam and birdcages like those found in Kowloon’s traditional markets. Sing Yin’s menu promises local delights with a modern twist and barbecued specialties such as the succulent honey-glazed char siu. WOOBAR, meanwhile, adjoins the reception area on the sixth floor — it’s a convivial spot for afternoon tea and also happy hour cocktails accompanied by live DJ sets some evenings.

And if deeper relaxation is what you’re after, the award-winning Bliss Spa features tranquil treatment rooms as well as facilities such as a Himalayan salt sauna and vitality pool with harbour views. Similar vistas can be enjoyed while you work out at the FIT gym. Then there’s the sky-high WET Deck, perched 211 meters above the ground on the 76th floor. Backed by a massive mosaic wall illuminated in vivid pink after dark, the outdoor swimming pool hosts well-attended summer parties.

W Hong Kong’s convenient location is sure to benefit corporate and leisure travelers. A footbridge connects Elements mall to the attractions of the West Kowloon Cultural District — these include a glorious waterfront park, the M+ museum of visual culture, and the recently opened Hong Kong Palace Museum. Travelers who check in to the hotel will also find themselves directly above Kowloon Station, which is served by the Airport Express and one MTR stop away from the financial district on Hong Kong Island.

For more information, visit w-hongkong.com.

The porte-cochère and main entrance at W Hong Kong.

A harbour-facing vitality pool at Bliss Spa.

The hotel's striking arrival lobby. — The hotel’s striking arrival lobby.

Summer parties are held at the outdoor WET pool up on the 76th floor. — Summer parties are held at WET pool up on the 76th floor.

This article was brought to you by W Hong Kong.

Partner Content

Getting Acquainted with W Hong Kong

Stay inspired with our DestinAsian newsletters