The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?The Murray opened in early 2018 with much fanfare, following a mammoth renovation project led by Lord Norman Foster’s firm Foster + Partners. Arched colonnades, distinctive recessed windows (an energy-efficient design to stream natural light), and a lofty lobby add up to an architectural masterpiece. Nice. What’s the crowd like?This 25-story hotel aims to be the go-to for CEOs with global enterprises. You’ll see plenty of Louboutins, Hermes scarves, and Tom Ford ties passing through the lobby. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Good news: These 336 rooms are some of the largest in the city, with every one promising at least 500 square feet of space. We were drawn to the N2 Grand, where we found handsome furniture and textured surfaces of glass, leather, and stone. Mirrored touches and vintage photography soften the masculine look. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Crisp, airy and soft—the hallmarks of a fantastic hotel bed. Every bed has a feather mattress topper; the suites have 1,000-thread-count linens. A pillow menu counts 16 types, including a novel ""snore-no-more"" option and a magnetic pillow that harnesses 28 magnets to boost circulation. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Ensuring a wireless experience, the hotel includes a Smart TV so you can hook up your personal devices, stream movies, and even control the lighting. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Black-and-white marble, Grown Alchemist amenities and separate shower and tub make for a fine bathroom setup. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free Wi-Fi throughout. Room service: Worth it?Whether you're after Hong Kong specialties or western comfort foods, you can find them on the vast room service menu. Among the signatures: wagyu beef carpaccio, burrata cheese, and Hainan chicken rice. There's also an in-house nutritionist who can craft a bespoke menu for health-conscious travelers or those with dietary restrictions. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Dining at The Murray might be the highlight of your stay. A splashy rooftop restaurant and bar called Popinjays serves epicurean bites; Murray Lane, a Wall Street-inspired bar, slings cocktails; Garden Lounge offers a glamorous afternoon tea; Tai Pan specializes in modern European fare; and Guo Fu Lou delivers refined Cantonese cuisine in a garden-like setting. There's also an impressive lineup of wellness offerings: A serene spa with five treatment suites, an indoor lap pool, and a 24-hour gym. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The ambitious architecture and multiple terrace bars and restaurants make this hotel a standout. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Whether you’re on a well-financed business trip or a seeker of classy heritage hotels, The Murray contends with the best of best in Hong Kong." - Kate Springer
