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Starwood properties in Hong Kong

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  • #31
    The rooms come in 2 different schemes, one designed by Australian design company G&A and the other one designed by a Japanese designer. I got the former, name of which escapes me now. The latter scheme is themed 'Glamourous.' Imagine making special requests asking for a 'Glamourous room please.'



    On entry, you walk into the v large lounge room with v comfy chaise lounge. The room is almost framed by a huge B&O LCD screen, with v impressive speakers to boot. The speakers are also connected to a dvd player Ipod dock, meaning if you've got an Ipod and are sick of the Wonderlust CD, you can party to your own Ipod music. Alison proudly declared that because the walls built with the partying needs of W guests in mind (as well as some other needs no doubt... as the 'Intimacy Pack' in the Munchie Box would suggest), every room is extremely well-insulated no matter how much we put the B&O speakers to work. There is also a generous sized desk if you actually need to do some work, though I've met a few people who decided that the Living Room is a nicer space to work in, including Matt the Director of Marketing himself.









    In addition to the choice of welcome amenities (I'd gone for the 500 points), SPG PLTs get a Welcome Gift of tasty munchies - macaroons, a blueberry jello, chocolates, and a green apple. In addition, I got handwritten cards from Damon (the GM, one of the people who patiently responded to my impatient "when?!" emails), Andrew (the Head of Concierge), and a note from Kent (Manager of Bliss Spa) all welcoming me to the hotel. And a gift from Andrew - a Luxe travel guide to Bangkok as he'd somehow heard that I was possibly going there in December. Noice! I am also the proud parent of 2 more yellow duckies (though they're a lot smaller than the ones born of the LH FCT).



    The bedroom is dominated by the v comfy signature Wonderful Bed. Prior to this I did wonder if the bed would be up to brand standard as IME these things do vary when the brands get exported overseas. However I need not fear, the Wonderful Bed was every bit as comfy as the other Ws in the US. Alison advised that the bed and its bedding were all brought in from the US. As with the lounge room, the bedroom has a large LCD screen with the same gizmos attached as outside. There was also a rather generously sized closet.





    Last edited by KeithMEL; 11 October 2008, 06:34 PM.
    All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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    • #32
      Connected to both the bedroom and lounge area with sliding doors is the rather stylish and functional bathroom with a huge sink and separate bath and showers. SPG PLTs who are fans of Bliss toiletries are in for a real treat here. The famous Lemon&Sage Sinkside 6 at the W Hong Kong are bigger and bolder than ever before - 120ml bottles for PLTs! A complete set is available by the sink, whilst a partial set (sans Fabulous Foaming Facewash) sits on the bathtub.










      Lighting in the room is entirely electronically controlled. There are 3 preset modes for the lighting - Day, Night, and Dreams. Pretty self-explanatory. You are of course also able to adjust the lighting out of these modes should you so desire.






      In Night mode - though I'm not sure if my camera is depicting it accurately


      There was turndown service nightly, when they'd turn the lights to Night mode as well as prep your bed. And cover the room up in the v thick curtains and sheer. Those work v well, when I woke up at noon one day it still felt like dusk.

      After having explored the Suite to my heart's content, it was time to raid Bliss Spa. I needed sufficient quantities of Lemon&Sage to last me for the next couple of months, so taking stock of my toiletry supplies at home, I'd relieved them of 3x Supershine Shampoo, 3x Soapy Sap, and 1x Conditioning Rinse. One of the Bliss Spa staff mentioned that they ship in everything from the US and usually in rather small quantities, and I'd singlehandedly relieved them of half their stock!

      I'd also tried the Blissage75 treatment, pretty good if a little pricey. The masseur Edward had electric hands, and I also got to try the Bliss mint rub which I hadn't had before. I wasn't game enough to try the waxing though despite Alison raving about it, even if they'd guaranteed that it's pain-free!

      W Living Rooms turn into party and glamour central come nightfall, and the W Hong Kong's Living Room is no exception. On Friday nights I'd even skipped Felix and simply stuck to the Living Room. There is DJing on Friday and Saturday nights. The DJ on Saturday night was pretty predictable and stuck to typical W House and Funk the whole way through. But DJ Angus on Friday night really stood out. Apart from being rather easy on the eye, Angus had a amazingly wide playlist that even extended to indie music, which in some ways is rather un-W but variety is the spice of life. Currently I have the pretty cool Blake Jarrell remix of Linkin Park's Shadow Of the Day (though a sad song otherwise!) stuck in my head and on repeat in my Ipod. For all that great DJing, it seems almost a crime not to have a space for dancing - whether it's a W thing or not it was obvious that quite a few patrons were dying to shake some moves. I reckon a small space for dancing over the weekends wouldn't hurt.

      Despite reports on FT to the contrary, the Living Room was v happening when I was there on both Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday was surprisingly busy, probably due to the typhoon which kept people indoors. The crowd was typical W and rather sharply dressed. There was also a staff party on Saturday night to farewell one of the beverage consultants, and it was pretty fun getting an insight on the ins and outs of running a hotel especially one which has carved out such a niche for itself.




      DJ Angus



      Last edited by KeithMEL; 10 October 2008, 10:15 PM.
      All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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      • #33
        I'd also tried quite a few of the signature cocktails. I wished I'd stayed longer so I could try everything on the list - the ones I tried were sensational and the others I'd not tried all looked wonderously tempting!




        one of my faves - passionfruit and tomato based, and topped with Veuve Clicquot

        WET opened on the 2nd day I was there. Located on the 76th floor, the pool comes with a bar (though they've yet to obtain a liquor license for the bar when I was there, it'd be so rad when everything finally's set) and has a v nice view of the harbour and surrounding buildings.





        The great standard of service I experienced at check in was maintained and even exceeded throughout my stay. Every member of staff I'd interacted with had an enormous sense of fun, dedication and proactiveness. Most were happy to share an insight or 2 about the work that's gone into the W, and how much fun they're having - in particular those who've come over from working for stiff and stuffy hotels. I'd heard some of Matt's rather exciting plans for the official launch party (which has been indefinitely delayed since Sep 26th as the final touch ups were still being applied), and alas I can't reveal any details but suffice to say it'd be The Mother of All Launch Parties - the flashiest, most glamourous and yet naughtiest W launch ever. I'm now trying to schedule a trip to Hong Kong as soon as the party date is confirmed!

        I almost didn't want to leave! Leave I must though, but not before I got a farewell gift from Alison, along with a rather sweet note. Quoting her partially if she doesn't mind:

        "You like travelling and meeting people, staying in different Ws and seeing the world's most beautiful things - just like a kaleidoscope."



        I am now the proud owner of my own "Wish" kaleidoscope.

        After checking out, I was escorted all the way to the intown check in counters at Kowloon AE station. The Welcome Ambassador was most cheerful in doing so despite my insistence that i knew my way.

        Charging approximately AUD500/night (BAR for a Wonderful Room when I'd last checked), the W Hong Kong is top drawer finishing all the way and doesn't skimp on even the tiniest detail. And at 12 000 Starpoints/night on an SPG5 redemption, your stay at this uber luxe property becomes practically a steal! Especially with such amazing service to boot, even pre-stay service as exemplified by the efforts of Damon and the Director of Revenue Management Sorel in keeping future/potential guests up to date about the progress of the hotel.

        The W Hong Kong - more than just a hotel. Like other Ws, it's an experience in its own right. And the people behind the W Hong Kong have succeeded in making it a WoWtastic sensation. The best part? It's only going to get better.
        Last edited by KeithMEL; 10 October 2008, 07:51 PM.
        All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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        • #34
          WoW. I take it you liked it then ?

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          • #35
            Keith, when were you at W Hong Kong? As I was there too, I should had PM you for a drink...!

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            • #36
              Originally posted by SQTalker View Post
              Keith, when were you at W Hong Kong? As I was there too, I should had PM you for a drink...!
              I was there earlier this month, 3-6 OCT. If you were in the Living Room at the same time, I was one of the poseurs by the bar, and as there weren't many of us at the bar it's quite easy to narrow it down.

              Yes indeed, I'd have shouted you a Blushin' Russian or a Honeycomb Martini.

              Oh and they make excellent mojitos too.
              All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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              • #37
                The Cool Hunter has some beautiful pics of the W Hong Kong:
                http://www.thecoolhunter.net/travel/W-Hong-Kong/

                (Thanks to florianwagner for bringing the article to my attention)

                Love the v dramatic pool!

                I've requested for a Glamourous floor for my stay next month which is the other design scheme by the Japanese designer, so I'll come back with more piccies of the place. I hope the pool side bar is ready by then.
                All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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                • #38
                  Originally posted by KeithMEL View Post
                  The Cool Hunter has some beautiful pics of the W Hong Kong:
                  http://www.thecoolhunter.net/travel/W-Hong-Kong/

                  (Thanks to florianwagner for bringing the article to my attention)

                  Love the v dramatic pool!
                  The pool has quite a breath-taking view....with a location that's so high up I might consider redeeming my weekend stay at the W. Besides, the shopping mall located just beside the hotel (Elements) has become my favorite (esp the Grand Cineplex).

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                  • #39
                    Originally posted by YK@HKG View Post
                    The pool has quite a breath-taking view....with a location that's so high up I might consider redeeming my weekend stay at the W. Besides, the shopping mall located just beside the hotel (Elements) has become my favorite (esp the Grand Cineplex).
                    I loved Elements! Full of edgy designer boutiques but w/o the Nathan Rd mayhem!

                    They've just commenced their opening promo of HKD1650/night, normally they go for HKD3550 so this is a really good deal!
                    All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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                    • #40
                      Seems like a very nice W property.
                      Now... when to go and give it a try...
                      About time for my SuperStar restaurant visit too.

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                      • #41
                        Cool.

                        I'll be there at the W on Thu-Sat this week.. !

                        Looking forward to it.

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                        • #42
                          Originally posted by Guy Betsy View Post
                          I'll be there at the W on Thu-Sat this week.. !
                          Looks like I'm going to have competition for upgrades!

                          YGPM.
                          All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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                          • #43
                            W Hong Kong
                            Austin Rd West

                            This property defo puts the W in WoWness, and is quickly becoming my favourite hotel of all time. I honestly could not imagine that my last stay could be topped in any way and my expectations were set sky high, but the W Hong Kong manages to continue to surprise and delight.

                            I'd originally booked this stay at the BAR of HKD3550, but at the last minute the incredibly fab value HKD1650 Opening Promo was launched which made it all the more sweeter, since the AUD isn't exactly hot stuff at the mo.

                            This time I got upgraded to a Marvellous Suite, one room category above what I got last time. I'd warned the hotel that I was arriving early due to a last minute itinerary change, and they'd promised that my room will be ready when I arrived. I'd also assured them that I was willing to wait in case my originally assigned room isn't available. I'd arrived at noon, way before the check in time - and sure enough a Suite was ready and waiting for me. My prior request for a room designed by Glamourous was also honoured. I was quite prepared to wait in the Living Room or spend time at Elements if the room wasn't ready rather than accept a downgrade but I was quickly ushered to my Suite - v impressive.

                            Having now stayed at both G+A (refer my last stay review or kluau88's review) and Glamourous, I found the G+A design far more to my liking - it's in your face, fetch, flirty, loud and above all - an outrageous PARTY room; Glamourous OTOH is more sedate and restful, too subtle, more a family sorta room for a quiet time.

                            Design aside, I was nonetheless v impressed with the Glamourous Marvellous Suite. It was expansive, with views of both the Harbour and partial views of the HK Island skyline (obscured partially by the ICC). kluau88 probably put it rather well in his review so there's not really much I can add and I'd let my pics of room #2911 do the talking.


                            living room


                            dining area


                            view from living room


                            bedroom


                            bathroom


                            view from bedroom and bathroom


                            walk in closet and dressing area


                            living room toilet



                            The welcome sweets platter for PLTs had changed:


                            jello, cake, green apple, gummy bears - I miss the choccies

                            Other noticeable changes include more signage around Elements Mall directing guests who come from the Airport Express to the hotel, the completion of the huge butterfly mural at WET (see kluau88's review - didn't make it to WET this time), changes to the drinks list at the Living Room, and reduction in drinks prices. They'd also launched the rather popular Sunday brunch, a HKD590 All You Can Eat affair which includes free flow Perrier Jouet - unfortunately my flight left around lunchtime on Sunday which didn't make it worthwhile to check out brunch. I was advised that booking in advance was recommended for Sunday brunch as it's often packed to the rafters.

                            What remained constant was the consistently excellent standard of service throughout my stay. For starters, everyone remembered me and even my name - from the moment I stepped through the entrance till the v end (but rather embarassingly I'd forgotten who some of them were). It was lovely to see familiar faces again, such as the W Insider Alison who excitedly welcomed me back and did many little things to make my stay just that little bit more special - such as organising seats with fab views for my dinner at Pearl on the Peak, as well as the ever enthusiastic Minnie who manages the Living Room bar; Minnie and her staff went above and beyond to bring back a favourite cocktail of mine which had been dropped from the list (not the easiest operation for it involved finding an egg) - bless them all. And I must have drunk more than my fair share of mojitos on my last visit for the first thing the bar staff said when I sat down at the Living Room was whether I wanted more mojitos.

                            The hotel was rather busier than my last stay which is great, especially at a time when the economy isn't too flash. After the tragic demise of the W Sydney, I didn't need another W, especially one which sets such an unbelievably high standard for itself and in a favourite city of mine, to disappear.

                            My one and only MAJOR complaint about the W Hong Kong? Having to actually leave!!
                            Last edited by KeithMEL; 31 December 2008, 07:00 PM.
                            All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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                            • #44
                              Typing this from the W Living Room, enjoying a Fleur De Lys at the same time. Ahhh it's great to be home.

                              The other half is beside himself, taking pics of everything and anything - I'm so happy that he gets what the fuss is about now!

                              Anyhoo we got the Fantastic Suite this time. Given an upgrade to a Marvelous Suite initially, but it was the bland Glamourous scheme and as I wanted the funky, in your face G+A design I asked whether it's possible to downgrade and 'swap' with someone else who has a G+A Fantastic Suite.

                              Got a nice big Welcome sweets platter this time. Came in a saucepan laced with sunflower seeds, and lots more yummie goodies.

                              For wino fans, the W now has Wine-derlust Wednesdays. All you can drink wine for $180, 9-11pm Wednesdays.
                              All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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                              • #45
                                Originally posted by KeithMEL View Post
                                All you can drink wine for $180, 9-11pm Wednesdays.
                                That IS HKD, right?
                                HUGE AL

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