How many times have I visited Hong Kong? As many times as I’ve paused at the Peak Tram station. That silver-gray building on Red Cotton Road has long been a silent historical storyteller—once witnessing Hong Kong’s government affairs, now a “Hong Kong legend” for global travelers. It wasn’t until last autumn, during my stay at The Murray, that I grasped how “a building’s rebirth continues history.”
As the flagship of Niccolo under Wharf Group, The Murray Hong Kong surpassed my luxury hotel expectations. It wasn’t just a five-star check-in, but a deep dialogue with urban memory, art, design, and local life.
I first noticed The Murray for its unique architecture. Unlike Hong Kong’s dense high-rises, this 1969-built, 26-story building uses geometric exteriors to avoid direct sunlight—winning a 1994 “Energy-Saving Architecture Award” and remaining an eco-design example. Its vehicle entrances hide under Red Cotton Road’s slope, making it stand out in prime Hong Kong Island.
When Foster + Partners renovated it in 2018, they balanced history and modernity by preserving iconic features: recessed window grids, angled facades, and even a pre-hotel Cassia tree. This tree greets guests year-round—pink blossoms in spring, shade in rain, and birdsong filtering into the lobby.
As a guest, I noticed “curiosity” in every detail. Room workspaces (from recessed windows) turn with adjustable louvers—daytime viewing terraces, nighttime reading nooks. The gym’s glass partitions mirror window designs, letting guests see Victoria Peak while exercising. Lounge picture frames match window proportions, turning spaces into 3D architectural albums.
My 33-square-meter “Deluxe King Room” surprised me. Unlike opulent traditional five-stars, it had “restrained warmth”: a soft leather headboard, warm wall sconces, and plush sofa pillows. Without the Peak view, I might have thought it a boutique guesthouse.
Floor-to-ceiling windows stole the show—one side offered harbor views (my south-facing room framed Peak and Harbour), the other integrated recessed grids for a workspace. Working there at dusk, watching sunlight cast grid shadows, I lost track of work vs. relaxation—a rare balance in urban travel.
The bathroom blended practicality and aesthetics: a smart toilet, spacious shower, and Grown Alchemist skincare (conditioner smelled of greenery). No extra decor, just thoughtful details. The only flaw was a small wardrobe, a reasonable trade-off for the room size.
Housekeeping was “invisible stewardship.” Each checkout brought a handwritten pillow note—“Your slippers are curved for comfort” or “Hope the champagne was chilled right”—genuine gestures, not scripts.
Dining is The Murray’s “soul” to its architectural “skeleton.” As Niccolo’s flagship, it has 3 restaurants + 2 bars for all meals (Chinese, Western, brunch, late drinks)—no typical luxury hotel aloofness.
I ate at The Tai Pan both mornings. It felt less like a restaurant, more like “garden dining tables.” Floor-to-ceiling windows showed trimmed greenery, sunlight fell on wooden tables, and cutlery clinks felt warm. The semi-buffet reimagined à la carte—dishes listed ratings, spiciness, allergens, and chef tips (e.g., “Avocado shrimp uses fresh catch—pair with lime sauce”).
My favorite was the “Luxury Beef Sandwich”: seared steak, melted cheese, mushroom sauce, runny egg in crispy baguette—Michelin-level flavor. The buffet’s breads (baguettes, croissants, alkaline buns, whole-wheat) and made-to-order waffles (sweet with strawberry jam) delighted me.
Cassia Lounge amazed me. As a Forbes Five-Star staple, it broke traditional executive lounge formality.
Its “small but beautiful” design felt like a living room—warm wood, green walls, art. On my second visit, the receptionist greeted me by name: “Mr. Zhang, your usual iced lemon tea?” A rare “being remembered” feeling in a 300+-room hotel.
It offered all-day dining (8 AM–10 PM): unlimited coffee, snacks, soft drinks; noon à la carte (lobster buns, Burrata, Chongqing chicken, macaroni). My favorite was the “Black Truffle Mushroom Tart”—crispy pastry with velvety truffle-mushroom puree. At 5:30 PM, a sommelier served curated wines/champagne. Sipping by the green wall, Victoria Harbour’s night view became a backdrop.
Epilogue: Hong Kong’s Legendary Quality Lies in “Authenticity”
From The Murray’s historical rebirth to Imperial View’s coastal warmth, these “legendary quality” Hong Kong hotels don’t define themselves by opulence. Their magic lies in their focus on “people”: staff who remember your name, historical touches hidden in details, dining that turns ritual into daily life… These “authentic” experiences are the most moving tributes to Hong Kong as a “city of legends.”
If you ask me, “Which hotel should you stay at in Hong Kong?” My answer is always: Choose one that lets you “slow down”—watch a sunset by Niccolo’s recessed windows, listen to waves by Imperial View’s pool, or daydream in front of an art exhibit at Hotel S… These moments are Hong Kong’s most precious gifts to you.
