The bold use of colour, graphics and textures at W Hong Kong breaks the mould

Designer: Yasimuchi Morita, Glamorous Corp; Nicholas Graham, G+A

A glittering new waterfront skyscraper in the heart of Hong Kong’s vibrant new entertainment, cultural and commercial district is providing an urban oasis for travellers.

W Hong Kong is the latest offering from owner Starwood Hotels & Resorts, with 393 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and speciality suites and boasting the city’s most elevated swimming pool, sitting as it does on the roof of the world’s third tallest building.

In the rapidly expanding dsitrict of West Kowloon, W Hong Kong is nestled among modern architecture, oriental markets, and the cool splendour of past colonial glory, and marks the third venture of the W brand into Asia.

The hotel’s lead designers, Yasimuchi Morita of Glamorous Corp, and Nicholas Graham of g+a, have in their respective spaces created an environment that offers complementary interpretations of nature.

Wood, stone, water, fire and metal are used generously throughout the hotel’s colourful public spaces and guest accommodation, all seamlessly blending with the W brand’s signature design elements.

The hotel is also a showcase for original artwork by several renowned modern artists, including Lee Bul from Korea and Australians Daniel Crooks, James Angus and Hany Armanious.

In a city that attracts both tourists and business visitors, W Hong Kong plans on exploiting a winning combination of location, chic, contemporary design and lifestyle approach to impress them.

All the rooms have spectacular views, and feature W signature elements, such as feather beds, goosedown pillows and comforters, fine-quality bed linen and the latest in audio and visual technology.

The rooms are graded by name, all of which give a hint at what awaits, for example Wonderful, Spectacular, Fantastic, WOW Suite, Extreme WOW.

On the one hand there is the open and airy Wonderful class room, with a minimalist decor, playful wall graphics and mood lighting in 40 sq m. The bathroom has its own LCD TV, while the bedroom has a 42in HD screen and a chaise longue for taking full advantage of views of the city’s dazzling skyline.

At the top of the house is the 200 sq m WOW Extreme penthouse suite. Its additional features include a bathing pool with harbour views, dining space for eight, walk-in wardrobes, Swarovski crystal bath fixtures, a built-in aquarium, and Bang & Olufsen A/V equipment throughout.

While the hotel’s location is filled with restaurants, bistros and bars, W Hong Kong offers its own signature dining and drinking experiences. Fire, designed by Glamorous Corp, has a main dining space in a vibrant red decor, two glass-walled, semi-private rooms and its own bar, Liquid - warm and inviting in a gold palette.

g+a designed the vibrantly coloured Kitchen, with a stylish open-kitchen setting and harbour views through wall-to-wall bay windows.