Few locations in Hong Kong better capture the spirit of modernism than the Murray Building. Built by British architect Ron Phillips, the 27-storey tower opened in 1969 as a government office. Soaring, unadorned arches at ground level and a gleaming white façade lent it a handsome, almost austere, appearance, while recessed windows and the concrete fins that separated them kept out the sweltering heat, and made the building a pioneer in sustainability.
As such, it remained a widely admired landmark long after a concrete jungle sprouted in its vicinity. And once the government moved on to newer digs in 2011, it became a ripe opportunity for redevelopment. Enter local hospitality group Wharf Hotels, which acquired the building and enlisted Foster + Partners to transform it into first-rate accommodation.
Named the Murray, the new hotel has opened to much fanfare, its 336 rooms and suites some of the most spacious in the city. The famous recessed windows have been enlarged, opening up views of Hong Kong Park and its adjacent zoological gardens, as well as neighbouring skyscrapers such as the HSBC Building, also by Foster + Partners. Inside, richly textured furnishings in understated tones, and bathrooms in black and white Calacatta marble, are a vision of relaxed refinement. The pared-back aesthetic continues through the well-appointed gym, indoor pool and five spa suites.
Eager for guests to ‘rediscover the romance of going to a hotel’, Foster + Partners devoted special attention to the arrival experience, creating a forecourt around a majestic old cotton tree (carefully sustained through the hotel’s construction), and a generously proportioned, sunlit lobby featuring a chandelier-like charcoal work by Korean artist Seon-ghi Bahk. A grand staircase leads guests to the garden level, home to a lush terrace and two restaurants – the smart European Tai Pan, and the more laidback Garden Lounge, which offers both dim sum and French patisserie.
The next few months will see more dining options open. Occupying its own glass pavilion will be a branch of Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Guo Fu Lou, with interiors by André Fu and an expansive terrace. And the rooftop restaurant and bar, serving cocktails and international tapas, will be the perfect spot to rub shoulders with Hong Kong’s movers and shakers, while drinking in the spectacular skyline.
Soaring, unadorned arches at ground level and a gleaming white façade lent it a handsome, almost austere, appearance
Recessed windows and the concrete fins that separated them kept out the sweltering heat, and made the building a pioneer in sustainability
As such, it remained a widely admired landmark long after a concrete jungle sprouted in its vicinity
Local hospitality group Wharf Hotels acquired the building and enlisted Foster + Partners to transform it into first-rate accommodation
A generously proportioned, sunlit lobby featuring a chandelier-like charcoal work by Korean artist Seon-ghi Bahk
A grand staircase leads guests to the garden level, home to a lush terrace and two restaurants – the smart European Tai Pan, and the more laidback Garden Lounge, which offers both dim sum and French patisserie
The 336 rooms and suites some of the most spacious in the city. The famous recessed windows have been enlarged, opening up views of Hong Kong Park and its adjacent zoological gardens, as well as neighbouring skyscrapers such as the HSBC Building, also by Foster + Partners
Richly textured furnishings in understated tones, and bathrooms in black and white Calacatta marble, are a vision of relaxed refinement
The next few months will see more dining options open, with the hotel set to be the perfect spot to rub shoulders with Hong Kong’s movers and shakers
ADDRESS
22 Cotton Tree Drive
Central
-
Kapwani Kiwanga transforms Kvadrat’s Milan showroom with a prismatic textile made from ocean wasteThe Canada-born artist draws on iridescence in nature to create a dual-toned textile made from ocean-bound plastic
-
This new Vondom outdoor furniture is a breath of fresh airDesigned by architect Jean-Marie Massaud, the ‘Pasadena’ collection takes elegance and comfort outdoors
-
Eight designers to know from Rossana Orlandi Gallery’s Milan Design Week 2025 exhibitionWallpaper’s highlights from the mega-exhibition at Rossana Orlandi Gallery include some of the most compelling names in design today
-
Prada and Wong Kar-wai dream up a cinematic restaurant in ShanghaiPrada partners with Wong Kar-wai to bring Mi Shang Rong Zhai to life, a dining experience influenced by the arthouse director’s seminal oeuvre
-
A local’s guide to Hong Kong, by photographer Lean LuiAs Hong Kong hosts its annual Art Basel fair, local photographer Lean Lui shares her go-to spots for an alternative take on the city
-
Where to stay in Hong KongFrom sky-high glamour to intimate design sanctuaries, here's our pick of Hong Kong's finest stays
-
Enjoy heritage views and contemporary brews at a new Beijing caféJM Café, White Pagoda Temple by B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio nods to the history of the Xicheng District while injecting a shot of vitality
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy designThere’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
-
The Peninsula Hotels broadens its artistic horizons with Victoria and Albert Museum partnershipThe Peninsula Hotels and Victoria and Albert Museum announce a multi-year collaboration set to produce world-class art experiences around the world
-
China’s Alila Shanghai hotel is a stylish hub of idle tranquillityAlila Shanghai, the brand's first urban resort in Greater China, is a serene bolthole amidst the pulse of the Jing'an district
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
