2008 Hong Kong W Hotel Extraordinary Suite: A Journey Back to Economic Prosperity

In 2008, W Hong Kong made its debut in West Kowloon as the first W Hotel in Greater China. At a time when five-star hotels were still associated with a more formal and traditional image, W burst onto the scene as an "international trendsetter landmark." Unlike conventional business hotels, it was avant-garde, youthful, and bold, bridging the gap between luxury and modern trends, and introducing China to its first truly trendy brand hotel. Located atop the Kowloon Station at the Cullinan Tower, the hotel’s exterior resembles a "giant glass box." Stepping into the elevator feels like entering a neon dance floor, while the lobby is designed with a concept inspired by forest fireflies. The guest rooms incorporate the five elements—gold, wood, water, fire, and earth—with bathtubs placed next to floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour. The visual impact is extraordinary! Designed collaboratively by Australia’s g+a design firm and Japan’s Glamorous, the hotel seamlessly blends cutting-edge design with Oriental charm. During Hong Kong’s economic heyday over a decade ago, W’s rooftop infinity pool (Wet) was the place to be. By day, it hosted lively pool parties, and by night, it transformed into a DJ bar with Victoria Harbour’s nightscape as the backdrop. Weekend evenings were almost always packed! The venue also became a favorite for fashion magazine shoots, including Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, and was the go-to hotel for celebrities like Lee Hyori, Jolin Tsai, and Joey Yung when visiting Hong Kong. I stayed at W on my birthday. Initially, I had booked the St. Regis, but due to a series of mishaps—including a restaurant music event, a Coldplay concert, and issues with suite upgrades and Michelin restaurant reservations—I canceled my plans in frustration. I hadn’t considered this "old" W Hotel, but its price of just over 2,000 HKD and the availability of suites led me to book it reluctantly. After sending an email, I received a reply and a phone call within an hour. The staff warmly assured me that even if my suite voucher couldn’t be used, they would arrange the best room available. To my surprise, I was upgraded to the 8,000 HKD Blue Extraordinary Suite the next day, and I was deeply moved 😭. W’s service shattered the negative online reviews! The hotel’s public areas and rooms have been renovated. While the design carries a sense of nostalgia, it remains vibrant and forward-thinking, with impeccable cleanliness. Soaking in the bathtub with a front-row view of Victoria Harbour was pure bliss, and the living room even had a stationary bike. It was my first time staying in such a spacious room in Hong Kong, complete with champagne, plush toys, and even a dessert plate engraved with a photo of me in LA—such thoughtful details! The breakfast was diverse and delicious, and the rooftop pool was breathtaking. Upon departure, the staff personally escorted me to Kowloon Station to check in my luggage, leaving me amazed by their warm service—was this really Hong Kong? It completely overturned my impressions! Comparing this to Beijing’s The Opposite House, which opened in 2008 but has since closed, I couldn’t help but reflect on the dramatic changes over time.