PAUSE Visits: The Murray, Hong Kong

Imagery courteous of: The Murray, Hong Kong

Few hotels in Hong Kong come with quite as much history as The Murray. Sitting on Cotton Tree Drive in Central, the building has been part of the city’s landscape since 1969, long before it welcomed its first hotel guests. Originally designed by British modernist architect Ron Phillips as a government office building, its distinctive white façade, recessed windows and three-storey arches made it one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable pieces of modernist architecture.

Today, that same building is home to The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel. Reimagined by Foster + Partners as part of the city’s Conserving Central initiative, the transformation has retained much of what made the original building distinctive while introducing everything expected from a modern five-star hotel.

And that combination is ultimately what makes The Murray one of Hong Kong’s more unique places to stay. There’s a real sense of history behind the hotel, but step inside and the experience feels far from dated. Contemporary design, spacious rooms, impressive dining and genuinely five-star service give the property a completely different life, without losing sight of the building’s origins.

Rather than concealing the building’s past, The Murray has embraced it as part of the experience. Many of the original architectural features remain, including the three-storey arches that once formed part of the building’s driveway and the distinctive recessed windows found across its exterior.

The windows themselves tell an interesting story. Originally designed to limit direct sunlight and reduce heat while still allowing plenty of natural light into the building, they were considered innovative and ahead of their time. Today, they remain one of The Murray’s most recognisable features, framing views across the city and surrounding greenery.

Even the arrival has a connection to the property’s past. The large Cassia tree standing in the forecourt was preserved during the redevelopment and remains an important part of the entrance. Registered as an Old and Valuable Tree, it is the only one of its species on Hong Kong’s register, adding another piece of history to a building already filled with it.

Inside, The Murray experience begins the moment you step in and its contemporary makeover is revealed. Black and white marble, brushed gold metal fixtures and artwork create a modern and luxurious aesthetic that feels polished while still complementing the building’s original architecture.

Imagery courteous of: The Murray, Hong Kong

With 336 rooms and suites spread across 25 floors, The Murray offers something particularly valuable in Hong Kong: the luxury of space. The majority of its rooms measure 50sqm or more, with even the 38sqm Superior Rooms generously sized by city standards. The hotel’s decorative, contemporary feel continues into the rooms, with the same black, white and gold tones seen throughout the property complemented by marble finishes and modern furnishings.

Higher room categories offer considerably more space, from the 75sqm Explorer and Signature Suites through to the 225 sqm Murray Suite. Selected rooms and suites also come with access to Cassia Lounge, an exclusive space overlooking Hong Kong Park where guests can enjoy additional benefits including afternoon tea, evening canapés and priority check-in and check-out. It’s a worthwhile addition, particularly for those wanting to make the most of their time at the hotel, and another detail that adds to the overall sense of luxury. Throughout the stay, service feels attentive and genuinely premium, without becoming overly formal. The Murray’s One MICHELIN Key recognition feels well deserved.

Imagery courteous of: The Murray, Hong Kong

Imagery courtesy of: The Murray, Hong Kong

Location is another of The Murray’s highlights. Set on Cotton Tree Drive in Central, the hotel sits within Hong Kong’s financial district, surrounded by the skyscrapers and modern architecture that define this part of the city.

Hong Kong Park sits beside the hotel, while St John’s Cathedral, the Peak Tram and major shopping destinations including Landmark and Pacific Place are all within walking distance. Central MTR station is also within easy reach, making it easy to venture further across Hong Kong and explore other neighbourhoods.

Despite having so much on its doorstep, there are plenty of reasons to spend time at the hotel too. An indoor swimming pool, gym and spa add to the five-star experience, while The Murray’s historic tour offers a closer look at the architecture, original features and art found throughout the property.

Imagery courtesy of: The Murray, Hong Kong

The Murray is one of those hotels that becomes more interesting the more you learn. What begins as a stay in a beautifully designed five-star hotel quickly becomes an introduction to a building that has been part of Hong Kong for more than 50 years.

Its history gives the hotel character, but it’s the way that history sits alongside its contemporary design, great dining, attentive service and one of the city’s most impressive rooftops that makes the experience feel complete. The Murray has managed to give an important piece of Hong Kong’s past a completely new life, while still retaining everything that made the building special in the first place.

PAUSE Rates: 5/5 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“What a gorgeous hotel. I enjoyed every detail of The Murray, big or small, from the stunning décor and incredible views to the wonderful service. What I loved most was how each area of the property felt completely different from the next, yet each had something special about it. I would highly recommend The Murray; this property really does tick all the boxes.” – Taija-Leorelle (Head of Travel & Hospitality)

A special thank you to Stephen for arranging such a lovely stay, to the staff for the wonderful hospitality, and to Tony for always going above and beyond to make every arrival and departure feel so warm and welcoming.

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Image courtesy of: The Murray, Hong Kong