HotelChatter

The Rooms: Since the first thing you see inside the entrance to the W is an impossibly cool couch and several artworks by Damien Hirst, you know that you are in for a cultural treat. From the wood-and-fire theme of the public spaces up to the guest rooms, the hotel's interior design hints at the outdoors while retaining a modern feel for which the W brand is known.

When you book a room here, you may actually voice a preference for your room design; choose from an Australian's woodgrain wall and solid colors or a Japanese designer's feminine cool colors and butterflies. Of course there is a minibar and a flatscreen and a crazy-spacious bathroom, but as is true with most high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, the views are the star attraction. The W Hong Kong benefits from a view towards the dramatic HK skyline along with harbor as far as the eye can see, assuming it's not one of the foggier days.

If you'll be settling into HK for more than a few days and have the pocket change to spare, the "Marvellous" suite as seen in the video above reigns over all other rooms as the one to hit. Seriously, is it even possibly to say no to a bathtub with that view?

The Restaurants: Like all other W Hotels, the W HK successfully leverages its hip design to become an evening dining and drinking destination. From casual coffee in the "Living Room" to a la carte offerings in the "Kitchen," and especially full spreads in the Fire Restaurant, the W has got the trendy dining scene on lockdown. Just be aware that because of the newness of the property, planned offerings like buffet lunches are not yet on the table.

The Amenities: What we did just say about the views? The expanses over the city are the crowning glory of the W, and it knows how to work it with the 75th-floor "Wet" roof deck pool and bar and the "world's highest nail salon." If Hong Kong is sadly more about work than play for you, then the W still offers your choice of wifi or plug internet, large writing desks in all rooms, a free shuttle to Tsim Sha Tsui, and a fitness center with view for working off those expense account dinners.

The Bottom Line: The excellent incorporation of design and cultural elements with location and comfort means that the W Hong Kong is going to be very popular very soon. Hong Kong has such a healthy and inspiring pulsating current of life, into which the W merely taps and yet it thrives. Also, this W is far beyond the others in our experience, as expectations are higher in Hong Kong and image is everything; don't be afraid to bring your nice clothes and abandon the stereotype of khaki-clad tourist.

Standard "Wonderful" room at the W Hong Kong begin around $230 per night, while the drool-worthy "Marvellous" Suite reaches towards the quadruple digits.

For more insider access shots of The W Hong Kong, check out the Flickr set