Stern and steely, Hong Kong’s iconic Murray Building at the famous Cotton Tree Drive stood formidably as a government office building from 1969 to 2011. With its glory days long past, the vacancy of the 25-storey tall building called for a much-needed refurbishment, and refreshed it was. The plan was simple, keep the building in commission by turning it into a luxury hotel, but the process was not without its own trials and tribulations.
Despite its ripe old age, the building’s architecture was already ahead of its time. Ron Phillips, the architect behind the original building, designed the fins on each side of the building to block direct sunlight.
Prominent design elements had to be preserved as part of the government’s “Conserving Central” initiative, so additional features had to adhere to the architectural language of the existing structure. This ensured the majestic building maintained its ambience that is so deeply rooted in Hong Kong’s history while embracing a modern makeover in tandem with current trends.
Starting from the ground, the project reconnected the building with the city. Guests can saunter through the building’s entrance under its lofty arches, adding a welcoming touch to a previously desolate carpark, which only knew the tires of motor vehicles.
The suites of the now 336-room hotel exude a sense of luxurious hospitality for guests who seek an indulgent refuge from the daily grind. Natural stones, leathers, and plush textiles create a chic sanctuary of understated sophistication for every individual. A panorama of lush prairies and serene vistas await those who reside in the aptly named Cotton Tree Suite and Park Suite, with an aerial view of the Botanical Gardens and Hong Kong Park respectively. Urbanites are not forgotten as the Murray Suite and Penthouse Suite are palatial alternatives offering stunning glimpses of Hong Kong’s bustling cityscape that is teeming with life.
Food connoisseurs will also be satiated as the hotel houses top-notch restaurants and bars providing a plethora of dishes whipped up by world-class culinary and mixology teams. Guo Fu Lou, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, is a welcomed addition within the building’s premises, bringing its award-clinching oriental delicacies to the table. The other star is the Poppinjays, an aviary-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant, that attracts a fashionable crowd with its classic cocktails, bespoke creations, and neoteric European-inspired cuisine from dawn till dusk.
The hotel is conveniently located at a prime location in Hong Kong Island and well within the central business district. Guests will also be able to fulfil all their shopping desires, as the Central MTR subway station is merely a 10-minute walk away.
The project, spearheaded by the Wharf Group, breathed new life into the monumental building, giving it a second wind. As The Murray opens its doors to welcome guests, its very existence is a stark reminder of the importance of weaving historic heritage into a forward-thinking philosophy, to preserve a legacy that would have otherwise been lost in the unforgiving march of time.
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