For a new establishment to launch in a prime location in a city teeming with exquisite properties and almost immediately be listed among the best hotels in the region is a bold achievement indeed, but that’s exactly what happened when The Murray, Hong Kong opened in 2018. The architectural wonder, renovated by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning Norman Foster’s firm, Foster & Partners, is iconic in the city—its distinctly shaped windows, famed arched colonnades, and the iconography of this ultra-chic hotel are nothing like its contemporaries who have been in Hong Kong for decades.

A running thread among the group is that the overall look and feel is “inspired by the worlds of fashion, art, and luxury.” Keeping that in mind, you’ll see trace elements of all three brushing every property with ease. Each Niccolo Hotels property is aptly situated near shopping and entertainment districts, the proximity of a young and dynamic demographic. It’s a mantra that works well; each hotel has a youthful vibe and exuberance, creating luxurious experiences with a natural ease and elegance to suit their local and international guests.

In Hong Kong, The Murray is known for its contemporary elegance, but not all are aware that the hotel was, in fact, not the first, but the third property under the Niccolo Hotels group’s sizeable umbrella. Its inaugural hotel, Niccolo Chengdu, was originally launched in 2015 when the brand was established. Since then, the portfolio has meticulously expanded within Mainland China in exciting cities and central locations of myriad interests, such as Niccolo Changsha, Niccolo Suzhou, and Niccolo Chongqing. 

Crowning the top floors of Changsha IFS, Niccolo Changsha is famed as a luxury “sky” hotel, elevated 452 metres above sea level. Centred in the heart of Furong district and scraping the skies, the building comprises a mix of high-end corporate offices and luxury fashion shopping opportunities featuring top-tier brands. Similarly, for unparalleled vistas of Chongqing, popularly known as the “Mountain City,” the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of unrivalled beauty. The famous Chaotianmen Pier and Chaotianmen Bridge, known as the longest arch bridge in the world, as well as the dramatic confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, are just a few of many sights to behold.

For guests, it’s love at first light—as soon as you enter a room, it is bathed in abundant natural light. Guestrooms and suites feature a sense of sophisticated simplicity, and each room is draped in soft, neutral palettes. For rest and relaxation, each accommodation is thoughtfully and seamlessly appointed to provide a sanctuary from work and bustling city life by day, and a tranquil cocoon at night.

There’s tremendous engagement between guest and property as within the walls, there are dining and entertaining options galore, as much as they are on the walls. The unmissable art, be it the integration of sculptures, oversized artwork with striking colours, and integrated architecture, all are created and curated for a memorable experience. 

At Niccolo Hotels properties, the artwork is on display parallel to how a major exhibition would foist an invaluable canvas; central, highlighted, framed, and lit like the important pieces they are. Notable works in the hotels are Breeze Birdby Studio Sawada Design at Niccolo Chengdu and Awilda’s White Head by Jaume Plensa, which stands proud at The Murray, Hong Kong, as well as the striking fishtail profile of Niccolo Suzhou that rises to the skies in the Suzhou IFS, standing out so prominently that it changed the silhouette of the city. 

A signature element that the hotel group boasts is exceptional and experiential dining. It isn’t just about the meal but indulging all the senses as each hotel in the Niccolo Hotels portfolio offers something new, unique, and memorable. From spectacular rooftop bars and restaurants with grand vistas (Popinjays at The Murray Hong Kong) to ornate tea lounges (The Tea Lounge at Niccolo Chengdu) and culinary theatres (Niccolo Kitchen at Niccolo Changsha), the glamorous venues are popular entertainment spots and perfect for gatherings. 

In essence, the blueprint of Niccolo Hotels, the luxury hotel brand under Wharf Hotels, is built on providing modern interiors in the heart of a city—no matter where you are or which city you’re visiting. Be it for work or pleasure, for a wine-and-dine experience, or for rest and relaxation, each hotel provides warm and impeccable service. As travellers, you may be in a new place, unknown and mysterious, but every time you walk into a Niccolo Hotels property, the guarantee is that you will be welcomed home.

For more information log on to Niccolo Hotels.