Hotel Review: The Murray, Hong Kong is Where Convenience Meets Comfort

HONG KONG

CSP Times checks into The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel, one of the city’s five-star hotels. It is recognised with One Michelin Key at the inaugural Michelin Guide Hotel Selection in 2025, and is the only Leading Hotels of the World member hotel in Hong Kong.

All images are courtesy of The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel

The Murray in Hong Kong is a sanctuary for all. Hong Kong has no shortage of five-star hotels, but among the legacy names sits this gem. For starters, it occupies the historic Murray Building, which it is named after. As part of the government’s Conserving Central initiative, the landmark has been transformed into a contemporary sanctuary that features 336 rooms across 25 floors. Despite the high-profile project, many of the building’s iconic features remain, such as the large arches, recessed windows, and ramp.

The Location and The Design

The hotel is tucked in a quiet corner of Central. Its location is the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the financial district of the city, it sits in a corner surrounded by lush greenery and overlooks the St. John’s Cathedral as well as the HSBC Building.

In addition to its design, one of the hotel’s most recognisable features is the Old and Valuable Tree (OVT), also known as the Casia Tree, that has been diligently preserved over the years. In fact, it’s the only registered OCT of its species in the city. Its reputation is almost synonymous with the hotel’s, welcoming guests in the forecourt of the hotel entrance. In early summer, guests can marvel at the sea of pink and white as it blossoms.

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The building itself has over 50 years of history. Its distinctive arch frame was designed by British architect Ron Phillips in 1969. The restoration project transformed the building into a luxury hotel that retains traditional elements while incorporating contemporary design for travellers. 

Impressively, The Murray utilises light perfectly and sustainably, with its recessed square windows that allow natural light to enter. The result is not only eco-conscious practice but an overall ambience that reflects luxury and elegance. To honour the building’s legacy, its former driveway has also been preserved and has now become a semi-alfresco venue called The Arches.

The Accommodation

We stayed at the N3 Grand Deluxe room, which offers unobstructed views of St. John’s Cathedral. The 50-square-metre room is chic with plush carpets on hardwood floors, and in contrast, the surfaces are lined with rare stones, leather, and textiles. It’s an embodiment of elegance and comfort, featuring WiFi, a Smart TV, and bedside lighting controls.

My favourite part of the room is the bath area, which is covered in black-and-white Calacatta marble. The open-style design is great for doing both — soaking in a warm bath, followed by a refreshing rain shower. 

To top it all off, the hotel also offers a comprehensive pillow menu of up to 17 specialised options. If that’s not enough, they’ll even customise one for you to ensure tailored comfort, whether you’re looking to optimise your sleep quality or just want to try a variety of pillows. Options include light foam, buckwheat, Japanese tea-leaf, and even a special “snore-no-more” one. Urbanites can gloat at the amenities from the spacious cabinet, ranging from a comfortable bathroom to a yoga mat.

The room is spacious and flawlessly blends sophistication with modern comforts. During my three days and two nights’ stay, I made use of the work area, the bedside sofa, and the smart TV. I also loved having the convenience of light and curtain switches from my bed.

The Dining

The Murray features several restaurants to choose from. Popinjays, the Italian rooftop restaurant, features a wraparound terrace that boasts a stunning view of the Central skyline. As you can imagine, it’s also a popular spot for sundowners to bask in the breathtaking backdrop after work or during the weekend. I had the afternoon tea when I dined there, but the restaurant also has a menu filled with Italian dishes on top of a fine selection of drinks.

Breakfast is at The Tai Pan in semi-buffet style. There are many appetisers to choose from, ranging from Western to Chinese delights. You have the option to pick unlimited hot dishes prepared a la minute, such as French Toast, free-range eggs (Eggs Benedict, Steak & Egg), Salmon Teriyaki, and Wonton Soup. I love that the restaurant overlooks St. John’s Cathedral, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum sunlight in the early hours of the day. Beyond breakfast, The Tai Pan serves seafood favourites, grilled steaks, and other French bistro classics. If the weather allows, enjoy a meal at the al fresco seating on the terrace.

Next door is the Garden Lounge, which also has its own floor-to-window ceiling that provides a picture-perfect front-row view of St. John’s Cathedral. The plush sofa seats are the best in the house, tucked in the corner for intimate dinners while enjoying the view. The restaurant is famous for its afternoon tea, but I had the Flavours of Canton set menu for dinner instead. It starts with an appetiser platter of four dishes: Chilled Sichuan Style Mouth-watering Chicken, Poached Seabass, Yellow Bean Paste, Amur Caviar, Abalone with Crispy Scallion, Sweet & Sour Cherry Tomatoes with Preserved Plum. It’s perfect to whet the palate and get a taste of what they have to offer. Next comes the Half Peking Duck with Momo, Cucumber, Leek, Melon followed by a choice of main — Slow-cooked Beef Short Ribs with Black Vinegar for me. Flavourful dishes made the night more memorable before washing it down with the refreshing and unique Almond Tofu Xiao Long Bao, Ginger Chocolate Dip.

Those seeking a quiet escape should opt for Cassia Lounge access as I did. Cassia Lounge is the hotel’s exclusive club lounge on the second floor. It’s a charming space that overlooks Hong Kong Park and The Murray’s resident Cassia Tree. Lounge access members can enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening canapes, although for me, the biggest draw is the stillness it provides, away from the crowds. It’s like your own semi-private sanctuary. Other benefits include 20% discount on laundry and dry cleaning, late check-out up to 3 pm on departure day, and 15% discount on wellness experiences at the spa.

The Facilities

Like a true urban sanctuary, The Murray offers a range of facilities for one’s absolute pleasure. The 17-metre indoor swimming pool is perfect for any weather, be it rain or shine, winter or summer. There’s no worry about the sun, and instead, the lighting is dim with traces of lush greenery. After a morning dip, I recommend hitting the chilled relaxation pool next door to unwind.

No hotel is complete without a gym, and The Murray’s has plenty to offer. It has Technogym fitness equipment for cardiovascular and strength training. If you’re serious about fitness, the hotel also has personalised fitness consultations by professional trainers, followed by a tailor-made training programme. Fitness classes can even be arranged. Of course, you’re welcome to also train on your own at your pleasure with the gym open 24 hours. An added draw is the view — a blend of Hong Kong’s tall buildings amidst lush greenery.

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The Verdict: The Murray Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel

A stay at The Murray is the ideal escape anyone needs, whether a leisure or business traveller, a solo staycationist, or a couple’s getaway. Its location offers the best of both worlds — an escape from city life while still being within arm’s reach of it. For a modern-day traveller, comfort and convenience go hand in hand, and The Murray is the very definition of that. Its storied past is an added plus that adds further charm to its name, while also uplifting how historic buildings in Hong Kong can be repurposed for contemporary times, balancing the past with the present effortlessly.

Address: 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong | Website: niccolohotels.com/en/the-murray-hong-kong | Phone: +852 3141 8888  | Instagram: @themurrayhk

Disclaimer: The writer was invited by The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel to experience the property. All observations, assessments, and opinions expressed are based on the writer’s independent experience and professional judgement.