NEW
It seems like every day a new hotel opens in China, and as the country’s rapid economic growth continues so does its hotel boom, which is reflected in the number of new Chinese offerings here. But elsewhere in Asia-Pacific, there are some other new club options worth considering.
JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao’an
Country: China
Opened: February 2015
The U-shape design of the Executive Lounge on the 28th floor includes floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Qianhai Bay and the city. Throughout the hotel, subtle design motifs have been used to symbolise the phoenix, and this is also incorporated in the lounge. Ink drop motif artwork and artefacts such as the “cloaks of splendour” pattern portray the tender grace of this mythical bird alongside the natural detailing of hardwood furnishings and contemporary accents such as translucent patterned glass and minimalist lounge sofas.
Country: South Korea
Opening: September 2015
Located on the 28th floor, the Executive Club Lounge was designed by LTW Designworks and features a museum-like ambience, with nine artworks by talented Korean artists adorning the walls. These include pieces from Kyung Ja Chun, renowned for her portrayal of womanhood and beauty in nature; Heungsou Kim, the “Picasso of Korea”, who won acclaim for his fiery red artworks; and Bong Sang Yoo, whose abstract paintings display a mixture of multiplied grids and translucent layers of colour. Another lounge highlight is the beautiful views over Gyeongbok Palace and the Blue House.
Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore
Country: Singapore
Opened: October 2014
The Club Lounge is on the 19th floor and offers a hearty breakfast of freshly made pancakes, eggs cooked à la minute and an expanded buffet line. Guests can also indulge in evening cocktails and enjoy the 270-degree panoramic skyline views of Orchard Road and the Marina Bay area while sampling some creative snacks prepared by the chefs. In addition to the benefits of check-in and check-out and one piece laundry pressing, club guests can also book for complimentary use of the meeting suite in the lounge for up to two hours.
Regal Airport Hotel, Xi’an
Country: China
Opened: February 2015
The Executive Lounge is located on the 9th floor and presented in a contemporary style, with seating for 66 club guests. Food and beverage highlights include dim sum and cocktails. Free wifi is available across the entire lounge, including the meeting room. On a clear day, or a bright night, guests can enjoy views over Xi'an Xianyang International Airport and observe the comings and goings of flights.
NUO Hotel Beijing
Country: China
Opened: June 2015
The 25th floor NUO Executive Club Lounge offers panoramic views of the park areas of Lido. The lounge food and beverage offerings include buffet breakfast at the live cooking station, refreshments throughout the day, evening pre-dinner drinks with hors d’oeuvres and canapés, and a cocktail station complete with mixologist. Guests can also use the boardroom for two hours, which includes a widescreen LED TV, office equipment and beverage service. Other business-friendly facilities in the lounge include a workstation with computers, iPad, power sockets with USB and various cable ports, and conference call equipment.
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Park Hotel Alexandra
Country: Singapore
Opened: June 2015
The Crystal Club Lounge is located on the top floor of the 13-storey hotel and floor-to-ceiling windows command stunning views of the city skyline. Suite and club guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, all-day refreshments and complimentary business facilities.
Hilton Haikou Meilan
Country: China
Opened: November 2014
The 90-seat Executive Lounge at Hilton Haikou Meilan is located on the 9th floor. The space is divided into living, lounging, dining, and working areas. For business purposes, it offers a private meeting space equipped with a conference table. Culinary highlights include the afternoon tea set, which comes with home-baked cookies.
Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing
Country: China
Opened: November 2014
The Horizon Club Lounge is located on the
40th floor of the hotel. It features double-storey floor-to-ceiling windows, taking full advantage of the tranquil vista of Xuanwu Lake. The lounge has a concierge who will attend to guests’ travel arrangements and other requests.
Shangri-La Hotel, Nanchang
Country: China
Opened: February 2015
The Horizon Club Lounge in Nanchang is located on level 32 and offers 180-degree views from the outdoor terrace. Like all Horizon Club lounges, guests can enjoy privileges such as express check-in and check-out, complimentary breakfast buffet and evening cocktails.
Hyatt City of Dreams Manila
Country: Philippines
Opened: February 2015
The lounge is located on the 7th floor of Tower II. Guests can enjoy exclusive and complimentary services including check-in and check-out, all-day drinks and light snacks. There is a continental breakfast in the morning, plus cocktails and nibbles in the evening.
RENOVATED
There are many reasons why a hotel renovates a club lounge – to upgrade facilities, introduce a new residential concept, or simply deliver a new experience. Here are some great makeovers
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Country: Malaysia
Renovated:August 2015
The lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city’s Lake Gardens. The entire floor was demolished to implement a new interactive dining concept, and the new lounge has three sections – open kitchen, dining and communal area, and lounge area. The open kitchen features the new dining concept, where guests can help themselves to spirits and mixers or draft beers from a dispenser. The interactive kitchen features live cooking in the evenings with signature dishes every week from each restaurant of the hotel. In the dining and communal area, mood lighting and contemporary design furnishings set a cool atmosphere, while the lounge area provides a space for creative exchange. The boardroom offers state-of-the-art meeting facilities for up to 10 guests.
Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
Location: Hong Kong
Renovated: October 2014
The revamped Towers Lounge has a modern feel thanks to the removal of old, bulky furniture and the introduction of newer, neater pieces. The closed, square-shaped reception counter has been moved from the middle of the room to the side of the wall and given a more approachable U-shape, leaving more space in front of the express lift entrance. Lots of low-level seating has been added, alongside a long rectangular cocktail table, to encourage guests to lean back, relax and enjoy the harbour view.
Hilton Nagoya
Country: Japan
Renovated: March 2015
The renovation expands the lounge to almost double its original size and enables guests to enjoy spectacular views of the Nagoya station area, including notable landmarks such as JR Central Towers and Spiral Tower. The Executive Lounge features three concept areas designed to provide a home-away-from-home experience: a library lounge, a main kitchen where guests are encouraged to help themselves, and a private meeting space with built-in audio visual system. The design is distinctly Japanese, featuring black iron screens and glazed ceramic tiles with a quarter-turn pattern, while persimmon and indigo blue are used as accents.
China World Hotel Beijing
Country: China
Renovated: January 2015
The 756 sqm renovated Horizon Lounge exudes the ambience of a modern royal library, a sense of scholarly serenity created through architectural details such as modern Chinese lattice screens and decorative bookshelves showcasing contemporary Chinese art and esteemed publications. With an emphasis on health and wellness, the executive chef has specially created a menu featuring detox juices and other tasty nibbles. The lounge is also equipped with the latest PM 2.5 air filtration technology for a fresh burst of air in this frequently smoggy city.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Country: Japan
Renovated: September 2015
The new lounge has a “residence” concept, creating a space with four different functions: a hall (reception), garden terrace, dining room and library lounge. High-quality furnishing adds an upscale feel, while the colour scheme is carefully co-ordinated to create a homely space. A kitchen next to the dining room is hidden when not in use. Like the rest of the hotel, the lounge design features juxtaposed elements to reflect “the image of the West and Tokyo”, as well as the unique identity of the area (Roppongi). A distinct atmosphere for morning and evening is created by different light settings.
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Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong
Renovated: September 2015
The new Grand Club lounge is a private split-level lounge on the 30th and 31st floor with contemporary interior design and panoramic views of VictoriaHarbour. Private boardrooms are available for the exclusive use of Grand Club guests.
Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore
Country: Singapore
Renovated: July 2015
The refurbished Club Lounge is on the 17th floor. Benefits include weekday breakfasts until 11am, “Jenerous” weekend brunches until noon, and mid-afternoon treats. For an interesting design touch, the lounge is decorated with sculptures depicting the heads of animals, some crafted using skeletal wire structures and others created from sculpted plants.
Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta
Country: Indonesia
Renovated: January 2015
The Mulia Executive Lounge’s upgrade includes new carpets, sofas and an expanded buffet area. The lounge offers guests exclusive access for in-room check-in, breakfast buffet and evening cocktails. Guests staying at Executive Rooms are entitled to two hours in the meeting room per stay.
Parkroyal on Beach Road
Country: Singapore
Renovated: April 2015
The revitalised Orchid Club Lounge on the sixth floor
offers panoramic views of the Kampong Glam precinct. Inside, the lounge offers comfortable seating options suited to both groups and individuals, while an open kitchen whips up a special dish every day during breakfast and evening cocktails.
White Swan Hotel
Country: China
Renovated: July 2015
The White Swan recently re-opened following a three-year refurbishment. Located on the third floor, the new-look lounge features a living area separated by bookshelves that lends itself to small group gatherings. A dedicated meeting room can also accommodate up to 16 guests.
ART & CULTURE
When you first enter a hotel’s executive lounge after a long trip, you probably don’t even notice artwork or cultural detailing when it’s present. But many lounges now take their art seriously and, despite your initial reaction, work hard to capture your attention with pieces that inspire
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
Country: Thailand
The design of the Horizon Club Lounge on the
24th floor gives patrons the royal treatment by paying tribute to the highest form of traditional Thai art – that which is found in temples and on royal barges. Temple murals commonly use materials such as porcelain mosaic pieces, patterned ceramic tiles, gold leaf and mirrored tiles with lotus flower or star cluster motifs. These motifs have been captured in the paintings that dot the walls of the lounge. Similarly, art works and sculptures throughout the lounge reflect the intricacies of wood carvings found on royal barges.
Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur
Country: Malaysia
A US$2 million renovation has seen the club lounge marry the traditional elements of its local destination with chic modernity. Florence Lambert Lee, director of Gadis Manis Malaysia, a brand that promotes Malaysia’s cultural diversity, brought to life the oversized Terimakasih hand-painted portraits of three ladies who represent the different ethnic groups in the country. Other works on display include the “Puakumbu” textile from Sarawak and “Wayangkulit” puppet show wall etching. The club now has 100 seats, a new reception counter with jellyfish aquarium and a smoking area on the balcony looking out to the city.
The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou
Country: China
Every Saturday evening, guests are invited to enjoy the experiential events at the Club Lounge, which include Chinese tea appreciation, whisky tasting and Cantonese cuisine classes. Chef Luca from the hotel’s Italian outlet Limoni will bring his signature dish to the club; Chef Gordon from Chinese restaurant Lai Heen will present Cantonese fare to the guests and share his culinary insight while the restaurant’s resident tea expert will explain the health benefits of tea. The Churchill Bar will be brought to the lounge by chief mixologist Jay Du, who mixes up his signature cocktails.
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Country: Singapore
With the concept of a contemporary residence, artistic highlights include a sculpture crafted from a Balinese tree and another made from patterned Indonesian recycled glass. In fact, each of the contemporary art elements – from the walls to other little details such as natural wood, paper and recycled glass – were made in Indonesia for this lounge. Exuding a modern lounge/library-like residential space with natural and warm artwork inspired by nature, the overall ambience is very much inspired by the “home away from home” concept.
W Guangzhou
Country: China
Inspired by a fictional magazine editor’s mansion, a fashionable old-world atmosphere permeates the space in the Den at W. Den’s muted decadence is furthered through a palette of dark macassar ebony, vais quartzite, and cristallo classico marbles. The custom-patterned black, gold and clear-mirrored surfaces deliver a modern nod to traditional wood panelling. Guests can relax in the Drawing Room, where a main bar subtly anchors the space, creating an inviting feel with its low-tiered liquor display. The Layout Room, meanwhile, is designed for private gatherings, as lounge-style armchairs around a chic table evoke a sense of intimacy. The Ideation Room has a more casual atmosphere, serving as a partially-enclosed lounge and games room.
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Palace Hotel Tokyo
Country: Japan
There are 1,000 pieces of art in the hotel, most by Japanese artists. Yuka Kimura’s Awai is on display in the lounge, and guests can also enjoy the view of the Imperial Palace Gardens on the private outdoor terrace.
Fairmont Jakarta
Country: Indonesia
The Fairmont Gold lounge is on the 21st floor and features pieces by Makoto Oshima, Ken Matsubara and Yoko Hiramaru, who used different mediums to make their art pieces, such as oil and acrylic on canvas.
Sofitel So Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Located on the 25th floor, the executive lounge Club Signature displays a masterpiece of high fashion dedicated to the high life inspired by legendary couturier Christian Lacroix, where a surprising interplay of images and motifs of old Siam and 19th-century France awaits.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin
Country: China
The lounge features five separate areas: an open kitchen, private dining room, family room, library and bar. Located in the heart of the former British concession of Tianjin, ships feature prominently in the lounge décor to reflect the location’s heritage.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Country: Singapore
This historic hotel’s 19th floor lounge features
floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-panelled walls and timber flooring. Grand red sofas display rich textures that are accessorised with elegant silk cushions, from where there are great views of the Marina Bay area.
WITH A DIFFERENCE
You may think that a club lounge is a club lounge: the same features and same sorts of spaces with a different label or name. Those of you with that jaded been-there attitude may want to consider the following executive lounges, which feature interactive programmes, serious gourmet offerings, fantastic wine collections and imaginative indoor/outdoor spaces.
The Langham, Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong
Designed by award-winning interior team Three Wise Monkeys, The Langham Club oozes European elegance yet maintains a sense of place through carefully sourced artwork and accessories from Hong Kong and London. There are seven separate rooms including: the Bureau, which is an open workspace featuring leather chairs and silk walls with decorative beading; the Dining Room, which features a large emerald chaise lounge and violet designer chairs; the Butler’s Pantry, which depicts a gourmet kitchen with a state-of-the-art stove and oven, plus a freestanding marble island and ivory countertop offering fresh food; and the Salon, which is a backdrop for early evening cocktails, where marble tables with mother-of-pearl inlay and bright purple handmade chairs await.
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf
Country: Australia
With floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace that appears to float over the river, the Executive Lounge at Hilton Melbourne South Wharf enjoys spectacular views over the Yarra River, Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline. Guests can enjoy a freshly baked scone in the afternoon and fresh sushi and charcuterie items in the evening. Nightly specials such as Oyster Tuesdays and Prawn Wednesdays, paired with a cocktail of the month, keep things interesting. Guests can even host their own private BBQ functions on the outdoor terrace. Paying homage to Australian culture, the lounge showcases indigenous Australian paintings and art pieces from the Red Desert Dreamings Gallery collection.
ANA Intercontinental Tokyo
Country: Japan
The lounge is separated into six distinct areas: a welcome reception, library, relaxation space, dining room, bar, and meeting facility. Each of the six areas are separated by translucent partitions. This idea derives from Japan’s traditional technique of expressing a subtle light by using sudare (bamboo blinds) and andon (paper lanterns). The lounge provides a homely atmosphere, where guests can kick back in the living room or bar area after finishing some work in the business area. The lounge also has shower suites for early arriving and late departing guests.
Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Country: Singapore
In addition to unobstructed views of the city skyline and Gardens by the Bay, The Club brews up black ivory coffee – one of the rarest beverages in the world, with only 200kg produced a year. To make this coffee, Arabica coffee beans are fed to elephants, extracted from their faeces, then sun-dried and roasted for a less bitter taste. Guests can participate in the brewing process by grinding the coffee beans by hand, and watch their drink being prepared in a traditional coffee maker. There is also a cheese and chocolate bar that has more than 40 chocolate-themed desserts, and 12 types of premium European cheese with wine pairing options.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Country: Japan
Located on the 10th floor of the property, the 500 sqm Grand Club Lounge has an outdoor terrace with a Japanese garden that can host 15 guests. The lounge is divided into four zones including the kitchen, which offers buffet, bar and espresso counters and panoramic views of the city and Mount Fuji. The dining zone is an area for breakfast, refreshments and evening cocktails, including a communal table for socialising, while the living room is built on a raised carpeted section furnished with oversized lounge chairs, tea-height tables and worktables. This area bridges the club lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass on one side and a view of the garden terrace on the other.
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JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
Country: South Korea
This 10th floor executive lounge’s highlight is its balcony, where guests can enjoy breakfast, snacks and tea – and a fantastic view of the Great East Gate. There is a buffet breakfast, but guests can also order a la carte.
Rosewood Beijing
Country: China
At the 900 sqm residential style Manor Club lounge, guests can enjoy a game of chess or read a book in the ottoman chairs on the outdoor terrace. There is also a cigar room and billiards table, while calligraphy and pen drawings add a creative note.
Pan Pacific Manila
Country: Philippines
The Pacific Lounge is located on the 21st floor and delivers stunning sunset vistas over Manila Bay. Guests can enjoy signature dishes including chicken and pork adobo, smoked barbecue baby back ribs and mango tart from a gazebo in the rooftop garden.
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel
Country: Japan
The club lounge is located on the 38th floor of the tallest building in Japan, the Abeno Harukas. In the centre of the lounge, there is a tree to create a natural atmosphere. There are three sake options from Jokigen, Hakurakusei and Sensho Masamune.
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Country: Malaysia
The Executive Lounge is located on the 34th floor of the hotel, its highest level, and its best feature is its lofty location, particularly as it looks towards the Petronas Twin Towers. Pull up a chair on the outdoor terrace to enjoy the stunning views.
VIEW
There’s nothing better than kicking back in a comfortable chair in an executive lounge while taking in a breathtaking view of your destination city’s skyline. Fine blue harbours, soaring skyscrapers and other architectural icons all look better from a club with a view
Swissotel the Stamford
Country: Singapore
Decked out in a contemporary style, the Swiss Executive Lounge is located on the 60th floor of the hotel. Lounge guests will appreciate the awe inspiring views of Singapore’s cityscape, downtown and Marina Bay. The lounge is equipped with plush chairs and sofas, and offers wired and wireless internet access. There is also a lounge called The Living Room for Stamford Crest Suite and Presidential Suite guests, where guests can look out over the nearby islands of Indonesia.
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong
Situated 465m above sea level, the Club Lounge features a buffet area, lounge section, library and meeting room. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the city and Victoria Harbour. Against this perfect backdrop, guests can enjoy martinis at the bar area or experience the unmatched culinary distinction of the hotel’s chefs through six food and beverage presentations daily.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Country: Japan
Located on the 38th floor, the west-facing Oriental Lounge offers beautiful sunset views over the city, taking in the Ohtemachi, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. Inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono, furniture fabric is made by the Japanese designer Reiko Sudo from the renowned Nuno Corporation. Natural elements have also helped to inspire the fabric; twigs collected in Zoshigaya Park have been rendered in tufted chenille to create different shapes and textures, while a bold pattern in wire-cut velvet is a nod to the pliant strength of bamboo.
China World Summit Wing Beijing
Country: China
Located on the 64th floor of the hotel, the Resident’s Foyer has
floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer unrivalled views of the CCTV Tower. The 24-hour lounge also offers drinks throughout the day, snacks three times a day, two-hour complimentary usage of the meeting room per day, two computer workstations with internet access, a scanner and printer, plus 24-hour secretarial and concierge service.
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Country: Australia
The 335 sqm Horizon Club Lounge is located on the 30th floor and offers unobstructed views of Sydney’s two most iconic landmarks, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. A new brass telescope is on hand to take in the sweeping views. The lounge’s expanded dining area can accommodate more than 120 guests and features a four-metre-long marble-topped solid timber centrepiece with a cold well from which guests can help themselves to premium Australian wines. The walls are decorated with hand-painted native Australian flora mural designs, while the in-lounge boardroom facilities have been upgraded with a sound system and two giant screens.
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Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
Country: China
The private lounge on the 28th floor is a focal point, offering complimentary food and beverage services with a selection of international newspapers, magazines, and books. But the real distraction is the view of Oriental Pearl Tower, the Lujiazui business centre and The Bund.
The Shilla Hotel
Country: South Korea
Guests can enjoy the views of Namsan Mountain and downtown Seoul from the Shilla’s lounge, which has been created to resemble a private penthouse. In a bid to separate the business space from other areas, the hotel has divided the lounge into a reception area, library space and dining area.
Hilton Hanoi Opera
Country: Vietnam
Located on the 7th floor – the top floor of the hotel – the Executive Lounge offers panoramic views of Hanoi Opera House. Guests can enjoy a complimentary international breakfast buffet, Western and Asian canapés and a Tea Time menu featuring petit fours and specialty teas.
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Country: Malaysia
The Grand Club is located on the 37th floor and boasts high ceilings and uninterrupted views of the Petronas Twin Towers. Breakfast includes croissants, pastries, fruits and cereal, while the evening spread incorporates cheese, satay and salad dishes.
The Reverie Saigon
Country: Vietnam
The Reverie Lounge is a duplex with vaulted ceilings on the 38th and 39th floors that boasts stunning city views. The feel is decidedly upscale, with marble floors and countertops, a marble stairway encased in gold leaf and mahogany bar counter.
