Grand Hyatt Hong Kong has started renovating all its guestrooms. Phase one of the renovation started in January and involves floors 12 to 26, with the work expected to be complete by the end of 2014. During the renovation the hotel will dedicate a buffer floor both above and below the affected floors. Phase two – which will involve the renovation of the executive floors – will begin after phase one is complete.
The process is being led by Australian developer BAR Studio, and the new look features a blend of traditional and modern elements, anchored in Hong Kong’s heritage and contemporary outlook.
Grand executive harbour suite
Located along the Hong Kong waterfront, Grand Hyatt features 539 guestrooms, with the executive club residence located on the top seven floors. The hotel is directly connected to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, and is a three minute walk from the Wan Chai Star Ferry terminal that offers frequent ferry rides across the harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon.
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong exterior
Business Traveller had an exclusive first look at three of the newly redesigned rooms: the 40-sqm grand deluxe room, 65-sqm grand suite, and 90-sqm grand executive harbour suite.
Grand deluxe room
The first distinctive feature is the rich, earthy palette of the rooms – a departure from the old room design that was noticeably lighter. The use of neutral tones of stone and timber augments the more layered and deep façade of the rooms.
Grand executive harbour suite living room
The corridors, meanwhile, feature a mix of red and gold silk wall-coverings, along with collages of framed black and white photos. Throughout the space, oriental accents can be found.
Black and white framed photos along the corridors
Another notable addition to the guestrooms is the solid timber table, which was added at the request of hotel guests. Generously sized, the table is able to easily adapt to be used as both a proper in-room dining table, and an effective workstation. Positioned near the sizeable windows, this takes full advantage of the spectacular views of Hong Kong. According to Grand Hyatt, one of the motivations for the design was to create a unique living zone by the windows, and this is also shown through the use of carefully positioned couches and chairs.
Grand suite living room
All three room types feature king sized beds, sunken bath tubs, free wired and wireless internet, 42 inch flat-screen TVs, tea making facilities, Nespresso coffee machines and bathroom amenities by June Jacobs. Light switches, air condition controls and power outlets are located conveniently, and plug sockets are of the British three-pin variety. A fun new change is the mini-bar that is no longer a separate refrigerator-like unit, but rather a permanently installed pull-out drawer. This allows for easier access and identification of the drinks and snacks within the mini-bar.
Mini-bar
The rooms at Grand Hyatt Taipei, and Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok also recently underwent renovation (see stories here and here). For an in-depth feature on hotels in the region that are undergoing major refurbishment see In with the new (click here) from Business Traveller Asia-Pacific's July/August issue.
For more information, visit www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com
Clement Huang
