The Murray Hong Kong – Heritage Reimagined for a New Era
Where Mid-Century Modernism Meets Contemporary Urban Luxury
A Landmark Reborn
At the junction of Cotton Tree Drive and Garden Road—where the leafy calm of Hong Kong Park meets the vertical energy of Central—The Murray stands as one of the city’s most compelling architectural transformations. Originally built in 1969 as a government office tower by legendary architect Ronald Phillips of Hong Kong’s Public Works Department, the building was a paragon of mid-century modernist design, famed for its innovative façade of deeply recessed windows angled to minimise solar heat gain. Five decades later, this once-utilitarian structure has been reborn as a flagship property for Niccolo Hotels, its transformation led by acclaimed British architects Foster + Partners. Today, The Murray is a rare example of adaptive reuse done right—a property that preserves the spirit of its original architecture while reimagining it for a new era of luxury, lifestyle, and design.
Architecture That Honors the Past
The Murray’s most distinctive feature—its grid-like façade of clean white arches and deep window recesses—remains intact and celebrated. Foster + Partners approached the conversion with a light touch, preserving the building’s bold geometry and sculptural rhythm while carving out dramatic new interior spaces and reconfiguring circulation to suit its new life as a hotel. The result is a striking juxtaposition of eras: the monumental exterior still speaks the language of 1960s modernism, while the interiors are a masterclass in contemporary minimalism and comfort. Marble, brass, glass, and timber come together in a restrained material palette that amplifies light and space. The building’s signature arches are echoed throughout the interiors, creating a sense of continuity between old and new.
Design That Elevates and Inspires
Inside, The Murray feels more like a private members’ club or an urban sanctuary than a typical city hotel. Grand arrival halls and light-filled public spaces set a sophisticated tone, while thoughtful interior architecture guides guests through a sequence of experiences that unfold gradually and deliberately. Each of the 336 rooms and suites is designed as a serene retreat—spacious, understated, and flooded with natural light thanks to the original window design. Soft, neutral palettes and bespoke furniture create a sense of calm sophistication, while marble-clad bathrooms with standalone tubs and walk-in rain showers provide a spa-like atmosphere high above the city streets. Floor-to-ceiling views stretch across Hong Kong Park, Victoria Harbour, and the urban skyline, turning every room into a cinematic vantage point.
Spaces That Redefine the City Hotel
The Murray is more than a place to sleep—it’s a destination in itself. Its five restaurants and bars include the acclaimed rooftop venue Popinjays, with panoramic skyline views, and Garden Lounge, an elegant spot for afternoon tea framed by lush greenery. The hotel’s terraces and outdoor spaces—rare in the heart of Central—blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, offering guests a rare connection to nature without leaving the city’s core. Wellness is another cornerstone of the experience. The hotel’s spa and wellness centre combine contemporary treatments with holistic therapies, while a state-of-the-art fitness studio and pool terrace invite guests to reset and recharge amid the urban rush.
A Dialogue Between Eras and Ideas
What makes The Murray so compelling is its dual identity: part architectural landmark, part contemporary urban resort. It’s a building that still wears its history proudly—its mid-century bones and minimalist rigor remain visible—but one that also embraces the evolving language of modern luxury. In its rebirth, The Murray has become a symbol of Hong Kong’s own transformation: a city constantly reinventing itself while staying rooted in its past.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The Murray Hong Kong is more than a hotel—it’s a story of architectural rebirth and design evolution. With its iconic façade, sensitive transformation by Foster + Partners, and commitment to refined, understated luxury, it stands as one of the most important examples of adaptive reuse in Asia. For travellers who appreciate buildings with soul, history, and vision, The Murray offers an experience that’s as intellectually engaging as it is sensorially indulgent. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a piece of Hong Kong’s architectural legacy, reborn for the modern age.
