Enjoying "Hotel Hopping" in Hong Kong, a City of Concentrated Hotels

One possible reason for this shift might be the intense competition within the hotel industry, pushing brands to differentiate themselves with unique concepts and interiors. Nowadays, even within the same brand, designs and concepts vary by city or area. It's akin to a theme and variations in classical music, developing different expressions from the same core theme. The brilliance of branding lies in expressing various facets of a brand while retaining its essence. Perhaps due to these factors, I feel more strongly than ever that hotel stays are becoming a primary purpose of travel.

To enjoy "hotel hopping," a city with a high concentration of hotels is ideal. Take Hong Kong, for instance, a leading international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures intertwine. In 2016, it welcomed 56,654,903 visitors from around the world, including 1,092,329 from Japan (according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board). Here, global hotel brands, including those not yet launched in Japan, are fiercely competing.

Consider "W," a lifestyle brand that has long been anticipated in Japan. It transcends luxury with its bold individuality. Frequent collaborations with industries like design, music, and fashion, along with numerous parties and events, define its character. At "WOOBAR," guests can enjoy danceable music spun by DJs every night.

Furthermore, their commitment to guest service is evident in offerings like "Whatever/Whenever®" (for whatever you want, whenever you want it) and the "Insider," a dedicated contact person who can share information about exciting happenings in the city, making stays more memorable. These uniquely conceived services and hospitality designs offer enjoyment at every turn. It's no wonder it's favored by creators worldwide.

The interiors incorporate various unique elements depending on the location. W Hong Kong, for example, leverages its position at a crossroads of cultures, presenting a sophisticated and urban aesthetic with vibrant color accents that convey the city's powerful energy.

Located on the 76th floor, "WET®" is the highest outdoor pool in Hong Kong. Swimming while overlooking Victoria Harbour offers an unparalleled experience. Additionally, the restaurant "Sing Yin" on the first floor provides the pleasure of authentic, traditional Cantonese cuisine in its birthplace.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with a businessman who proudly calls himself a "W" enthusiast. He explained that the brand's ability to incorporate historical and cultural elements of its location into a modern design, showcasing different nuances in each place, is irresistible to design lovers. As it's a hotel not yet available in Japan, many Japanese fans choose to stay there when abroad.

W Hong Kong is conveniently situated directly above Kowloon Station on the Airport Express, making access from the airport exceptionally easy. It's also connected to the MTR station without needing to go outside, facilitating travel to Hong Kong Island. Victoria Harbour is right in front, offering views of the bustling port by day and the dazzling skyline of Hong Kong Island by night. Its location within "Elements," a commercial complex convenient for shopping and dining, is another significant draw.

The five-star "The Ritz-Carlton," familiar to hotel aficionados, is also in Hong Kong. In fact, it's adjacent to "W," separated only by "Elements." Since the autumn of 2016, these two hotels have been part of the same family, Marriott International. While both are luxury hotels, "W" is positioned in the "Distinctive Luxury" category within the group, whereas "The Ritz-Carlton" is classified as "Classic Luxury."

This hotel is also renowned for creating surprising experiences through its century-old history, tradition, and polished service. For example, they meticulously record and share guest preferences—such as preferred beverage brands, fruit types, or room temperatures—and special occasions like anniversaries, gleaned from conversations. This ensures that no matter which "The Ritz-Carlton" you stay at worldwide, your next visit feels like coming 'home.' To consistently provide this level of service and handle unexpected situations with flexibility, employees, referred to as Ladies and Gentlemen, are granted broad authority to act on their own judgment.

In addition to exceptional experiences, "The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong" offers the thrill of staying in the world's highest hotel. Guest rooms are located from the 102nd to the 118th floors, with Hong Kong's iconic skyline spread out below. Its elegant, sophisticated, and stately atmosphere is perfect for those who prefer tradition or for business travelers seeking a tranquil environment before important meetings. Dining with spectacular views, such as at the world's highest bar "OZONE" on the 118th floor, enjoying dim sum at "Tin Lung Heen" on the 102nd floor, or the Italian restaurant "TOSCA," a must-visit in Hong Kong, are experiences best savored privately.

For those visiting Macau, a popular side trip from Hong Kong, there is "The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central." Like "The Ritz-Carlton," it falls under "Classic Luxury." This hotel is famous for its meticulous hospitality, exemplified by the butler service, where a dedicated butler attends to guests' needs 24 hours a day, from arrival to departure. Various traditions and customs that originated at "The St. Regis New York" over 110 years ago are still preserved as rituals. For instance, "Sabrage," a ritual inspired by Napoleon's practice of opening champagne with a saber, is performed at dusk, accompanied by champagne. Other rituals like "Afternoon Tea" and "Late Night Supper" can be experienced in any country. Another hallmark of "The St. Regis" is the "Bloody Mary." This signature cocktail was created in 1934 by Fernand Petiot, the renowned bartender at The St. Regis New York. In addition to the original "Red Snapper," unique variations inspired by local locations are developed in each country. The Macau-inspired "Maria de Lisboa" takes its theme from the Portuguese coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Its rich yet spicy flavor symbolizes the voyages of sailors who established Macau as a vital trading port through their explorations.

When luxury can manifest in such diverse forms within the same area, it becomes clear to the seasoned traveler that staying in just one place would be a missed opportunity. Marriott International, the world's largest hotel group, which encompasses the three brands mentioned above, operates 12 hotels in Hong Kong alone. Globally, it boasts over 30 hotel brands across more than 6,000 locations in over 125 countries, meaning it can cater to virtually any travel purpose. Even if moving hotels daily seems cumbersome, choosing properties within the same group simplifies car arrangements and increases opportunities to accumulate points and utilize benefits, offering advantages comparable to staying at the same hotel for multiple nights. This is a significant convenience for travel enthusiasts.

You might find yourself extending a business trip for a few personal days in a city you're visiting. In such cases, the idea of hopping between hotels, much like switching between work and leisure, could be appealing. Why not expand the possibilities for a more comfortable hotel stay and customize your journey to better reflect your personal style?

W Hong Kong
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1965

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/jp/hotels/china/hong-kong

The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3121&language=ja_JP

Marriott International
Over 6,000 locations in over 125 countries, with 30 hotel brands. Catering to all travel purposes.
http://www.marriott.co.jp/brands.mi