Swire Hotels Schedules Second Hong Kong Opening

East, a new 345-room business hotel from Swire Hotels, is slated to open at One Island East, in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, in January 2010.

According to Brian Williams, the managing director of Swire Hotels, East is designed in response to the essential needs of modern travelers: "to rejuvenate you when you are tired; energize you when you are in search of fun; and support you when it's time for business."

Designed by Hong Kong based architect and interior design studio CL3 Architects, who were responsible for developing all design aspects of the guest rooms, public areas and restaurant facilities, the hotel is said to reflect an eastern sophistication whilst incorporating every modern convenience.

Guest rooms and suites range in size from 28 square meters to 60 square meters and offer either harbor or urban views. In room, communications technology and entertainment includes 37-inch, high definition LCD TVs with satellite and cable channels, latest iHome / iPod touch technology, simple connectivity for laptops and complimentary broadband / WiFi, which extends throughout the hotel.

The all day dining Feast, which is accessed by a "bird-nest" style staircase from the ground floor will including a takeaway service and serve western classics and cuisines from Central Asia, the provinces of China and South-East Asia.

Sugar, the bar, deck, and lounge on the 32nd floor will be open until 02:00 and is designed as an accessible spot to eat, meet, drink and party after work, featuring signature and classic cocktails, tapas and nightly DJs. Sugar will be available for private bookings during the day for lunches, team building, launch events, and parties.

On the fourth floor, Beast will offer access to a naturally-lit gym, outdoor swimming pool, and a juice bar. The gym is enclosed by strikingly decorated perforated metal panels and features a unisex changing room in wood and stone cladding.

To accommodate guests from all regions, the in-room dining and gym are intended to remain accessible around the clock to cater for those who have yet to adjust to a new time zone.

East is located at Island East,which incorporates a new landmark development by Swire Properties, One Island East, in Quarry Bay. The hotel is adjacent to Tai Koo MTR station and is a short drive away from Central and Causeway Bay.

East will be the third hotel to be opened by Swire Hotels. Its first, The Opposite House, opened in 2008 in Beijing. The brand's first Hong Kong hotel, The Upper House, will open at Pacific Place in October 2009.