$2 billion hotel, now partially open, is important new development for Sai Kung

^{The Chapel, which can be rented for weddings and functions, has been brilliantly designed by Aedas architects}

The WM Hotel is the most important new development accessible to the public in our district for decades. Imaginatively designed by the architectural firm, Aedas, it will be an attractive destination when fully open by the end of the year, Sandra Pang, marketing communications manager, told BUZZ. Last week the hotel on Wai Man Rd opposite the Hong Kong Academy had its soft opening of 63 rooms and a restaurant.

^{In the infinity pool on the roof you can swim for 75 metres — if you’re a hotel guest}

The grand opening will be in December, Sandra said. Then 260 rooms will be open with blue, green and orange decor. Most have balconies and some have private gardens. One of the three towers will be pet friendly. Rates range from $2420 to $5420.

^{The Cafe@WM is the only outlet so far open to the public}

The restaurant now open is the Cafe@WM in the basement, which serves Western food and has a bar with striking silver high chairs. Prices are good. Afternoon tea set is $388 for two. On the menu you can get an appetiser and soup plus New Zealand lamb or Teriyaki halibut, for example, for $188. The Cafe is operated by the hotel, but the other four or five F&B outlets will be rented to restaurateurs.

^{Early visitors like BUZZ found free coffee on offer in the stylish lobby where the furnishings are like sculptures}

An impressive feature of the hotel is The Chapel with its upswept, soaring roof. This can be rented for weddings and functions along with the Grand Ballroom. Most people will like the 75-metre infinity swimming pool on the roof. Unfortunately, Sandra said it will only be available to residents. The hotel also has a gymnasium with sauna and steam rooms, now shut because of covid.

^{Many rooms have views across the Sai Kung harbour}

BUZZ asked Sandra why the hotel is called WM, a somewhat less than imaginative name. Why couldn’t it be something like Serenade by the Sea or even Hotel Sai Kung. She said WM stands for water and mountains. Also if you were looking down from a helicopter above the hotel you would see the structure is a series of Vs, which could be said to spell W or M. And it’s on Wai Man Rd.

^{Prices start at $2420}

The new hotel, supervised by General Manager Louis Cheng, is operated by Rosedale Hotels and owned by the Shaw Group, which has reportedly spent more than $2 billion to create one of Sai Kung’s star attractions and its first proper hotel.

A gallery of the hotel’s facilities can be found here.