The inaugural hotel of Maqo, Hong Kong headquartered Wharf Hotels’ latest premium lifestyle brand, opens marking the second property in the Group’s portfolio in Changsha.

Occupying levels three, and eight to 16 of Tower Two in Changsha’s iconic International Finance Square (IFS), the hotel features 286 well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, co-working space, as well as a gymnasium for modern travellers.

Wharf Hotels President, Thomas Salg said, “We couldn’t be more excited to strengthen our presence in the capital of China’s Hunan province. Over the past five years we have seen the city develop and prosper, and with the resounding success of Niccolo Changsha in Tower One of IFS, the opening of Maqo Changsha is in line with our plans to be in growth markets and continue enhancing Changsha as one of China’s top destinations for domestic and international travel.”

With its prime location in the landmark Furong district – a culturally rich area offering extensive social experiences and attractions, Maqo Changsha is adjacent to entertainment options at Jiefangxi Road, and within easy reach of Orange Island and the Xiang River for scenic excursions. The Changsha Huanghua International Airport and Changsha high-speed rail train station are a 40-minute and 30-minute car journey away respectively. The IFS complex includes the luxury 241-room Niccolo Changsha, offices and a multi-level mall with high-end boutiques.

Centred on the art of selection, a team of Maqo Changsha "editors" meticulously refine possibilities to arrive at crafted and “edited” art and culture programmes, food and drink offerings, music playlists and wellness concepts. Maqo Changsha redefines the hotel experience with edits that celebrate local ingredients and artisans, engage guests through unique interactions and provide opportunities to form new connections.

Area General Manager of Niccolo Changsha and Maqo Changsha, Henrik Iversen, sums up the experience, “We are thrilled to introduce guests to a new and exciting lifestyle brand. From pop-ups and installations to blended spaces and exciting food and drink offerings – Maqo Changsha is more than a place to stay. It’s a place for inspiration, and for those who understand our ethos of ‘more is not better, only better is better’.”

Upon arrival at Maqo Changsha’s main entrance on level one of IFS, guests are greeted by a striking statue, named Bo Qi. The ten-foot tall work of art, in red and white polka dots, echoes the hotel’s vibrant interiors, punctuated by an eclectic art collection that adds to the unique design details. The lobby on level eight, with its curved gold wall and talk show set reflects the entertainment and social milieu of Changsha – a rapidly progressing city that combines history and quirkiness – and the brand’s personality: Spirited, Stylish, Edgy and Provocative.

Accommodation

The 286-rooms and suites, located from levels nine to 16, revolve around four distinct colour themes: Cobalt, Emerald, Magenta, and Berry. Each accommodation, ranging from 35 square metres to 51 square metres, is an open plan layout with wood fixtures accented by copper detailing and window seating. An island pedestal anchors the aesthetics and features a basin on one side, and a work top with wireless charging dock on the other. Light and temperature motion sensors, complimentary Wi-Fi and amenities round up the thoughtful details.

Restaurants and Bar

Selections on level eight include:

E.D.I.T. — Eat. Drink. Indulge Together, is the culinary heart of the hotel and an all-day dining destination serving Pan-Asian cuisine. Fronted by views of the city, the restaurant also showcases a patisserie with cakes and artisanal chocolates available for dessert or afternoon tea.

E.D.I.T. 2 GO acts as a focal point, and is a food truck for takeaway bites and beverages. Gourmet salads, wraps, pastries, and packaged meals, as well as power smoothies, energising juices and coffees are available.

MiXR evokes the exciting vibes of Changsha with handcrafted cocktails, locally brewed spirits and wines served against a backdrop of live performances and guest DJs.

Across more than 200 square metres of dedicated space is THE LAB, a multi-functional co-creation realm where exhibitors and entrepreneurs come together for thought-provoking pop-ups and events. In the spacious venue, individual pods, a meeting room for eight, and communal tables enable co-working and creativity. The venue also serves light food and beverages.

Covering an area of 645 square meters on level three, the PWR ZONE is a state-of-the-art fitness centre offering a full suite of facilities including a gym, yoga studio, and a 360-degree studio. Additional services encompass regular open and private classes, and avant-garde fitness mirrors that deliver personalised workout sessions for guests in the privacy of their guestroom.