Where to stay in Hong Kong

Buzzy, glitzy Hong Kong. A city that never sleeps. A foodie’s paradise. A shopper’s delight. I got a chance a re-visit the city last month, courtesy Ovolo Hotels – a hospitality group that operates hotels across Hong Kong and Australia. Owned by Indian-origin, HK-based entrepreneur Mr. Girish Jhunjhunwala, Ovolo runs 8 hotels and 2 service apartments across three cities – Hong Kong, Sydney, and Melbourne. I stayed at four of their properties (since I visited Sydney & Melbourne too), and I must say these are some of the coolest boutique hotels I have stayed at! Here’s why I loved my stay at Ovolo Southside Hotel, and why you should stay here when you’re in Hong Kong next.

Location

PinOvolo Southside is located in a former industrial building on the southern end of the city. The city’s efficient MTR has been extended and will be opening in this part of Hong Kong in December 2016. The metro station is right across the street from the hotel and once the MTR becomes operational you can breeze into Central HK or head to the airport with ease. At present, you’d have to rely on taxis to get around.

Pre-arrival and check-in

Hipster meets industry-chic. Ovolo Southside is a boutique hotel with a difference. I loved the quirky, colourful ambience of the place – right from the egg (an Ovolo symbol) installation at the entrance to the striking wall art adorning the hotel, all of which has been done by local artists. Being a former industrial building, the hotel has a slightly grungy feel to it, but not too much as to put off the regular business traveller. The Lo Lounge is the focal point of the hotel, where you can work, network or just relax. There are several work desks here with some cool light fixtures, and a pool table if you want to take a break.

The elevators are also decorated with funky designs & the best part is the elevator music – retro stuff from the 70s and 80s, which really gets you bopping & singing along 🙂

 

I had a deluxe queen room on the 22nd floor and it certainly was a room with a view! Check out the video above for a walk-through.

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The room is large for HK standards – a nice seating area with a couch, centre table and an Apple TV. In keeping with the industrial chic feel of the place, there are exposed pipes overhead. Pin

PinThe bed was super-comfy, with crisp cool sheets and a choice of pillows. Unlike many hotels, Ovolo actually has plug points on either side of the bed – what a revolutionary idea 😉 I don’t understand hotel room designs that are stingy and provide one or two power outlets, and rarely near the bed. I really liked the attention to these little details that make life easier for the guests. The metal ‘trunk’ next to the bed had bathroom slippers, a fabulous, salon-quality hair dryer (extra brownie points), and a takeaway tote bag, which was a nice touch as well. Storage space is a bit limited but there are plenty of hangers for your clothes.

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Ovolo Southside’s CIRQLE restaurant on the 4th floor has a lively, modern bistro feel to it with a gorgeous outdoor terrace. Breakfast is served here, and there’s an à la carte menu for lunch & dinner. Food is fresh, flavourful & international. The sliders are fab – both the pulled pork and the veggie ones.

On the 24th floor is the edgy bar, ABOVE, which gives fantastic views of the city, the neighbouring hills and the snaking MTR below. Have a drink here before you head out to paint the town red 😉

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The F Word

And it’s freebies, of course (what were you thinking?) Staying at Ovolo is like crashing at a particularly generous friend’s place. Here’s what you can expect:

Convinced yet? The next time you’re travelling to Hong Kong, stay at Ovolo Southside. Book directly on the Ovolo Southside website for the best rate & a free upgrade if you’re lucky. Ovolo Hotels has 4 other properties in different parts of Hong Kong, plus a building with serviced apartments in central HK. Take your pick here.