This was my fifth trip to Hong Kong in the last ten years, and having stayed in both Central, Kowloon and Wan Chai I was keen to have a different experience of the city. Ovolo, a member of Design Hotels, has five hotels in Hong Kong and each has a unique design style. Southside is the newest addition and has an arty, industrial feel. It’s a 20-minute taxi ride from Central, but if you are looking to stay in a hip, groovy hotel away from the touristy main attractions, this is the place for you.
The hotel lobby has an art and event space, and when I arrived this was filled with black and white photos, suspended from the ceiling, of the hotel staff, inclusive of directors, in quirky shots: the communications manager sitting on a bar, another jumping on a bed in one of the hotel rooms. From arrival, you feel somehow invited into the Ovolo family. Reception is located next to the Lo-Lounge, and with a pool table, free WiFi, magazines, soft couches and a free bar – it felt like a home away from home, albeit a slightly cooler one.
My room, the Corner Room, maximised the use of Hong Kong’s tight real estate with a clean, minimalist, industrial feel, a pleasant contrast to the trendiness of the communal spaces. Floor to ceiling windows look across to the hills and below I watched the soccer mum and dads cheering on their kids at the weekly match. The room was straightforward and comfortable with a double bed, television and two bedside tables.
Quirky highlights in the room were the travel power kit to charge up your phone or computer, Malin and Goetz toiletries, lolly bags and a complimentary mini bar with water, juice and beer. But between the roof top bar with live DJ, the hotel restaurant, the Lo-Lounge and the local contemporary art galleries, time in your room will probably be spent on a quick shower and refresh before heading back out.