It’s not exactly a secret that Hong Kong is home to most of the big name luxury hotel brands – they form such a part of the landscape here that it can be hard to keep up with all of them. But there’s also a healthy and growing selection of boutique hotels that are just as stylish as they are unique. Here are the five favourite Hong Kong boutique hotels.
TUVE
Brand new design hotel TUVE has has only 66 rooms and is all about minimal design with a focus on function rather than just form – and it’s executed with considered and very deliberate aplomb. Comfortable beds, generously sized bathroom (which include amenities by Fresh) and one of the most impressive hotel entrances in town make for a stay that seems a world away from the streets below.
While you’re there: Forget the madness of Causeway Bay, and explore the increasingly interesting Tai Hang, with its mix of independent restaurants, cafés, bars and boutiques. If you luck out with good weather, keep walking up to Tai Hang Road and the adjoining Mount Butler Road, from where you’ll get one of the most beautiful vantage points of the Hong Kong skyline.
Add: TUVE, 16 Tsing Fung Street, Tin Hau, Hong Kong
Contact: 00852 3995 8899
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
OK, so it might be attached to of one of the most well-known hotels in town (and feature far more amenities and services than a standard boutique hotel, like the truly indulgent spa, pictured above), but it hits the design brief that the makes the best boutique hotels standout from the pack. To celebrate their tenth anniversary, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is set to unveil brand new room and suite designs by award-winning Hong Kong designer Joyce Wang. They’ll be all about comfort with a more residential feel, complemented by bespoke furniture so you won’t want to leave – and with extra luxe touches like 55 inch screen in the suites, BOSE sound system and in-room dining provided by the inimitable Amber, there won’t be much of a reason to get out of your bathrobe.
While you’re there: MO Bar, MO Bar, MO Bar. The constantly buzzing ground-floor destination is the perfect spot for any time of the day, for a drink, a nosh, or some very impressive people watching. If you’re venturing through the Landmark complex though, stop by the bar at 8 1/2 Otto e mezzo Bombana to unwind from all your designer shopping for some of the best cocktails in town.
Add: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, The Landmark, Central, Hong Kong, +
Contact: 00852 2132 0066
The Putman
Designed by internationally recognised designer Andrée Putman, this 28-room boutique is the perfect meeting point of space, comfort and luxury. The soothing, natural hues here provide the perfect counterpoint to the floor-to-celing windows in each of the rooms, which each feature Putman’s famous Crescent Moon sofa, a standalone Villeroy & Boch bathtub, and a larger kitchen than you’ll find in most Hong Kong apartments.
While you’re there: Conveniently located on the Central/Sheung Wan border, The Putman is the perfect place from which to explore the designer cool of Gough Street and PMQ.
Add: The Putman, 202 Queens Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Contact: 00852 2233 2233
Lanson Place
One of the most stunning hotel façades in Hong Kong is but a mere hint of what lies behind the imposing doors – 173 guest rooms, 15 suites and 6 two-bedroom penthouses which are comfortable, modern and oh so chic. As well as all the mod cons (including a 3G-enabled smartphone for each room), Lanson Place also has a stunning lounge and library, as well as a fully equipped gym with sweeping views of Victoria Park.
While you’re there: Situated in the perfect little pocket of Causeway Bay with Victoria Park only a couple of minutes away, the neighbouring Haven Street has quickly transformed into a hub of independent designer boutiques and cafés.
Add: Lanson Place, 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong,
Contact: 00852 3477 6888
One96
One of the newest Hong Kong boutiques, the all-suite One96 is all about comfort and luxury in the urban context – the fact that it’s in the middle of Queens Road Central is testament to this ideal. Designed by famed local interior designer Norman Chen, each suite occupies its own floor and offers sweeping city views. Frette linens and an in-room Nespresso machine are just the start of the in-room experience, and you can also hire out their sundeck to host the most luxe barbecue you’ll probably have.
While you’re there: Pop up to Cat Street to peruse the incredible array of antique stores – keep walking up to Hollywood Road to continue the artistic journey at some of Hong Kong’s most important art galleries.
Add: One96, 196 Queens Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Contact: 00852 3519 6196