By Chitra Anwar
Video by Dimas Anggakara

Ovolo Southside is like the overachieving child of the hotel industry that you can’t help but boast about because of all the great things it does. And its accomplishments aren’t driven by the prestige of extravagance or name drop−worthy collaborations, but rather the sincere desire to foster “shiny, happy people.” A stay here is loaded with extra perks, eye-catching aesthetics, and genuinely friendly hospitality. Situated within the artsy locale of Hong Kong’s revitalized South Coast area, Ovolo Southside goes above and beyond the normal call of duty of boutique hotels—a perfect refuge from the bustling island for the young, hip, and trendy.

The Look: Incredibly stylish, the hotel’s contemporary interiors were designed to reflect the surrounding area’s industrial past and artsy future. The hotel was handpicked by Claus Sendlinger, founder of Design Hotels, to be part of his global network of unique, independently-owned boutique hotels. In the lobby, a color scheme of various grays—reminiscent of steel and concrete—serves as the backdrop for the hotel’s design-forward, artsier elements: a light-bulb wall behind the reception desk; a life-sized, bike-chain human figure; pop art wall designs; and playful, panda bibliophiles. The same industry-meets-artistry aesthetic can be found throughout the hotel, which is housed in a building originally constructed as a multi-use industrial tower. Under the creative hands of Hong Kong architectural firm K plus K Associates however, utility transformed into hospitality—one that gives a nod to Hong Kong’s industrial revolution.

The Rooms: The hotel’s 162 rooms are composed of six different configurations, ranging from studio-sized Minis to more spacious Junior Suites. Admittedly, rooms are on the smaller side, the largest option only measuring 27 square meters, but what they lack in size they make up for with features. Each room is loaded with goodies packaged with cheeky descriptions, including loot bags filled with snacks, complimentary restocked-daily minibars, stylish canvas tote bags, plush slippers, and Malin+Goetz toiletries. Flat screen Smart 3DTVs are set up with Apple TV, and iPads, Blu-Ray DVD players, Xbox 360s, and 3-D movies are available upon request.

The Appeal: Southside is serious about offering quality hospitality, but they deliver it in a lighthearted, fun approach. Guests staying at Southside will always have the expected inclusions like complimentary breakfasts and hotel Wi-Fi, but the hotel goes one step further to make life more enjoyable by offering happy hour (wine, beer, and snacks included), all-day drinks and snacks, city-wide Wi-Fi, gym access, and self-laundry—all with compliments.

The Surrounds: Dozens of art galleries and speakeasy-type dining establishments are littered throughout Southside’s neighboring streets, making the hotel an ideal home base for those wanting to explore Hong Kong’s burgeoning contemporary art scene. The hotel’s location in the slower-paced South Coast area also makes it a good place to retire to for some peace outside the busy North Coast.

For those in the know…When checking in, all guests are handed an Ovolo Handbook, which gives guests the lowdown on the hotel’s facilities, easily-accessible attractions, means of public transportation, surrounding restaurants, and other useful information pertaining to your stay. This handbook is especially useful for those who have done little research before their trip, and it comes pleasantly packaged in the shape of a classic composition notebook, complete with colorful doodles and all.

64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen; 852/3460-8100; Ovolo Southside