Ovolo Southside Hong Kong, review of an unusual hotel

In the world there are hundreds of thousands of hotels and about ten chains, I try to be loyal to two of them: Marriott e Hilton. The reason is that to maintain the highest status in both chains I have to concentrate all my stays in these facilities, and Without promotions or crazy strategies I couldn't do it.

Of course this is not a big problem for a traditional traveler which, by exploiting, for example, the American Express Platinum receives free elite card in 4 chains-Marriott, Hilton, Radisson and Melià. Each card gives benefits such as free breakfasts for the whole family, discounts, upgrades And other different cuddles from chain to chain.

When I can get out of the monotony, staying loyal and thus accumulating points and qualifying nights, I try to do that and this stay went in that direction.

What is Ovolo Hotel

It is a small chain with less than a dozen facilities between Hong Kong and Australia. The good thing is that these hotels are part of the portfolio Design Hotels by Marriott, a banner that groups independent hotels that offer guests the opportunity to attend a hotel outside the classic chain hotel schemes.

Reservation

When I planned The stays linked to Emirates' crazy 7 first class itinerary., I immediately set my eyes on this facility, there are two Ovolo's in Hong Kong, but this seemed the more original of the two.

I also booked cash because. the price of about 1100HKD was competitive with facilities of an equivalent level, and also because given the recent bookings my Bonvoy piggy bank was almost drained.

Location

As the name suggests we are located in the southernmost part of the Hong Kong peninsula, not far from Aberdeen and on the opposite side from Kennedy City.

If you arrive by cab from the airport, it can feel like you are miles away from everything, but this hotel is strategically located Less than a 3-minute walk from Wong Chuk Hang MTR station, we are two stops from Admiralty and one stop from Central, which is the beating heart of the city.

So my advice is don't be frightened by the apparent "out-of-this-world" that you might have when looking at the map.

Check-in

What I like about desing hotels is that they try to surprise guests with informal and generally different approaches from the usual schemes. This Ovolo has no reception desk, or rather the registration desk is open air, in fact there are no doors protecting it from the outside, as if we were in the Maldives or a resort in Thailand.

We were welcomed by two female staff members who explained the special features of the hotel and the benefits provided for those with status with Marriott.

Desing Hotels have a different approach to benefits under the Bonvoy program from all other hotels. Since they are independent hotels, affiliated with the Bonvoy program, they are free to decide whether and what to grant in addition to what is provided for everyone as a base. For example, in Desing Hotels you are not entitled to guaranteed 4 p.m. late check-out or free breakfast, but facilities are free to grant these benefits to elite guests.

I never read reviews of these hotels before booking, I appreciate of Marriott that it shows the rating in the description, also because the ratings are left by program members and therefore definitely more truthful.

So I was pleasantly surprised that among the various benefits (for all guests, not just Bonvoy loyalists) this hotel offers a free in-room minibar, a lounge with free drinks, and a completely free laundry room (including detergents) something you don't find everywhere, in fact I don't think I've ever found in this formula.

The room

The design of this hotel is post-industrial, although in truth it does not look like a former warehouse turned hotel. In any case, my faithful traveling companions. didn't clash at all in this context, if you're interested using TFC10 you are also entitledto 10% off all Level8 products..

Our room was on the 20th floor, this yes a status-related upgrade, rooms in general are not very large, but ours being a corner room had the advantage of being windowed for the 50% of floor area, including bathroom and shower.

Everything is basic, but you can see that there is a design plan behind it; every space is designed to have a purpose and is used. The finishes are an integral part of the room.

The ceiling itself, with no suspended ceilings or enclosures, is of design with all the piping exposed, perhaps the only flaw was the air conditioning that shot directly at the bed instead of facing upward, but in these latitudes they are used to living in igloos, no matter if it is the subway train, a shopping center or the hotel room.

The bed was a queen size, also because a king size did not fit in the room.

No closet but hangers to hang one's clothes, space is tight so if you plan to stay a week at this hotel know that you will not have to empty your suitcases.

The room has everything and more. A mega TV with even Apple TV and the Alexa speaker ready to listen and execute guests' wishes.

In the cabinet under the screen is hidden the minibar, as mentioned free, and also a small bag with some sweets. Maximum attention to the environment and then in the fridge of plastic water bottles that come from Italy!!!). Kettle and tea and coffee are hidden inside the cabinet.

Then there is a second cabinet that hides the safe, and other goodies such as comfortable slippers, a gift bag, and hair dryer. There is much more than what would be logical to expect, really a nice approach.

The added value of our corner room was the windows; the room was flooded with natural light and very relaxing. The bathroom and shower area were also fully windowed, with the ability even to open slightly and let in the city noises.

The structure

There is a rooftop on the top floor, but we were not able to visit it. The heart of the hotel are on floors 4 and 5.

The lounge is open to all guests, no one excluded; here one can relax while drinking coffee or a drink, work on the computer, or play billiards.

Also on the same floor is the small but well-stocked gym and laundry room. As mentioned the laundry room is free, there are 3 washing machines and as many dryers. Accessible h24 is perfect for not having to pack a heavy suitcase and being able to wash your own clothes independently, Detergent is also free.

Upstairs is the hotel restaurant, which also features a beautiful terrace overlooking the fields of the Wong Chuk Hang Sports Centre.

Breakfast

We had breakfast in the hotel restaurant. There is no buffet, but an a la carte menu. Thanks to my Titanium status, we received free breakfast, a savings of about 40 euros, which is not a given since Marriott Design Hotels have different benefit management than other hotels in the group.

The menu is offbeat, like the rest of the hotel, but appearance and flavor of the dishes completely satisfied us. If you are not an elite member you can still choose from the full menu or pay for the individual dishes you order.

In conclusion

Definitely beyond expectations this Ovolo Southside, I was frightened by the location, but thanks to an effiecent, fully accessible public transportation network, it is possible to get here directly from the airport by subway. The goodies and services offered left me with a very good impression and I would recommend this facility to young couples and beyond.

• 7 first class
• Bonvoy

The verdict

When you don't have high demands and are amazed by reality, this hotel offers much more than what would be logical to expect. The free lounge, free mini bar, and everything else are not "standard," and if you then treat the guest with status better than he expects you can only be a happy guest. The only real flaw is that the rooms are small and there is no closet, but it is also true that one hardly stays 7 days in Hong Kong and in the case I strongly recommend to at least change hotels so as to move around and experience other areas.

8.5

Pro

• The structure
• Benefits
• The environment

Against

• Tiny room
• Rooftop always closed