Hip boutique hotels, an established concept in western countries, are beginning to make a mark in Hong Kong as more companies see profits in the trend.
These smaller stylish hotels try to stand out in the crowd with unique architectural style, classy interior designs or a decorative theme. They often feature trendy bars and designer rooms with the emphasis on personalised service.
With the great success of Jia in Causeway Bay, designed by Philippe Starck, more Hong Kong companies are interested in taking a slice of the lucrative hotel market.
Far East Consortium International is one of the keenest players, opening its third hip hotel since the beginning of 2005. National Electronics Holdings is also building a boutique hotel in Sheung Wan.
Michael Li Hon-shing, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, said more and more affluent professionals wanted something a bit different when travelling. 'They are looking for something special and hotels of artistic design, which conventional hotels may not be able to offer. These travellers would rather stay at their preferred boutique hotels which are small in scale with limited facilities.'
Mr Li said such hotels often had unique furniture and decorations - including reproduction antiques and oil paintings - which created a pleasant environment to cater for US and European travellers, their primary target customers.