After launching The Upper House in the autumn, Swire Hotels has unveiled another new property on the east side of Hong Kong Island called, succinctly, East. Located smack dab within the residential hub of Taikoo Place, the 345-room business hotel had its obligatory Chinese Lion dance ceremony on Monday morning and then threw a party on its 32nd-floor roof bar, Sugar, in the evening. The well-lubricated guests certainly enjoyed the panoramic harbour view, the snacks served in ice cream cones and even the incongruous African drummers with glowing T-shirts that reacted to the rhythm. It was quite a happening event for a Monday considering it's not even within a nightlife district. In terms of the look and the rooms, you can describe it as a more mass market version of The Upper House. It still feels very zen and minimalist but short of the amber altar of luxury that pervades its Admiralty accommodation sibling. It's one bragging advantage over The Upper House is a 20-metre long outdoor heated pool. The drawback is, you become the instant window entertainment for half a dozen blocks of Taikoo residences when you swim or sunbathe there.
