Can’t get away? No worries! There’s lots going down in the SAR. Here’s the latest:
Southern Hospitality
New-to-town Ovolo Southside opened its artsy doors this summer, acting as a great base for exploring the burgeoning Wong Chuk Hang area. The hotel has all the usual Ovolo hospitality: a free minibar and happyhour, plus all-day coffee and snacks. But what’s extra cool about this new space is the converted-warehouse design, hand-painted murals, and the green views. I also have to tip my hat to head chef Kris Bandel at Cirqle: Yeah, the resto is a bit out of the way for your casual Friday-night dinner, but I highly recommend the crab cakes and the Key Lime Pie—it's not every day you see one of these on a Hong Kong menu. Plus, the big terrace is ideal for cooler nights, as is the upstairs rooftop bar. Staycation material, indeed.
Rooms from $1,395. 64 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2165-1000, www.ovolohotels.com/ovolo-southside.
Cool murals at Ovolo
Nube Cube
The Miramar Group just announced big plans for its next hotel project: Mira Cube in Tsim Sha Tsui. Aimed at busy business travelers, the 50-room boutique hotel is slated to open in January 2015, bringing with it some convenient fixtures—think self-check-in counters and complimentary smartphones that provide free Wi-Fi throughout the city. The standard “Cube” rooms are a little snug, at between 194-258 square feet, but the woody atmosphere and “Super Showers,” aka walk-in rain showers, sound pretty inviting. Just down the street from The Mira, the new hotel will share its big sister’s spa, dining, and event facilities—keepin’ it all in the family.
From $1,350 (opening offer). 6 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2302-3555, www.miracubehotel.com.
Urban woods at Mira Cube