PUBLISHED March 24th, 2016 12:28 pm | UPDATED July 23rd, 2024 12:19 am
“A home away from home” is one cliché that many hotels use to lure you into their plush embrace – but how often do you really feel that? These places might be as rare as an ice cube in the Sahara, but the sense of satisfaction when you find yourself in one is, for the lack of a better word, heart-lifting.
And we felt this sentiment recently at J Plus Hotel by YOO – Hong Kong’s first designer boutique hotel. With 56 rooms in four categories spread over 25 floors, J Plus is exclusive and intimate, a perfect hideaway from the manic crowds of Causeway Bay (the MTR is just three minutes away on foot).
Plus, if you’re a fan of Philippe Starck, you’ll be glad to know that the French designer and architect was behind the original design. When the property was due for a makeover in its 10th year by the YOO Studio design team, the look and feel has been kept true to Starck’s inventive spirit and eye-catching designs.
Walk past the giant artwork by Graffiti4hire on the hotel façade and into a lobby filled with imported European furniture, low-key lighting, and framed glass panels inscribed with Chinese motifs of good fortune. The back of the lobby is also where you’ll find complimentary continental breakfast every morning, as well as the all-day soft beverages, afternoon cakes, and evening wine.
With the tight living spaces in land-scarce Hong Kong, hotel rooms are not known to be anywhere near spacious. Thus we were suitably surprised that their entry category Studio measures up at 380 square feet (35 square meters) while our Suite was a good-sized 780 square feet (72 square metres).
The bold and bright colour schemes of dreamy pink, tranquil blue, tangerine joy, sunshine yellow make the rooms a sight to behold when you walk in – and a joy to wake up to in the morning. We were delighted with the separate living, dining, working, and sleeping quarters, but what really impressed us was the fully equipped kitchen – think regular fridge, microwave, pots and pans, and even kitchen condiments like salt and pepper!
Another perk to saying at J Plus is free use of the HANDY smartphone device found in the room. With unlimited IDD for selected countries, free located calls, and unlimited 3G date connectivity, the device is also an electronic travel guide and discount catalogue. So you don’t have to fork out extra cash for a local SIM card to remain connected.
Designer living, comfort, a central location, and ease of access to public transport; we’ll say these qualities make J Plus Hotel by YOO one of the best accommodation options in Hong Kong!
J Plus Hotel by Yoo is located at 1-5 Irving Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Rates for the entry category start from an average of US$165 per room per night.
For more hotels that really impressed us with impeccable service and attention to detail, check out the healthy-living focused Bisma Eight in Ubud, Bali or an amazing experience in the Philippines at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu.
Top Images: Pink Suite Plus