DESIGN : HOTEL INDIGO HONG KONG ISLAND
A glass-bottomed , cantilevered rooftop pool can be seen by pedestrians below , providing a dramatic advertisement for the property .
Burnished bronze solar fins with intelligent and concealed subtle lighting on the hotel ’ s exterior provide the effect of a dragon wrapping around the building .
Guestrooms use a central integrated sofa / bed / desk element , providing hierarchy and implied zoning to the space , while a Chinese tea set is among rooms ’ distinctive details .
The concept of highlighting local culture continues inside the hotel . Guestrooms , which offer a gross area of at least 323 sq ft ( 30 sq m ), bring the outside in via full-height panoramic windows , and an open plan layout enhances the spaciousness of the design . Locally inspired in-room art includes a handcrafted mosaic wall featuring the Wan Chai Post Office , butterflies and dragons while a Chinese tea set is among other distinctive details .
Public spaces take a similar approach . All-day-dining restaurant Café Post highlights the surrounding area with an alfresco terrace , and guestroom hallways are punctuated with a variety of local art .
The design caters to the hotel ’ s target guests , Gabriel explains , who are predominantly business travelers ages 30 to 50 interested in style and design , albeit without “ over-the-top ” service and endless facilities . Average rate is between HK $ 1,700 and HK $ 2,500 ( US $ 219 and US $ 322 ), and Gabriel says occupancy has been higher than original targets since the property ’ s May 1 debut . “ We are giving our guests a real sense of the Wan Chai neighborhood ,” Gabriel adds . “ Our guests leave us with the perception of Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island as understated yet aspirational in its style . It is a ‘ home in Wan Chai ’ they can always return to .”
42 HOTELS July / August 2013 www . hotelsmag . com