Ovolo Southside

Being a bonsai tree caretaker is not a profession that one would think would lead into the hotel industry. However for Girish Jhunjhnuwala, owner of the Ovolo chain of hotels, it provides him with the god-like patience and extreme attention to detail required of such a task. The flair and attention to detail with which he conducts his projects: well that's just all him. Decor references its previous industrial past with concrete walls and floors, filament lighting and exposed air vents. Keeping it local, the graffiti art work that decorates many of the communal areas, is all the work of Hong Kong artists. Contrastingly rooms are sparklingly modern with huge windows, overlooking mountain or city, allowing light to stream in. Light palettes and uncluttered decor, combined with modern fittings are minimalist in style, whilst little touches like exposed brickwork and concrete are in keeping with the warehouse feel. Like Girish, Ovolo does not take itself too seriously - the Ming dynasty style meeting room includes leather recliners instead of the traditional board room style set up. The 18.00 - 20.00pm happy hour, including free beer, wine and selected canapes goes to show that Ovolo is a place to go to have fun! A buffet breakfast is included in the room price plus there's a popular steakhouse restaurant and bar with roof terrace which can get lively in the evenings. For gym bunnies there is also a fully equipped fitness centre.