At Hong Kong's East hotel, the city's resilience is embodied in a stylish package
Even for a city that has always found its future in flux, Hong Kong has seen no shortage of transformative events in recent years, from politics to protests. The pandemic was another watershed moment, making such an impact that many expatriates chose to leave – temporarily or permanently – while numerous businesses closed and never came back. International tourism, still in recovery mode two years after Hong Kong's borders reopened, now pales in comparison to traffic from the mainland, changing the make-up of the city so drastically that it may feel unrecognisable to some.
So what remains of the Hong Kong of years past – and what's new? The answers reveal an ingenuity that few of its cosmopolitan peers can match, reflected in the resilience of the many entrepreneurs and drivers of change who have continued to call Hong Kong home despite it all. Forward-thinking enterprises such as East Hong Kong, nestled in the heart of the Quarry Bay neighbourhood, are proof of this regenerative spirit, paying tribute to the city's ability to reinvent itself time and again. A light-filled guest room at East Hong Kong. Photo: Handout As a sleek hotel, co-working space and all-around lifestyle destination that's home to several food and beverage venues, including arguably one of the best rooftop bars on Hong Kong Island, East Hong Kong purports to be a home from home for residents and tourists, as well as an anchor for the surrounding area. For an expatriate like me, hosting friends from overseas, the hotel certainly served its purpose and then some, showing off the best views and hospitality Hong Kong has to offer, from a unique vantage point with a decidedly local perspective. Guests at cocktail bar Sugar enjoy drinks alongside the stunning view – from the 32nd floor – of Victoria Harbour. Photo: Handout
Opened in 2010, refurbished in 2020, the Swire-owned hotel has since spawned an eco-friendly brand, with iterations in Beijing, close to the fashionable 798 Art Zone and in Miami's bustling Brickell neighbourhood. In Hong Kong, East stands out in a sea of largely corporate and residential skyscrapers, far – but not too far – from the tourist traps of Central and Causeway Bay. This makes it my ideal 'staycation' location and the perfect urban getaway for visitors wanting to explore without the crowds. Unlike many other luxury hotels in Hong Kong, which typically cater to a well-travelled clientele wanting convenience and familiarity, East affords a look at one of the city's most dynamic – and underrated – districts. It is positioned within walking distance of hidden gems including hiking trails and visually arresting, old housing estates – one of which has, admittedly, become an Instagram hotspot known colloquially as the Monster Building. Quarry Bay has also thrived as a hub for new developments – if enormous malls and shopping arcades are your cup of jasmine tea. The chic, minimalist lobby of East Hong Kong. Photo: Handout
East Hong Kong, however, sets out to prove the area is more than just a commercial centre by unlocking its untapped potential as a hub for community. Walking into the hotel lobby I see plenty of guests – from young professionals to parents and children – taking advantage of the natural light flowing through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Some tap away at laptops or iPads, others stretch out and lounge around. The open-air vibe of it all goes to show how seamlessly East has integrated into the surrounding neighbourhood. And this extension of the hotel's first-floor cafe, Domain, is the kind of breezy venue for public gatherings I find severely lacking in space-starved Hong Kong. Domain at East Hong Kong – a cafe and co-working space. Photo: Handout Here, an emphasis on sustainability and wellness manifests itself in smoothies made in partnership with local company Not Only Powder, which upcycles discarded fruit to make its signature fruit-based, freeze-dried powders. For fitness fanatics – unlike myself – the hotel offers a 24-hour gym better known as Beast (Body by East) and has equipment available for rent for those who prefer to work out in their own room. In keeping with East's mission of serving the neighbourhood in which it operates, the gym also offers memberships, while business travellers or those who intend to stay in Hong Kong a little longer are invited to check out the serviced studios and penthouses at nearby East Apartments.
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