Hospitality
South Island’s once gritty Aberdeen district draws 800 members of Hong Kong’s glitterati, who rock till they drop at what is surely one of the season’s grooviest grand opening parties. A first-hand account with my verdict …
More than 800 of Hong Kong’s glitterati ate, drank, and danced the night away on Friday 10 October 2014 at what will surely rank as one of the fall’s grooviest – and most extensive – vertical launch parties.
Cirqle, Lo Lounge, and Above catered the yummy nibblies.
There was also a free flow of champagne, wine, and mixed drinks until the wee hours, with glasses rarely going empty thanks to the friendly and ubiquitous servers.
Multiple Dance Floors
Indie musicians and international DJs kept feet tapping on the ground, 3rd, and 4th floors.
Dressed in a slinky silver sequin frock, Ginger Kwan was among the singers and musicians belting out tunes live.
Reggae, disco, funk, soul, jazz, bass, mashups, and hip-hop were among the musical genres played.
Dinner was served (until the food ran out) on the 4th floor.
Pop Up Art Gallery
Creative works were on display at a pop-up gallery on the 21st floor. Hotel rooms and artists studios were open for inspection on the 21st and 22nd floors.
And there was more music, nibblies, and bubblies – plus outdoor seating and views of the ‘hood – on the 23rd floor.
My Verdict
I’ve been to a few hotel grand openings in my day, and this was DEFINITELY one of the best – if not THE best launch party I’ve been to.
There were fully 6 floors of activities – I only made it to 3 of them. The champagne flowed freely, the food was yummy, and I a great time chatting with old and making new friends.
My only regret is that I couldn’t have shut the place down!
I left early, hoping to catch the last train home – and just missed it. Since I ended up having to take a taxi home anyway, I really should have stayed put.
Ovolo Southside 101
Located in Aberdeen – a former industrial stronghold that is in the throws of gentrification – Ovolo Southside bills itself as Hong Kong’s ‘maiden warehouse-to-hotel conversion’.
Housed in a former 23 storey industrial estate, the hotel has 162 rooms, a 24-hour gym, a 24-hour lounge, and ‘a collection of unique social spaces that echo the warehouse’s past in subtle details’.
Where
Ovolo Southside, No. 64, Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Telephone: +852 3460-8100.
The hotel is a short taxi ride from Ocean Park, Clearwater Bay, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market, the Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen, and other points on the South side of Hong Kong Island.
This was a GREAT party!