by Aude
 
 
Launching a new series of article: the Staycation Series. For the rookies out there, staycation is a mix of stay and vacation so literally having a vacation while staying in your own city. Because who doesn’t need a sweet escape from time to time? And of course, if you have friends and family visiting you in Hong Kong, you might also find pretty nice recommendations in this series.
 
Kicking off w/ one of my fav hotel in Hong Kong: W Hong Kong. The cool kid of the gang, that’s how I would call it if the gang was Five Star Luxury Hotels. 

I just want to relax, chill and enjoy my room. Plus, I wanna make sure to be hungry enough when waking up tomorrow morning because believe me, breakfast buffet at KITCHEN is epic!
 
The only downside of a staycation at W Hong Kong? Well, it’s the fact that you actually have to go back home at the end of it!
 

 
W Hong Kong
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon 

All photo credits to the W Hong Kong 

 

By Lily

You've been dreaming of a moment to relax, to break away for a while from the chaos of Hong Kong, but you would prefer a relaxing weekend getaway without having to go through an airport? I have an idea which would make you happy…

The ICON hotel is the perfect solution. Launched five years ago, the hotel has forged a solid reputation ever since. Even more interesting is the fact that It belongs to Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and houses the hotel and tourism school of Hong Kong.

Stunning design and decor, and right from the lobby, the service is impeccable.
The hotel offers spacious rooms, a fully functional bathroom with shower and bath tub (loved this!), and even provides a spare phone, useful for when you have a family member visiting. Not forgetting a spectacular view of the harbor. 

Do you really want to relax? Then head to the 9th floor for a splash in the swimming pool or even a short session at the gym while watching Hong Kong island from a vantage point. The spa is on the same floor... 

On the 28th floor, the majestic Above & Beyond offers traditional Chinese food that has been reinvented by Chef Paul.  As for choices of wine, ask the adorable and friendly sommelier of the restaurant, Bobby, for advice.

After a quiet night's sleep, wake up to a humongous breakfast. There's absolutely everything you can think of, even gluten-free bread.

For when your friends or family visit, or just for a weekend of relaxing without having to go too far away, I highly recommend ICON hotel,  worthy of its name and of the 3 star awarded to it by Trip Advisor.

We are still in love with the Restaurant GREEN on the ground floor. For more info about this restaurant, click here.

Hotel ICON
No.17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

http://www.hotel-icon.com/

Night from 1680 HKD

By Delphine

You love hotels but don’t feel like taking a plane? You love art and design?

You would like to spend a weekend having fun in a trendy location, drinking cocktails, eating and sipping a beer while stretched out on a sofa, flicking through channels on a 3D TV and finishing up your day with a cocktail on the rooftop? All the works, but your wallet would not allow it…

Ovolo Southside will make you happy! Their concept? The ALL INCLUSIVE stay! 
With every night comes the free  mini bar, Apple TV, unlimited channels on a 3D Smart TV, Happy Hours, coffee machine, tea and infusions at all hours of the day and night, buffet breakfast, laundry-service, and a 24/7 sports room. All of these for not one even one more cent. The beds are ultra comfy and the shower is super modern, view on the mountain, pop-art frescos, a billiard table, and great music...

What else? It is 5 minutes walk to Ocean Park, you can end your Sunday with a bang or by visiting the giant pandas. If you prefer, the Repulse Bay beach is just 10 minutes away by bus. 

What’s more? Since they are very nice at Ovolo, they are offering a 15% discount on your next stay until 21 september. All you need to do is provide the discount code HKMDM-16 at the moment you make your online reservation on  www.ovolohotels.com

More info: http://www.ovolohotels.com/en/hotels/hongkong/ovolo-southside/
Address:  Wong Chuk Hang Road, 64, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
 

From Wanderluxe, the chic travel blog from The Luxe Nomad
 
Now that you’re wise in the ways of getting bumped to first class on flights, perhaps you’re up for a new challenge. If you’ve travelled thousands of miles to live out your dream vacation, it couldn’t hurt to ask for an upgrade. In some cases, you’re probably more eligible for one than you’d imagine. Just remember your pleases and thank yous and you could get a room upgrade at the executive premier suite (but probably just a standard king-size bedroom TBH).
 
#1 Get With the Program
Many hotel groups worldwide have loyalty programs that come with very impressive benefits. It might not be worth it to get in one if you’re rarely travelling, but if travel is your middle name, it’s definitely something you want to look into. When you book with the Marriot Hotel Rewards, which won the program of the year at the Freddie Awards (the “voice of the frequent flier”), you get a complimentary room upgrade once you’ve clocked in, or checked-in 5o stays. We also like Starwood Preffered Guests, where a suite-upgrade (more like sweet upgrade) is always an option.
 
 #2 Play it Smart
This one will make you go “oooh”. Here’s an anecdote — when you’re ordering wine at a fancy restaurant but you don’t want to seem like a cheapskate, so you get the second cheapest bottle on the menu. The same can be done when you book a hotel room, just think of it as an investment so the hotel knows you have fine taste. Don’t go booking the very bare minimum, then asking for a cheeky upgrade to an ocean-view standard suite. Life just doesn’t work that way, not even in paradise.
 
#3 Because You’re (Not) Happy
If there really is something you’re not happy about in your current room, the staff is at your disposal as promised. That’s the whole point of hospitality, and it’s their job to make sure their guests are happy. So if you were expecting a different view, or the bed arrangements weren’t what you requested for, dial 1 or 0 (depending on the resort) on your room phone for reception. You might be greeted by a bus boy to take your luggage to a bigger, better room. Remember to tip him!
 
#4 Time is  Money (and Luck)
If you’re going to check-in on-the-dot at noon, you’ll be on the list of many rooms housekeeping needs to get ready in a hurry. But if you take a later flight not only is it more affordable, but a late check-in after 6 pm might just enable to you to get a better abode when more rooms become available. Let the hotel know you’ll be arriving late so they don’t rush to have your room ready, and they might just reward you for it. Just don’t be too late or the one’s with the power to grant an upgrade might already have gone home.
 
#5 Short and Sweet Does it
Heads up — it’s highly unlikely that a hotel will  upgrade you if you’re planning on camping out at the hotel for an entire week. A one-night stay means your chances of an upgrade are higher because once you’re out of there, the room can be booked again at its normal price the next day
 
#6 Nothing Personal, It’s Just Business
It’s not completely demanding or fussy either if you say you need WiFi or more space to get your work done. But first, mention that it’s your first time at the hotel and that you travel to the area often. They’ll do you a solid just to keep you coming back. So really, who’s playing who here, eh?
 
#7 Or you could just benefit from The Luxe Nomad member perks which include room upgrades & more!
 
Get many other travel tips and ideas on Wanderluxe ASAP !