Joining the slew of staycation packages that are cropping up across the city this summer is Residence G Hong Kong‘s Delicious Staycation Package, which offers a stay for two in one of the property’s “Good” or “Greater” rooms and focuses on a four-course dining experience for two at its restaurant, Scarlett Café & Wine Bar.
First Impressions
The hotel’s discreet entrance is situated right next to its restaurant, which is possibly the easier landmark to look out for. Once we step inside, we make our way through a nondescript black corridor before taking the equally nondescript elevator up to the third floor lobby.
Here, checking in is a quick and simple process; the lobby is also on the same floor as the guest lounge and hotel souvenir shop.
The Suite
Opened in 2014, Residence G Hong Kong is a relative newcomer on the block — especially along this strip of Chatham Road South between Tsim Sha Tsui East and Jordan, which is dotted with other properties that have been around for decades. The 38-room lifestyle hotel is clearly geared towards a younger business set; think simple yet stylish furnishings and state-of-the-art technology in its rooms.
We check into a Greater (269sqft) room, a studio apartment-like space that comprises a shower, bed, and bar area. The design is contemporary, with plenty of wood and industrial touches like brushed grey concrete walls and black metal frames. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of sunlight, with one set of windows looking onto the Polytechnic University and some of the surrounding greenery of Tsim Sha Tsui East.
The room is fitted out with a flat-screen LCD TV, bluetooth speaker, and Handy smartphone with built-in free international calls and travel information — not exactly necessary for us or for other locals who might be interested in booking a staycation, but a useful option nonetheless. You can even request a PlayStation from the front desk if you’re looking for additional entertainment. On top of that, there are all the usual amenities — a safe for valuables, robes, towels, and toiletries. The hotel’s Good rooms, meanwhile, are 206sqft.
The Staycation
The highlight of our stay is, of course, the four-course set dinner at European restaurant Scarlett Café & Wine Bar, which comes with an appetizer plus your choice of starter, main course and dessert. The lobster bisque is rich and creamy, while the burrata di puglia is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The beef short ribs, with teriyaki sauce, mushrooms, green peas, salad, and mashed potato, is moreish and hearty. Le Citron, meanwhile, a lemon tart topped with Italian meringue and served with lemon sorbet, is a refreshing sweet end to the meal. The restaurant is also kind enough to switch out a starter with its hummus and toast and a main with a tomato tagliatelle, as one of our party is vegetarian. For drinks, we opt for some of the many wines by the glass that are on offer.
Back at the hotel, the lounge is open 24-7 for guests, complete with outdoor terrace, free coffee and tea, and laptops available on request. It would be the perfect spot to get some work done — if we were looking to do that. Instead, we opt to have a wander about the surrounding neighborhood, which is chockablock with shops and pubs, before turning in for the night. The following morning, we take breakfast in the lounge, which is a light, continental affair of pastries, fruits, different cereal options, juices, and coffee and tea.
Some Final Thoughts
We were interested to see what a more business-traveler-oriented hotel would offer for a staycation, and while this package might be more modest when compared to some of the grander hotels in the city, we came away from the experience relaxed and satisfied. It would be ideal for residents living further afield who might be interested in spending a weekend in the center of the city without fussing with a long commute back at the end of the day, since the location is so convenient. We also wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the hotel itself to travelers who prefer a modern look rather than overwrought luxury — once the pandemic is no longer an issue.
Finally, with the package starting at $1,188 per night, its value for money is difficult to beat.
G’s Delicious Staycation package at Residence G Hong Kong – $1,188 or $1,388
- A full 24-hour stay
- Early check-in at 11am and late check-out until 3pm
- Room upgrade (upon availability)
- Daily breakfast for two
- A four-course dinner set menu for two at Scarlett Café & Wine Bar
- Gift from Residence G Hong Kong’s souvenir shop
- 10 per cent off on in-room minibar items
- The staycation is available until August 31, 2020; book with the code “STAYCATION”
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The author was a guest of Residence G Hong Kong.
