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The Fleming: Inside Hong Kong’s Star Ferry-inspired Hotel – Review
- Jianne Soriano
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
HONG KONG
The Star Ferry has been operating across Hong Kong’s piers for 128 years. Undeniably, it’s become a symbol of the city and its maritime history. It has stood the test of time over the years — from riots to financial woes — and managed to stay afloat. While we can’t stay overnight at the Star Ferry, there is an experience close to that. Welcome, The Fleming, an urban boutique hotel in Wan Chai with a design that echoes, or recreates rather, the charm of the iconic Star Ferry. Expect each room to be a cosy retreat that pays homage to the city’s maritime heritage and local crafts.
All images are courtesy of The Fleming
The Location
It amazes me how you can still find a quiet corner in the bustling Wan Chai neighbourhood. That’s exactly what The Fleming manages to do. It sits on a peaceful corner of Wan Chai. And remarkably, even if it’s next to a highway leading to the Hong Kong Exhibition Centre, I was able to sleep peacefully. The traffic didn’t wake me up; instead, I loved watching the cars from the window.
The Fleming is only about a 5- to 10-minute walk from the Exhibition Centre, with plenty of shade along the enclosed walkways, so it doesn’t matter that my stay is on a hot, sunny day. Meanwhile, the Wan Chai Ferry Pier is also just a stroll away. Otherwise, Wan Chai Station isn’t too far off as well. Its corner location is unbeatable, with plenty of eateries around. Exploration of the neighbourhood is within comfortable reach. Depending on the room, guests can even get a glimpse of the harbour next to the Exhibition Centre.
the fleming hong kong 
The Design
The Fleming’s biggest draw is its design, upgraded by leading Hong Kong design firm A Work of Substance. It genuinely represents the city’s spirit without being too in-the-nose or over-the-top luxurious. This redesign takes inspiration from Hong Kong’s cross-harbour ferries and distinct maritime heritage. Not only is this a treat for overseas travellers, but it also allows residents (looking for a staycation) to appreciate the city more. It’s a fun experience to look for motifs that recall scenes of Hong Kong life.
I gleed — like a child — at the sight of the reception area, where the backdrop is reminiscent of old Chinese mailboxes. In an age where letters and mail have become somewhat obsolete, as we rely on technology, there is something romantically nostalgic about seeing such mailboxes. Furthermore, old buildings that still have them are slowly being torn down due to gentrification. One day, it’ll just become an “aesthetic” of the past.
Meanwhile, the cross-harbour design can be seen in room signage (that also looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film), room number signage, rounded doors, reversible wooden benches, and red-painted tables that look like mooring bollards. The lobby even looked like the inside of a cruise.
The Accommodation
The boutique hotel has 66 stylish guestrooms available in Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large sizes. I stayed in the 36-square-metre XL room with a stunning view of both the cityscape and a bit of the harbour. The room is nothing short of spacious, kept simple but stylish with wooden floors and warm lighting. In tune with the cross-harbour ferry theme, the rooms are washed with tones of bottle green and navy blue, complete with brass detailing.
Beyond the design, the room's maximum functionality also shines through. The lighting and power points are accessible from a switchboard panel, both from the bed and in the desk area. My room comes with a headboard to create more space, but it also helps block out the sunlight during the day while working. The open wardrobe makes getting ready easier, with the vanity area and minibar easy to reach. That means no unnecessary walking just to reach the mirror and dressing area.
The bathroom features the hotel’s own amenities, tailor-made based on the principles of Chinese apothecary. The result? Scents such as ginseng and wood — nothing too strong on the nose. It feels like being inside a spa. Plus, there are no unnecessary papers to explain where things are; instead, a QR code is available.
Don’t let the vintage-inspired motifs fool you, though. The room comes with a complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TV with Apple TV and multi-media panel, and even wireless charging at the desk area. The bed has a Sealy mattress and a generous amount of pillows. But not just any pillow, one that is firm enough to support your head instead of terribly sinking into it for being too “soft for comfort.”
The Dining and The Facilities
The hotel has only one dining establishment, yet it serves what you’d need all day. Osteria Marzia keeps within The Fleming’s maritime narrative by bringing coastal Italian flavours to diners under the Black Sheep Restaurants portfolio. Its large windows allow appreciation of the street view. The plates have artistic decorations, while the food portions are quite generous. The focus may be on seafood, but the pasta options surprised me. The atmosphere is lively, and the service is focused and warm.
I love how breakfast isn’t filled with people bustling out and about. The serving is fewer than that of regular breakfast buffets, but it’s enough to fuel you for the day. I appreciate that as well, because it ensures food isn’t wasted. There are still hot dishes on top of salads and fruits.
All hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to PURE Fitness One Hennessy during their stay, which is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
The Fleming, Hong Kong: Our Verdict
The Fleming is a love letter to Hong Kong’s heritage, regardless of the type of traveller. A stay at the boutique hotel isn’t just that, but a special experience to reminisce about the yesteryears. There is great detail put into the design that anyone would appreciate, but overall, the accessibility, comfort, and warm service are what stay with you. Sometimes, simplicity is all you need.
The Fleming, 41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 3607 2288, info@thefleming.com
Book now at The Fleming
Disclaimer: The writer was invited by The Fleming, Hong Kong, to experience the property. All observations, assessments, and opinions expressed are based on the writer’s independent experience and professional judgement. ˇ
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