HONG KONG
Yau Ma Tei is the district for eclectic markets, bustling street food vendors and bolthole diners. But something that it's starting to gain more local recognition in is the arts – though, it may surprise some to hear that it's actually been a creative hub for quite some time. There's a cool selection of street art throughout Yau Ma Tei, a selection of artists who have paid tribute to the neighbourhood in their works and a vibrant theatre scene embedded in its history. In a bid to spotlight the up-and-coming arts community and bring together like-minded creatives, Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel is more than just a hotel – it's also a workshop, co-working space and gallery to showcase local artists. We check in for a two-night stay in this urban gem.
The hotels origins date back to the 1950s when the property served as a seafood restaurant which quickly became a local sensation. Founded by the same man behind the eatery, Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel opened and replaced the longstanding joint in 2018 and aims to represent Mr Lo's passion for collecting art and sharing it with the community, rather than making it an elite's-only concept.
The building welcomes with its expansive doors which lead you to the lift to be taken up to the first floor for check in. Intimate and chic, the lobby area isn't your typical expansive check-in but it resembles a truly humble boutique feeling. There's even a cosy outdoor terrace which makes the perfect location for soaking in some summer sun.
Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | CSP Times
Inside, the rooms are sophisticated and hold a historic element in their interior design and furnishings. Antiques are placed throughout the space, while colonial British touches are prominent, like the floral wallpapers and the rocking chair.
A highlight and unique aspect of the hotel is the workshop inclusions as part of the staycation. Guests can choose from:
Coffee Storyteller
Chocolate Tasting
Multi-sensory Tea Brewing Art Experience
Coffee Brewing Art Experience
Private Tour to Art Market
Art Explorer Day Pass: DIY Art Experiences
In the Mood for Photo: Vintage Clothing Rental
【‘YUMM Ma Tei’ F&B Writing Series】Exhibition
'Travel with Your Pen' Writing Workshop
'Seasoning with Writer's Text' Writing Workshop
City Hunt: Community Discovery
City Hunt: Be an Artist – 'Artistic Journey in Yau Ma Tei' Exhibition
Meet the Artist
We tried the chocolate tasting workshop and the tea ceremony, followed by the art tour which took us to the top floor, home to a mini arts shop that promotes local artists and an antique collection with fascinating works dating back to the early 20th century.
The rooms and workshops at Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel are interactive and unique, offering a thriving arts hub for creatives looking for an outlet. Some of the rooms below:
The stimulating, fun theme of Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel is a truly unique find in Hong Kong. With more boutique hotels cropping up, with many of them stemming from cultural and historical themes to embrace Hong Kong's diverse background, it's incredible to see such a warm yet chic concept emerge from the bunch. If you're looking for a place to unwind and release your creative energy in a beautiful setting that looks over the entirety of Yau Ma Tei, Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel is the place to be.
Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel, 68 Portland Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, +852 3708 7788
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