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A new luxury boutique hotel has opened in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The new
property, The Minden, is located at the heart of Minden Avenue, one of
Kowloon’s most exciting new restaurant and nightlife districts.
The 64 room property at 7 Minden Avenue is a stylish but affordable
address for independent travellers keen to be based in an area now
re-emerging as one of the most attractive and strategically important in the
city.
Together with government announcements of the pedestrianisation of the
street, this marks the emergence of Minden Avenue as an important new
destination for Hong Kong.
The hotel is the brainchild of solicitor, entrepreneur and fine arts
connoisseur Robert W.H. Wang. It derives much of its unique character from
his extensive collection of art and antiques, many of the finest pieces from
which are displayed in the hotel’s public areas.
“The Minden has been designed as a home away from home for lovers of
beautiful objects,” said Mr Wang. “Interior designer Georgianna Chen of
TechAce International Ltd has made extensive use throughout of earth tones
and stone and timber finishes to create a comfortable, welcoming
atmosphere.”
Rooms and suites are in earth tones with emphasis on comfort and
functionality. No two rooms are exactly alike, and each has unique artwork
on the walls, with a queen sized bed or large twins, safe, free broadband
access and the highly secure VingCard key system are common to all. The
spacious one bedroom Suites also boast white marble bathrooms.
The Lobby is dominated by antique furniture, classical paintings, and
sculpture, and sets The Minden’s contemporary-classical tone. The informal
reception desk creates a friendly welcome for guests.
The theme set by the lobby is extended on the first floor by The Drawing
Room, a large function room that is interestingly designed with distinct
dining, living, den, bar and kitchenette areas, yet is an open and versatile
space for corporate or private gatherings.
Configured for multi-purpose use, The Drawing Room’s décor is dominated
by late 19th and early 20th century Beidermeier furniture. Paintings and
prints dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries adorn the walls,
amongst them an original canvas by George Chinnery, the most important
artist painting on the South China Coast during Hong Kong’s early years as a
British colony.
The fifth floor Lounge has a contrastingly modern feeling, strongly
influenced by the art works of Pauline Courtney whose canvases feature
colourful contemporary expressionistic images of women. Ms Courtney is a
favourite artist of developer Mr Wang, and she has also consulted on other
aspects of the development such as working with Ms Chen on interior design.
The hotel’s Lounge has been named in honour or her work: Courtney’s. A
comfortably furnished breakfast and coffee lounge in the morning, tea venue
in the afternoon and bar in the evening. Wood and exposed concrete are the
dominant design elements, providing a perfect context in which to display
some of Ms Courtney’s key works.
Courtney’s extends onto an outdoor Terrace with its own vertical or
“hanging” garden – another unique feature of the hotel.
Next to the Lobby is a highly acclaimed Japanese restaurant, which sets
the standard for that cuisine in an increasingly vibrant area for eating
out.
“Thanks to the adjacent Four Street redevelopment due for completion in
2006, the new KCR link and the attached subterranean walkways, as well as
the new pedestrianisation policies, Minden Avenue is now one of the best
places in town from which to experience a reinvigorated Tsim Sha Tsui. We
are confident that The Minden will provide an unrivalled guest experience in
the area,” Mr Wang concluded. |
