Thailand-based Onyx Hospitality Group has announced a takeover of The Wesley Hong Kong, which is now closed for renovation and scheduled to reopen as Ozo Wesley by the fourth quarter of this year.
The Wesley was a long-standing hotel that first opened in 1992. It was previously managed by Hang Lung Properties, one of the city's most famous developers. The property is right near the border of bustling Wanchai and posh Admiralty districts, and although it is technically located in the former, it is closer to the Admiralty Mass Transit Railway station. Despite its prime location, it always seemed to fall under the radar, especially with business travellers. With extensive refurbishment, Onyx hopes to raise the standards of the hotel and offer four-star service levels while staying true to the select-service business model of the mid-range Ozo brand.
The 251-room hotel, when relaunched, will feature complimentary wifi connectivity throughout, upgraded in-room technology, more luxurious bedding and soundproof rooms – a necessity given that it is right in front of the tram track and on a junction of two very busy roads (Hennessy and Johnston). There will also be a gym, a Chinese restaurant, breakfast lounge and a multi-function area for guests to socialise with one another and use the internet, but there will be no swimming pool or business centre.
Kenneth Sorensen, general manager of the Ozo Wesley, said: “The services we will be unveiling will be an appealing alternative to the current accommodation offerings in the area around Admiralty and Pacific Place,” referring to the several well-established five-star luxury hotels within close proximity, such as Island Shangri-La, Conrad and JW Marriott. But more direct competition is likely to be from other mid-range hotels in the area such as Metropark Wanchai and the Empire Hotel across the street. When asked what would be Ozo Wesley's edge against these rivals, a spokesperson from the group said: "better sleep". What it means, as we have been told, is in addition of high-quality bedding, the hotel will also offer a "dream maker" – a kit designed to help travellers sleep better, with music, scented candle and eye pillows. "Ozo Wesley is for those smart travellers who are looking for a good location, great sleep and connectivity," said the spokesperson.
Though this will be the first Ozo hotel in Hong Kong, it is not the first Onyx property. The group’s brand portfolio also includes Shama serviced apartments, of which there are seven across Hong Kong.
For more information, visit www.onyx-hospitality.com
Alisha Haridasani
