WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel’s contemporary yet strongly Asian spirit is reflected in “Lotus Rain Chain”, a funky installation made out of Chinese bronze cups with a water feature, linking Jen Café on the second floor and the lobby on the first. Hotel Jen – the name “Jen” is derived from the Chinese character reflecting Confucian ideals of love and goodwill – opened in March last year.
WHERE IS IT? Located in the Western District, an area redolent of old Hongkong. Central is easily accessible by tram and the MTR at Sheung Wan Station. The hotel provides shuttle to the Star Ferry Pier, Admiralty and the IFC mall at frequent intervals.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 280 in total.
ROOM FACILITIES: Plasma TVs, Wi-Fi (at HK$150/US$19 per day), IDD phones, voicemail, an iPod/MP3 connector, iron and ironing board, safe, toiletries made out of recycled materials, and beds with immaculate linens and head-sinking pillows. The 24sqm Jen Rooms offer fabulous harbour views with some overlooking the mountains of Pok Fu Lam Road, while the 50sqm Jen Suites come equipped with a kitchen.
RESTAURANTS: The Lobby Bar is open from 0700 to 0100 for breakfast, lunch and cocktails, while the all-day dining Jen Café has a cafeteria feel (a chic one albeit) catering mainly to Standard Room occupants and follows the open-kitchen template.
BARS: Exclusive to Jen Room and Jen Suite guests, Sky Lounge on the 28th floor offers free wine and cocktails from 1800 to 2000 and the spectacular panorama of Victoria Harbour. The public can enter from 2000 to 0100.
BUSINESSS FACILITIES: The 96sqm function room, capable of accommodating 50 people, is fitted with a plasma TV, LCD projector, Wi-Fi, audio-visual equipment and flip charts. A portion of the adjoining Jen Café can be cordoned off for company lunches. A small business centre, next to the Sky lounge, has two computer stations.
LEISURE FACILITIES: The gym, a level above the Sky Lounge, is open 24 hours. The rooftop pool will be usable this month after renovation.
PRICES: From HK$1,200 (US$155) for a Jen Room and from HK$2,800 (US$361) for a Jen Suite.
VERDICT: Its modern ambience, stunning views and efficient staff are convincing reasons for repeat visits.
CONTACT: 508 Queen’s Road West, Western District, Hongkong, tel 852 2974 1234, www.hoteljen.com
