Background
Launched in September 2018, Mojo Nomad Central is the second property from Ovolo Hotels’ new millennial lifestyle Mojo Nomad brand to open in Hong Kong, with the first debuting in the city’s Aberdeen district on the south side of Hong Kong Island in January. The brand offers a new style of accommodation decidedly aimed at younger travellers, combining a “micro-hotel, shared accommodation and co-working, all in one.”
Where is it?
Located on Queen’s Road Central in the western district of Sheung Wan, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from the International Finance Centre (IFC) and central business district, and just a five-minute walk to Sheung Wan MTR if you need to head further out of the city.
What’s it like?
The exterior’s neon signage and colourful wall art is a dramatic departure from other buildings on the Queen’s Road thoroughfare – no fretting that you won’t find it amid the fog of jetlag and humidity. Guests are greeted by a compact outdoor dining space before reaching the hotel’s entrance, which leads to an indoor extension of the Mexican-themed café where guests can order a coffee and a snack while checking in.
Check-in is immediately to the right as you enter reception – a crescent-shaped desk decked out in monochrome tiles in geometric patterns, neon graphics on the wall behind and exposed piping in the ceiling above. Opposite check-in is a red brick feature wall on which hangs a holographic canvas of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash with an x-ray exposed skeleton, while further along a sleek staircase, more neon signage reads, “Oh… where do we go now?”. Décor is bold and playful, devised by Hong Kong design firm ALT-254 with vintage album artwork of Prince and The Ramones on walls, plenty of exposed brick and retro, eclectic furnishings throughout.
Rooms
There are five room categories: Small (12sqm), Medium (14sqm), Large (16sqm), Extra Large (22sqm) and Shared (22sqm). There are two shared rooms on the 21st floor that can sleep up to 12 people with both double bed and single bed bunks. Space is used both economically and shrewdly – in our Large room, a slender hanging rail was installed instead of a wardrobe, with a fold out desk cleverly concealed beneath the flat-screen TV. Décor is upbeat and vibrant with colourful feature walls, graphic artwork and Scandi fixtures that give each room a sense of style and character. The bed was comfortable and large for the size of the room, while blackout curtains did a good job of blocking out all light.
All rooms come with high-speed wifi, Simmons mattresses, USB and plug sockets at the desk and bedside, a safe and minibar with a kettle, teas and coffees, plus complimentary water supplied each day. Bathrooms have a rain shower, hair dryer and full-size Biology toiletries, a vanity mirror and excellent lighting.
Co-working space
On the second floor there is a stylish shared space decorated with tropical plants, brightly coloured chairs and quirky artwork alongside handsome wooden desks and long tables, with snacks and filtered water available throughout the day, high-speed wifi and USB charging sockets. There’s a range of seating on offer, from semi-private desk space to plush sofas that are great for casual meetings, plus a modern wall projector should you need. At the moment, you have to be a guest in order to work here, but there is talk that the space might soon open to the public for a fee.
Food and drink
Te Quiero Mucho is the hotel’s laid-back Mexican eatery and bar located on the first floor, with again, lots of exposed brick, Chesterfield sofas and jazzy artwork, with a long veranda and views overlooking Queen’s Road Central. An impressive menu of Latin American treats is on offer from Guadalajara-born chef José Alfonso Rodriguez Portillo, including The “Trump” taco with beef tongue and chicharron, and homemade churros. There’s also a spread of zinger cocktails made from the restaurant’s collection of 36 artisanal tequilas and mezcals, such as Las Palomas Coloradas, using tequila infused with dry orange peel, Amaro Montenegro and yuzu juice.
Breakfast is served here with the option of pastries, fresh fruit, eggs how you like them and a selection of “toast” dishes including the Mexican sandwich with steak, chipotle mayo and ranchero cheese, or the ricotta cheese toast with smoked salmon and greens.
Facilities
On the third floor, there’s a spacious gym with a treadmill, free weights, a punching bag and gloves, yoga mats and iPads with pre-downloaded workouts, plus face towels, bottled water and plug sockets. There is also a pair of washing machines and tumble dryers where guests can launder their clothes. Detergent can be purchased at the lobby.
Verdict
A great option for a business or short leisure trip if you’re spending most of your time out and about, offering comfortable rooms and a casual and lively atmosphere in an excellent location.
Fact file
Best for… great location, smart design and a relaxed atmosphere
Don’t miss… the sensational cocktails – grab one, a spot on the verandah and watch the world go by
Price HK$2,035 (US$260) for a mid-week stay in December
Marisa Cannon
