Wanting to explore a different area of Hong Kong, we recently opted for a staycation at L’hotel élan, located in the decidedly industrial-esque area of Kwun Tong, but mere minutes walk from the buzzy waterfront park of Kwun Tong Promenade.

Checking in with kids in tow, we opted for the A Taste of Asian Delights – Family Time! package (from $660/night), which includes an extra bed and an in-room Asian set dinner. Great value for money!

Related: Current Staycation Deals

The room

Our guestroom was in the Blissful Zone, on the small side at around 350 square metres, but tastefully decorated in a contemporary style with lots of dark wood and brown tones. There’s supposedly a “magic glass” that can be switched on for privacy between the bedroom and bathroom areas, but we never worked ours out (there’s no privacy with kids anyway). The minibar with complimentary drinks is a nice touch.

L’hotel élan Hong Kong

L’hotel élan Hong Kong

The gym and pool

We didn’t make use of the 24-hour gym called twist, but the rooftop pool – located on the 35th floor, the same floor as hotel reception – is a stunner and where we spent most of our time with the kidlets. Again, it’s small but nicely designed, with a scattering of loungers beside. You can’t beat those views on a clear day!

L’hotel élan Hong Kong

L’hotel élan Hong Kong

In-room dinner

In this package, guests receive a special in-room Asian dinner menu comprised of two soups, one main course per person, steamed rice, seasonal veg and a fruit platter. There’s a kids’ menu too. The mains were the highlights. We chose the slow-roasted Kumamoto BBQ pork collar, which was tender and rich, and thespicy beef tendon with brisket radish, cooked in a clay pot. This was the best version we’ve ever had of this dish, laced with a generous amount of Sichuan peppercorn. Other main options include Taiwanese three-cup chicken, steamed barramundi fillet with sausage and braised bean curd with wild mushroom. We were pleasantly surprised by the selection and quality of this room-service dinner – two big thumbs up!

L’hotel élan Hong Kong

Breakfast (additional charge)

We had breakfast at the hotel’s international restaurant, forte. The buffet is now shut owing to COVID-19,
so guests can choose from four breakfast set menus: scrambled egg in truffle sauce with garlic toast, pancakes with banana and berries, the American (more like full English) with scrambled egg, sausage, baked beans, tomato and hash browns and the Chinese breakfast of congee, fried noodles and assorted dim sum. All come with yoghurt, a fresh fruit plate, juice and coffee or tea. We tried all four sets, and barring the scrambled egg, which was watery and bland, the dishes were generous in size and tasty. Our top pick goes to the Chinese breakfast, with each element very well made and flavourful.

L’hotel élan Hong Kong

L’hotel élan Hong Kong

Verdict

We didn’t know what to expect with L’hotel élan, but after staying there for just one night, we think it’s an ideal spot for an affordable staycation that’s off the beaten track. The rooftop pool and delicious in-room dinner are worth the price alone. If you need ideas for ways to round out your staycation, go for a seafood lunch at the nearby small fishing village of Lei Yue Mun and check out the beauty that is Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden in Diamond Hill.

38 Chong Yip Street, Kwun Tong, 3968 8366, book online

This write-up is based on a complimentary media staycation provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.

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