Tuve

"How did it strike you on arrival?Marked by black steel doors, the narrow entrance to TUVE is so moody and dark that entering feels like sneaking into a secret lair. The sparse decor—open concrete reception area, perforated metal wall, slivers of light—will feel cold to some, cool and futuristic to others. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The minimalist hotel draws minimalist travelers—most with a penchant for design. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The 183-square-foot wood-paneled Comfort Rooms were way too small for our taste, so we upgraded. The stripped down and immaculate Premier Rooms start at about 325 square feet—not bad for Hong Kong. There’s very little furniture or adornment aside from a lounge chair and a concrete working desk. White accents and cement walls are brightened by natural light pouring in through a wall of windows. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Each of the 64 rooms has a plush king-size mattress and luxury linens—we had no complaints in the bed department. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?TUVE ups the minibar ante with gourmet snacks and beverages from around the world. It was hard to pass on the Sicilian almonds, Brouwerij de Molen beer, and Fever-Tree tonic water. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.A spa-grade walk-in shower, gray marble interiors and Le Labo bath amenities soothed the soul and the mind after a long day of exploring. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free Wi-Fi is a given here. Travelers will also find a data-enabled “Handy” phone to use around town. Room service: Worth it?This boutique hotel doesn’t offer room service but a savvy concierge team will point you towards the best nearby restaurants and bars. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.We’d recommend the atmospheric ground-floor restaurant called the Silver Room. It echoes the hotel's industrial aesthetic—plastic walls, white leather banquettes, marble tabletops—but the food is homey Italian pasta, seafood, and wine. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?TUVE's minimalism isn't for everyone, but we found the pared-back aesthetic relaxing. Hong Kong's crowded streets and jackhammers can feel like an assault on the senses. The austere vibe here helped us unwind. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Travelers looking for a design-forward experience in an oft-overlooked neighborhood will love TUVE." - Kate Springer