The Fleming

Some hotels go in for design that’s skin-deep, but character isn’t something you can buy off the rack and apply ready-made. The Fleming, on the other hand, begins with design at its heart. The location, in Wanchai, places it close to the harbour, and the style recalls the Streamline Moderne architecture of the ferries and terminals. In fact, “recalls” might not be a strong enough word — don’t be surprised if you feel the occasional urge to reach out and steady yourself against a phantom wave.

The rooms, fortunately, are considerably larger than ships’ cabins, and the nautical style feels more like an homage than a theme. It’s classic but not kitsch, and the comforts and conveniences are entirely modern. An it’s not just the visuals that set the mood: a signature scent and a set of custom-made Shen Nong bath products infuse the atmosphere (quite literally) with a very specific sense of place.

It’s not a hotel that’s short on personality, that’s for sure — and that goes for the restaurant as well, a seafood-centric pan-Italian spot called Osteria Marzia. It’s a savvy choice — after all, who needs another upscale facsimile of Hong Kong street food when the real thing is right outside on the street?