Checking Into The Fleming: A Fusion of Maritime History and Modernity
The Fleming is a contemporary property located on – you guessed it – Fleming Road in Wan Chai.
Nestled in the commercial area of Wan Chai, the boutique hotel is a short walk from MTR stations and the Star Ferry pier. The latter, a source of inspiration for the hotel, offers iconic rides across the harbour, making exploring the vibrant Kowloon peninsula easy.
With a striking neon sign against a striped facade of bottle green and white, it’s hard to believe The Fleming was formerly a business hotel that has been transformed into a retro boutique concept. If Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry could be reimagined into a property, this is as good as it’ll ever get.
Common Areas
Inspired by the crossroads between East and West, The Fleming pays homage to Hong Kong's maritime heritage and takes cues from the classic elegance of the 1950s, specifically the iconic Star Ferry.
Upon entering The Fleming, guests are greeted by a stylish interior and whisked upstairs to the reception area overlooking the hotel restaurant from the mezzanine floor. The hotel's design reflects a fusion of industrial chic and nautical charm, featuring a colour palette dominated by warm neutrals, rich woods, and brass accents. The vintage mailbox wall is stunning in a colour palette of classic bellboy red with hints of bottle green. Small touches like brass fittings, striped textiles and a reversible leather seat inspired by the Star Ferry’s clever benches tie together the nautical theme.
Guest Rooms
Most hotels have generic-looking hallways, but not The Fleming. The property has used its low ceilings to its advantage, recreating a sense of walking down a ship’s corridor. Oval bulkhead lights sans the brass cage, rounded cabin doors, and perhaps my favourite yet – ‘do not disturb’ signs that resemble an engine order telegraph that swivels from within the room, an impeccable show of detail.
Each of the 66 guest rooms has been thoughtfully designed with custom-made furniture, showcasing a blend of retro and contemporary styles flush with bottle green and mustard tones that complement a base of warm woods. Categorised from small to extra large (or at least as large as properties in Hong Kong can go without being ridiculously overpriced), the guest rooms are not the most spacious, with lower floors facing the Fleming Road flyover. They are, however, remarkably stylish and decked out in the same design features as the rest of the hotel. Think rounded corners, industrial lighting and quirky maritime touches. They’re certainly not the largest rooms in town, but the intelligent layout makes it feel larger than it is.
The nod to Hong Kong’s beloved Star Ferry is obvious and well-executed: from the studded wooden panelling lining the walls to the desk inspired by iconic ferry benches and cast iron windows reminiscent of the Kowloon Ferry Terminal. Add in brass fixtures, striped upholstery and art prints by the local brand Tiny Island; The Fleming has created a quiet colour palette that does an excellent job of evoking the rugged charm of bygone eras.
The bathroom may be compact, but it still features a rain shower and gorgeous green tiles in an Art Deco style. There are also the bespoke Shen-Nong amenities in The Fleming’s signature scent, a warm, invigorating blend of sandalwood, eucalyptus and amber. It’s a unique blend that pays tribute to traditional Chinese apothecary recipes without coming across as heady or herbal. Beds are also equipped with Sealy mattresses and down duvets for a good night’s sleep.
Osteria Marzia
Osteria Marzia, an Italian restaurant presented by the Black Sheep Restaurant group, is located on the ground floor of The Fleming. Inspired by the coastal regions of Italy, its menu reflects a rotating selection of dishes with bright, refreshing flavours focused on locally-sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Wrought-iron windows flood the lofty space with light, while nautical details like the glazed blue tiles and pendant lights create an atmosphere reminiscent of sunny holidays on the coast. At the bar, patrons can look into the open kitchen window or peruse the local catch of the day at the raw seafood counter.
In case you haven’t noticed, dishes are served on Campania dinnerware, traditionally hand-painted in colourful, rustic patterns. (And if you’re in the mood to splurge, you can find similar options at VIETRI and thank me later.) Osteria Marzia’s selection of Southern Italian wines is also designed to complement delicate seafood flavours with extensive possibilities available.
A couple of dishes we recommend include
“Catch of the day”, a full-sized fish served either grilled, Sicilian-style, salt-baked or “acqua pazza” (poached in a light herb broth) and intended for sharing
Razor clams delicately diced and tossed in salsa verde with capers and a squeeze of burnt lemon
Cavatelli with market seafood, cherry tomatoes and basil
The menu does lean towards the pricey side, and I’d say give the deep-fried dishes like the zucchinis and calamari a pass, as the batter underplayed the freshness of the ingredients and came out a little bland. The restaurant ambience makes up for it, though; the maritime aesthetics and excellent playlist make it a charming setting for a romantic getaway or gathering with friends.
Thoughts
The Fleming effortlessly combines the best of both worlds – nostalgic charm and contemporary luxury – and stands as a testament to an essential part of Hong Kong’s maritime past. The attention to detail is evident, creating a cohesive and sophisticated ambience throughout the property.
Where most of Hong Kong’s hotels follow a minimalist ‘less is more’ approach, The Fleming does it refreshingly differently. Drawing inspiration from the Star Ferry, it goes all out with a conceptual yet well-executed design referencing the Hong Kong of yore, making it stand out in a hotel landscape dominated by somewhat predictable business behemoths.
There is no pool, spa or gym, but in space-scarce Hong Kong, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Plus, its prime location will keep guests occupied whether they indulge in Wan Chai’s vibrant offerings or explore the rest of Hong Kong.
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