A place of his own

Note: This article was written in August 2009 for Express Hospitality

With the popularity of ‘only women’ floors in hotels, can the ‘only boys’ concept be far behind? 'His Space' at the Hong Kong-based The Fleming has on offer all the boy toys including PlayStation, Xbox 360, in-room golf putting green, iPod entertainment and the latest men’s magazines.

The quiet side-street, in the heart of the Wan Chai business and entertainment district on which this 66-rooms business boutique hotel is located, belies the hip and the stylish hotel interiors. After launching the concept of ‘Her Space’ in February 2007, The Fleming has now introduced the ultimate room concept for men – and going by its manager Francis Lee, the first in Hong Kong to do so.

The 'His Space' concept has been designed as a gaming paradise with video consoles for Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, a golf putting green in rooms along with an iPod dock entertainment system, men’s magazines and a comprehensive DVD library. Of course, all this comes at a premium. The ‘His Space’ rooms are priced at HK$ 1,400 a night subject to 10 per cent service charge and a supplement of HK$ 300 for high season bookings.

“We also have an offer at the moment to promote this idea – a 50 per cent discount on selected imported beers, including Belgium brews, plus complimentary local calls, broadband internet and cable TV,” says Lee. Extras include an American breakfast, late check-out (until 3 pm) and access to California Fitness exercise classes. For a supplement of HK$ 400, guests can upgrade to executive rooms with fully-equipped kitchens, foot massage machines and multi-function fax facilities.

Nevertheless, according to Lee, Her Space is equally popular among female executive travelers if not more with amenities like the facial steamer and leg massage machines. “We continuously upgrade our amenities and services by improving both our hardware and software. This will ultimately win the loyalty of our guests,” says Lee.

A ‘home feel’ 

Working with the hotel since 2007, Lee says that the decision to incorporate the ‘His Space’ concept was taken by the hotel management as well as its PR team. “We thought that it would be something entirely different for male travellers to enjoy while staying in a standard hotel room. The games consoles will definitely add to the ‘home feel’. It was also following on from the success of our ‘Her Space’ floor,” he says.

Targeted at single male business travellers with a general interest in boy toys, the rooms are also open to families who may request to stay at His Space. “However, it is not recommended as the video games and magazines may display materials unsuitable for children under 18. But we can selectively arrange personalised products for families, such as the Wii room,” Lee adds.

His and Her Space will be marketed when the “new hotel image” is launched at the end of the year. However, Lee did not reveal what the new image is going to be. But the overhaul might be a strategy to overcome the slow market. Lee says, “With the difficulty that many hotel operators are facing at the moment, revising room rates and rolling out different promotions are key. His Space is definitely one of the strategies to keep The Fleming brand exposed and highlighting our oriented approach and keeping us ahead of the market.”

The Fleming was ranked on Condé Nast Traveller’s Hot List 2007 among the world’s best new hotels, and a finalist as Best Boutique Hotel of the Year 2007 in the SCMP/Harper’s Bazaar Style Awards. It is a member of Sterling Hotels, a collection of hotels from Preferred Hotel Group.