Hong Kong’s most innovative hotel with a social impact

What if Wong Kar-wai had designed a hotel?

This was one of the questions Katherine Lo set out to explore when launching Eaton Workshop, a multifaceted space in her hometown of Hong Kong, combining a hotel, co-working area, music venue, radio station, art gallery, and more.

A devoted fan of director Wong Kar-wai, known for his iconic films like “In the Mood for Love” and “Chungking Express,” Lo envisioned his distinct visual style as a major influence when creating Eaton.

Lo, daughter of Langham Hotels’ CEO, was given a clear mandate—to design her dream hotel while staying within budget and respecting her family's expectations.

Eaton Workshop introduces a revolutionary concept for hotels, focusing not only on unique design but also on bold social activism.

While many hotels integrate corporate responsibility quietly, such as saving soap for donation or offering employee benefits, Lo wanted to make her values front and center, ensuring they were never hidden away.

The idea for Eaton Workshop began in 2016 when Lo, during a visit to Hong Kong from Washington, D.C. (home to the original Eaton), gathered a group of 20 influential tastemakers at a bar to discuss what they envisioned for their city.

Lo asked, 'How has Hong Kong evolved over the past five, ten, or twenty years? What are the passions and dreams of its people, and what do they feel the city is missing?' The overwhelming response was a lack of physical space.

While the need for physical space is undeniable in a densely packed city like Hong Kong, it was only part of the story.

The vision extended beyond just physical space to include a place for marginalized groups and creative minds to thrive. During the hotel’s opening, it hosted a human rights festival, highlighted by the keynote “Queering Public Space.”

This philosophy is woven into every corner of Eaton, located in Hong Kong’s Yau Ma Tei district, extending far beyond just special events.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an art installation featuring queer couples. At the front desk, copies of 10 LGBT-themed books recently banned from sale in the city are available for guests to view.

The exterior of the hotel features large photographs of queer couples, including a poignant image of a couple separated by immigration barriers, with one partner relying on FaceTime for communication.

Lo reflects on growing up in Hong Kong, a city driven by finance where the only places to socialize were shopping malls. She wanted to create a space for local youth, changemakers, and creatives to gather where commerce wasn’t the focus.

Young musicians often lack rehearsal spaces, and venues are scarce, which is why they are particularly excited about Eaton. The hotel also serves as a hub for contemporary art, especially in a city where top galleries have been shut down, fostering a vibrant art scene akin to an institution.

Another key feature?

A neon-lit escalator that transports you straight into the world of Faye Wong in 'Chungking Express.' But good luck finding it amid all the art, music, and food.