I just touched down again in my second home, HK, for a few days of speeches, meetings and research planning.

For almost a decade now I have been staying at the MO and the Landmark MO, both exquisite hotels with unmatched service and attention to detail.

Thinking it was time for a change, I asked my assistant to look for new digs – and she completely outdid herself, with the Upper House. The UH is located in Pacific Place and is so secret, that I never noticed it right next to Pacific Place.

What makes the place special is a unique understated sense of cool, while keeping the same top level service as the MO/LMO (also with a Michelin star restaurant on the top floor – but while Amber (LMO) is on the seventh floor and Pierre II (MO) on twenty-five, Cafe Gray is on forty-eight.

More importantly, I got the sense of old vs. new in emerging markets comparing the hotels. The rooms are huge, and the views of the HK harbour magnificent, something the Mandarins have a challenge with, but on top of that two major differences stand out for me:

1. IT: The UH not only provides free wireless throughout the hotel (the Mandarin charges $30 per day and per device, i.e. with $90 with a laptop, ipad and iphone), but everything else in the room is top-notch. An ipod touch controls the whole room and gives all service details – no more old room service guides or multiple remotes: curtains, lights, room service, television, music (duh) and more.

2. Convenience: Everything in the room is included and tricked out – that means everything in the mini-bar except for the champagne, a personal shiny Illy espresso machine (you score with me on that for sure – and I assume with many a jetlagged client), shoe shining, a personalized vanity bag with everything your heart desires (and for you to keep), and more.

There is also a lobby level garden lounge with a bar that gives you a relaxing environment to work in.

Lastly, the service matches (and partially outdoes) the legendary Mandarin. I asked for some recommendations on current events in the city and places to go to. Within 15 minutes I had a package of recommendations to secret new bars and more, along with the latest TimeOut HK and a personal message from the young intern that checked me in, Natalie.

It’s already too late for some developed markets to wake up to the power, creativity and innovation to emerging markets, but even within EM there is a dichotomy between Old vs. New. Did I mention it costs less?

Better get ready.