Hong Kong’s serviced apartments now imitate homes, not hotels
High-end operators are creating a real ‘home away from home’ for short- and long-term residents by laying on amenities and options
The original concept for serviced apartments in Hong Kong may have been to provide a functional alternative to hotel living for business people in town for a month or two.
But at the higher end of the scale, the focus now is on creating a real “home away from home” for short- and longer-term residents by laying on amenities and options that make it easy to settle in quickly, maintain an active lifestyle, and discover a host of new experiences.
Serviced apartment operators such as Sino Group and Sun Hung Kai are setting the trend in this regard.
“We strive to cater to the different needs of all our guests,” says Belinda Kuan, general manager of Signature Homes, a division of Sun Hung Kai Properties, whose portfolio includes Four Seasons Place in Central, The HarbourView Place in West Kowloon and Vega Suites in Tseung Kwan O.
“Our facilities create a haven for rest and recuperation with everything from heated rooftop pools and jacuzzis to reading lounges and 24-hour gymnasiums. However, anyone in search of something more lively can also use our social hubs like the Green Terrace to entertain friends and family.”
Aware that visitors can often face practical challenges during their stay, a dedicated guest relations and concierge team in on hand to help out at any time. As with any such service, they handle the basics such as organising airport transfers, making restaurant reservations, and offering advice on sightseeing and getting around town. They are also ready to step in and assist with things such as opening bank accounts, scouting out locations, arranging a tour of bridal shops, or purchasing a hard-to-find present for a loved one.
“Besides creating a home-from-home experience and meeting every need, we also wan-t to give guests special memories of their time in Hong Kong,” Kuan says.