No where else is really like home, but if you have to live in a foreign land for an extended period of time, hotel residences are a great option, writes Rachael Ho
When you are on short business trips, all you need in accommodation is a centrally located hotel with a comfortable bed, clean room and powerful shower – and maybe wifi. But for a longer stay, a hotel room can get claustrophobic… and your craving for home-cooked food will also kick in. This is when you need an environment that feels more like home.
Serviced apartments, which come with amenities such as a kitchenette and a living room, are a natural choice, and companies such as The Ascott Group and Frasers Hospitality are constantly rolling out new properties offering increased comfort and even luxury.
Seeing a growing market of travellers needing extended-stay accommodation, an increasing number of major hotel brands have rolled out “hotel residences”. These units are usually owned by private developers, who commission hotel groups to provide service to residents. The choice can include everything from studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments to penthouses, all fully furnished apartments equipped with kitchens, wifi internet access, home theatre systems and, most importantly, space.
The serviced apartment concept was created by Marriott in the US. Opening its doors to guests in 1975, its Residence Inn pioneered the long-stay hotel segment, catering to business travellers seeking apartment-style accommodation for extended stays. Since then, the brand has spearheaded the design and service standards of this product around the world.
Residences managed by hotel groups have some unique advantages. The room configuration is consistent with the brand’s standard, making you feel like you’re staying at your favourite hotel – except with much more space. Hotel brands also bring in years of experience in satisfying the needs of travellers.
The Sandalwood, Beijing – Marriott Executive Apartments, for example, has all its apartments installed with universal sockets, so none of its guests will be met with the unpleasant surprise of not being able to plug in their gadgets. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty programme, you can also cash in on benefits by staying at residences managed by the same group.
In addition, some of these residences are adjacent to hotels, providing their occupants with the luxury of savouring the finest cuisine, working out in a state-of-the-art gym and getting pampered at spas. Todd Nishimura, Four Seasons marketing manager–residential, says: “Our residents want to be as comfortable as they can, they want their needs to be attended to as if they are at home.”
Centre of it all
Managed by the famed hotel chain, Four Seasons Place, Hong Kong is located in the heart of the business district of Central. The property, jointly developed by Henderson Land Development and Sun Hung Kai Properties, is not only directly connected to the International Finance Centre (IFC) complex, which includes two office towers, the Four Seasons Hotel and a luxury mall, but also the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station. Hong Kong Station’s Airport Express is right downstairs and the city check-in desk allows guests to get their boarding passes and drop their bags off before they take the 20-minute train ride to the airport, leaving them more time to do things in the city before their flight. There are also several international schools within a 30-minute drive for families with children. The dining district of SoHo and nightlife precinct of Lan Kwai Fong are within walking distance.
Ranging from studios to one- to three-bedroom suites, apartments measure from 547 square feet (51sqm) for a studio apartment to 1,867 square feet (173sqm) for a three-bedroom suite. The monthly rate ranges from HK$46,000 (US$5,918) to HK$188,000 (US$24,188). Staying in Four Seasons Place also entitles one to advantages like discounts at select shops at IFC mall, and being a short walk away from Michelin-star dining experiences at Four Seasons Hotel such as Lung King Heen, the first Chinese restaurant in the world to garner three stars, and Caprice, headed by Vincent Thierry, formerly the deputy chef of Le Cinq at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris.
www.fsphk.com
Urban oasis
Nestled within Singapore’s prime residential district, Shangri-La Residences emulates a cosy, resort-like feel that makes it hard to believe that it is just a short stroll away from Singapore’s famed entertainment and shopping belt, Orchard Road. If you love to retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, you will find the four-storey villa-style residence a breath of fresh air. The 55-unit property is also close to Gleneagles Hospital, Botanic Gardens, and several top schools.
Residents staying at any of the 14 roof terrace units on the fourth storey can enjoy a private rooftop terrace featuring a private Jacuzzi and barbecue pit. A two-bedroom ground floor unit measures 1,459 square feet (135.5sqm), while a four-bedroom rooftop unit measures 2,923 square feet (271.5sqm). Residents enjoy signing privileges and 20 percent discount at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore’s restaurants and bars, grocery delivery and baby-sitting services. Monthly rates start from S$13,500 (US$10,868), with a minimum lease of one year.
www.shangri-la.com/en/property/singapore/shangrila/residences
Where loyalty pays
The Sandalwood, Beijing – Marriott Executive Apartments is situated in the business district of Chaoyang, and is close to Beijing Capital International Airport. The 4.5-star property is adjacent to China Central Place – the largest office and shopping complex in the area – Xing Long Park and Mei Song Golf Club. It is also just steps away from the Beijing subway. On weekdays, there are shuttle services to key commercial areas and the International City School.
Loyalty programme fans will be happy to hear that under the Marriott Rewards Programme, members can opt to earn miles instead of points at a rate of one mile per US dollar on the room rates. They can also earn points at 2.5 points per US dollar on room rates. The 180-day cap on earning points in the residence has also been lifted. Other privileges include a discount at the nearby golf driving range.
Many serviced apartments do provide breakfast, but The Sandalwood does it in style, in the form of a buffet with both Asian and European-style dishes. It is included in the room rate, as well as 24-hour complimentary coffee or tea and afternoon snacks at the Resident’s lounge. There are also many fun-filled events organised to help establish bonds among its residents. Residents’ parties, Christmas parties, mountain climbing, and even gatherings at bars are held once per quarter.
Monthly rates start from RMB20,000 (US$3,076) for a one-bedroom apartment, rising to RMB50,000 (US$7,689) for a three-bedroom apartment.
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bjssw-the-sandalwood-beijing-marriott-executive-apartments
Magnificent views
Situated close to the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, Dusit Residence Dubai Marina offers panoramic views of the Marina area and across the Arabian Gulf. The 35-storey property with 146 residences is within walking distance of business and leisure areas such as Marina Mall and Jumeirah Beach Walk. It is 2km away from Emirates Golf Club, 8km away from the Mall of Emirates, and 36km away from Dubai International Airport.
This residence offers a restaurant and bar where residents can enjoy a 20 percent discount on all food and beverages. The main dining outlet, 32 Marina Street Kitchen, serves up a tantalising array of international cuisine, while The Fusion Lounge offers a chic ambience for a late-night drink.
On top of the warm Thai-style hospitality, there are also babysitting services available at AED75 (US$20.40) per hour until 10pm and AED120 (US$32.66) per hour after 10pm.
The property offers one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as three-bedroom penthouses, for a monthly rate starting from AED16,500 (US$4,496) for a one-bedroom apartment, to AED24,000 (US$6,534) for a three-bedroom penthouse. The rate includes a housekeeping service, internet access, laundry and dry-cleaning services, daily newspaper, limousine service, and a parking facility.
www.dusit.com/dusit-residence
Athlete’s haven
A member of the WorldHotels, The Residence Sultan Hotel Jakarta consists of two 30-storey towers situated in the five-star Sultan Hotel complex. Surrounded by 32 acres (13ha) of landscaped garden, the property is located in the heart of the Sudirman Central Business District, and is near the Senayan sports complex, many international schools, as well as shopping malls.
This residence is almost like a sports hub. With a 500-metre jogging track, 12 tennis courts, a multipurpose court for basketball, volleyball and futsal, and a fitness centre shared with the adjacent hotel, you can forget about signing up for a gym membership outside. There is also a private swimming pool for residents only. Besides a good workout, residents can also enjoy a 15 percent discount at the Confiserie Cake Shop, the laundry shop and the florist. A 10 percent discount can also be enjoyed on all banquet functions held in the residence. Residents can also chill and relax over complimentary coffee every Monday and Wednesday morning in the lobby.
Monthly rates range from US$2,900 to US$7,000.
http://theresidence-jakarta.com
Feel on top of the world
Not hotel-branded but offering access to W Hong Kong is The HarbourView Place by Sun Hung Kai Properties (also the developer of Four Seasons Place) through its luxury residential leasing arm Signature Homes. Located atop the MTR Airport Express link at Kowloon Station, it is a mere 20 minutes away from the airport. It neighbours the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the fourth tallest tower in the world and home to the world’s highest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. At the foot of the building is Elements, a shopping mall measuring over one million square feet. Guests here do not have to venture far for retail therapy.
This residence offers studios, one- to three-bedroom suites and presidential suites, with sizes ranging from 464 square feet (43sqm) to 3,270 square feet (303.8sqm). With 266 suites located 190 metres above ground, residents can enjoy picturesque views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula. If luxury is what you look for in a home, the Premier Presidential Suite will impress you – rich Santos rosewood with polished chrome accents, walnut flooring and Italian furnishings create an opulent but cosy ambiance for one to unwind in after a long day at work. The master bedroom is bedecked with luxury fabrics, deluxe fittings, Italian marble, and spa facilities in the bathroom.
For a leisure weekend, you can head over to the clubhouse on the 50th storey for the health club, chill-out lounge, multipurpose function room or the library, which has complimentary internet access. On the 76th floor, there is a heated rooftop pool, where you can swim a few laps or simply revel in the magnificent scenery that surrounds the residence. If you are new to Hong Kong, worry not about settling down, as the residence’s guest relations team will enhance your experience of living in the country.
Monthly rates start from HK$30,000 (US$3,859).
Room to buy
While most hotels lease apartments on a monthly basis for long-staying guests, some hotel groups offer private residences for sale. These residences cater to guests who have grown to love living in a hotel residence so much, that they are willing to make an investment.
If you travel to a city often enough, is it worth buying a hotel residence as both a second home and an investment? Although the cost of purchasing a hotel residence generally works out more expensive than regular condominiums, the perks of living in one make up for the extra cost.
Firstly, these abodes are tastefully furnished with all the essentials you need. This strikes out the need to do up a regular home, and leads to time and cost savings.
Secondly, when your light bulb blows, or a sink gets clogged, you are just minutes away from having it fixed simply by calling the hotel staff. The level of support you get during such situations is definitely higher than when you are living in a condominium.
Thirdly, of course, there is the convenience – daily housekeeping, room service, 24-hour concierge service, and dining venues situated right below your apartment are big pluses for people with hectic lifestyles. Another bonus factor is the status of being connected to a hotel brand. “The common denominators clients seek are always product excellence, safety, services and facilities, location and choosing a brand that is synonymous with luxurious living,” says Daniel Ford, executive director of communications of Marriott International, Asia-Pacific.
Comparison of hotel residence prices vs nearby properties:
Singapore
Hotel Residence
Property: Ritz-Carlton Residences
Location: Cairnhill
Price per square foot: S$3,419 (US$2,738) to S$3,823 (US$3,061) for 3-bedroom apartments (2,831 sqft/263sqm)
S$4,351 (US$3,485) to S$4,586 (US$3,658) for 4-bedroom apartments (3,057 sqft/284sqm)
Property nearby
Property: 111 Emerald Hill
Location: Emerald Hill
Price per square foot: S$2,500 (US$2,002) to S$3,300 (US$2,643)
Source: Knight Frank
New York
Hotel Residence
Property: St Regis New York
Location: Midtown East, New York
Price per square foot: US$2,707 to US$4,138
Property nearby
Property: 240 East 55th Street
Location: 240 East 55th Street
Price per square foot: US$693
Source: Trulia
Jakarta
Hotel Residence
Property: Best Western Mangga Dua Hotel & Residence
Location: Jalan Mangga Dua Abdad 111, Jakarta
Price per square foot: US$1,300
Property nearby
Property: Setiabudi Residences
Location: Jalan HR Rasuna Said Kav 62, Jakarta
Price per square foot: US$2,000 to US$2,500
Source: apartmentsjakarta.com
Beijing
Hotel Residence
Property: Four Seasons Private Residences Beijing
Location: 48 Xiao Liang Ma Qiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Price per square foot: RMB8,000 (US$1,230)
Property nearby
Property: No.8 Royal Park
Location: No. 8 Xiaoyun Road
Price per square foot: RMB8,500 (US$ 1,306) to RMB12,000 (US$1,845)
Source: beijingrealestate.com
Toronto
Hotel Residence
Property: Four Seasons Private Residences Toronto
Location: 50 Scollard Street
Price per square foot: C$1,500 (US$1,538) to C$2,500 (US$2,564)
Property nearby
Property: The Regency Yorkville
Location: 68 Yorkville Avenue
Price per square foot: C$920 (US$949)
Source: Avant Garde Real Estate Limited Brokerage
