Features

Serviced apartments: New sense of place

30 Jun 2015 by Valerian Ho
Taikoo Place Apartments CITY: Hong Kong OPENING IN: August 2015 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 111 ROOM TYPES: Studio (44-45 sqm), one-bedroom suite (57-68 sqm), two-bedroom suite (113 sqm), penthouse (113-150 sqm). LOCATION: Located in the business hub of Taikoo Place, the serviced residence is near Quarry Bay and Tai Koo MTR stations on the east of Hong Kong Island. Commercial spaces, outdoor eateries and cafés, bars, inspiring artworks and cultural events are within walking distance. PRICE: Monthly rental from HK$36,000 (US$4,644). Interiors are designed by New York-based firm Richardson Sadeki, with an understated palette of warm colour tones. Apartments include a Sealy bed, 42-inch Sony TV, Bose AV system, Blu-ray player and free wifi. The kitchen is equipped with an induction hob, fridge, a range of crockery, tableware and utensils. There are two communal lounges, as well as a refreshment bar, self-service launderette, and an outdoor terrace space that comes with a pantry, fridge, oven, induction hob and microwave oven. There are two spa rooms inspired by the traditional Turkish hammam, or steam bath, with the larger one accommodating five to six persons. taikooplaceapartments.com.hk   Eight Kwai Fong CITY: Hong Kong OPENING IN: August 2015 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 156 ROOM TYPES: Studio (30 sqm), one-bedroom apartment (50 sqm). LOCATION: Situated on Kwai Fong Street in Happy Valley, the building is within easy reach of business and shopping areas – five minutes by MTR to Causeway Bay and 15 minutes to Central. The apartments are close to more than 50 cafés and restaurants, as well as the famous Happy Valley Racecourse. PRICE: Monthly rental starts from HK$26,500 (US$3,418). Eight Kwai Fong showcases “The Artisanal Movement”, displaying iconic and functional furniture, tableware and artefacts handpicked from around the world. This includes the Radiofonografo, a cool 1960s multimedia station with turntable, radio and amplifier. Each apartment has a private balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows, HDTV and Blu-ray player, air conditioning and heating, designer kitchen with Gaggenau electrical appliances, Dornbracht bathroom fixtures with rain shower, as well as free wifi and local phone calls. A 24-hour Elite Service handles all guest affairs from general enquiries to fine dining bookings and in-house catering. There is a Collection Room and Hobby Room where residents can relax, a dining room with an open kitchen for private functions, a rooftop garden and a 24-hour gym. 8kf.com.hk   Aroma Garden Serviced Suites by Lanson Place CITY: Shanghai OPENED IN: April 2015 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 79 ROOM TYPES: One-bedroom (97-145 sqm), two-bedroom (152-186 sqm), penthouse (253-470 sqm). LOCATION: The property is on Huaihai Road in Shanghai’s central business district. The Lujiazui financial district is eight minutes away by taxi, while The Bund, Xintiandi, and Yu Garden are all within walking distance. PRICE: Monthly rental is from RMB28,000 (US$4,565). Aroma Garden is located in an historical area recognised as a Cultural Heritage Site. The area was once home to one of the three most prominent Shanghai gardens during the Ming dynasty, and remains of an ancient city wall are still visible. Each suite features LED TV, home theatre system, coffee machine and iPod docking station. The kitchen has a microwave oven, fridge, washer and dryer, dish washing machine, tableware and cooking utensils. The property has meeting rooms, outdoor barbecue and bar area, as well as complimentary continental breakfast at the Resident Lounge. Other services include limousine transfer from airport, orientation tour for new residents, vehicle reservation, itinerary planning, and event organising. aromagarden.lansonplace.com   Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Airport CITY: Sydney OPENED IN: March 2015 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 123 ROOM TYPES: Studio (30 sqm), one-bedroom (42 sqm), two-bedroom (68 sqm). LOCATION: Conveniently located in Mascot, a suburb of Sydney that is a popular business hub with a choice of venues for meetings and corporate conferences. The property is just a few minutes drive from Sydney Airport. It is also near  Mascot train station, from where you can reach destinations such as Darling Harbour and the Queen Victoria building within 15 minutes. PRICE: From A$169 (US$130) a night. Each room has a kitchen with microwave oven and induction hob, while one- and two-bedroom apartments also come with laundry facilities and a balcony. Room facilities include iPod docking station, wifi with 100MB complimentary per day, flatscreen TV with Australia’s Foxtel channels, tea and coffee making facilities, and a minibar. Services include a doctor on-call and grocery delivery. There are two meeting rooms capable of hosting 100 delegates theatre-style and August will see the opening of an onsite restaurant and bar, Home Bistro. tfehotels.com   Ascott Kuningan Jakarta CITY: Jakarta OPENED IN: October 2014 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 185 ROOM TYPES: One-bedroom (50 sqm), two-bedroom (109-116 sqm), three-bedroom (145-150 sqm). LOCATION: In the city’s central business district, and part of the Ciputra World 1, a large integrated and cosmopolitan development that consists of an upscale shopping centre, Artpreneur museum showcasing the art collection of Dr Ir Ciputra, theatre and office tower. The Jakarta Convention Center and World Trade Center Jakarta are also within walking distance. PRICE: One-night stay from US$230; or from US$4,500 per month. The property and apartments feature expressionist pieces by Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan, depicting scenes of daily Indonesian life. Each apartment has dedicated living and dining areas and features a 40-inch LED TV (plus a 32-inch in the bedroom), DVD player, hifi system and iPod docking station. Kitchens have a Dolce Gusto coffee machine, dishwasher, cooker hob and hood, microwave, washing machine and dryer, rice cooker, toaster, tableware and utensils. A multi-function meeting room features audio-visual equipment, and the property offers recreation choices including swimming, tennis, badminton, basketball, aerobics as well as a garden terrace. Guests can also join residence programmes like the monthly Indonesian cuisine cooking classes. the-ascott.com   Somerset Grandview Shenzhen CITY: Shenzhen OPENED IN: December 2014 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 192 ROOM TYPES: Studio (65-85 sqm), one-bedroom (89 sqm), two-bedroom (102 -138 sqm), three-bedroom (168 sqm). LOCATION: The only international serviced residence in Futian central business district. The property is close to Shenzhen Golf Club and Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre, and a 10-minute walk to Coco Park Shopping Mall. PRICE: One-night’s stay from RMB840 (US$135). Because of the proximity to Shenzhen Golf Club, apartments are decorated with golf-themed art. Kitchens have a fridge, washing machine, electric kettle, microwave oven, toaster and tableware. Most of the apartments have a private balcony, while the studio executive apartments include a private meeting room for two people. The property provides daily buffet breakfast, courier, secretary and housekeeping twice a week. A free shuttle bus to Shopping Park Metro Station is available at 7.30am and 8am on weekdays. Recreation facilities include a hot yoga room, spa bath, mini-movie theatre, sauna and steam room, and snooker room. There are residence programmes, such as weekly yoga workshops and a monthly tour of the local area. somerset.com   Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo CITY: Tokyo OPENED IN: April 2015 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 206 ROOM TYPES: Studio (17-47 sqm), one-bedroom executive twin (39 sqm). LOCATION: In Shinjuku, a major commercial and administrative centre of the city, and within a 10-minute walk of JR Shinjuku Station, one of the world’s busiest transport hubs connecting central and western Tokyo by rail and subway. The serviced residence is surrounded by entertainment outlets, restaurants, department stores, fashionable boutiques and shopping complexes. PRICE: Stays for one night from ¥10,000 (US$80). Due to limited space, which is typical in Tokyo, the apartments do not have kitchens. However, each room has a TV, work desk, electric kettle with tea and coffee set, and a mini fridge. Most rooms also provide a trouser press, and a massage chair. Services include daily buffet breakfast in the resident's lounge, courier and printing. There is also a launderette for residents to use washing machine themselves. There are also amenities such as a vending machine, foreign exchange machine, and a convenience store. Local tours and dining reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants can also be arranged by bilingual staff. citadines.com   Oakwood Residence Kapil Hyderabad CITY: Hyderabad OPENED IN: June 2015 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 158 ROOM TYPES: Studio (35-53 sqm), one-bedroom (53-99 sqm). LOCATION: Situated in Gachibowli, an IT hub and the new financial district of Hyderabad, the property is a 30-minute drive from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. It is also close to shopping arcades, heritage sites and commercial destinations. PRICE: Nightly rates are from US$72. Each apartment has a 40-inch TV, a DVD player, and a kitchen equipped with microwave oven and fridge. One-bedroom apartments also feature a dishwasher and dryer. Services include pressing, maintenance, postal, and on-call doctor. The property has launderette facilities on each floor. The 24-hour Oakleaf restaurant presents a selection of international dishes and Asian favourites. Its design concept resembles a lounge, complete with a 50-inch HD TV and a selection of newspapers, magazines, and books. The highlight of this serviced residence is its banquet services and facilities, as it offers a pillarless 312 sqm banquet hall that can accommodate 250 guests. Other features include a weekend shuttle to the nearest mall, and high-tea gatherings once a month. oakwoodasia.com   Capri by Fraser Brisbane CITY: Brisbane OPENED IN: April 2015 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 239 ROOM TYPES: Studio (25-28 sqm), Capri Club (25-28 sqm), one-bedroom Executive (45-55 sqm). LOCATION: The property is in the city’s business district within walking distance of Queen Street Mall, City Botanical Gardens, Waterfront Place, and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The airport is a 25-minute drive. PRICE: From A$199 (US$152) per night for Fraser Winter Fun package. The serviced residence was designed by the award-winning Ministry Of Design to bring a touch of the rainforest to the development, with a live vertical garden wall and cool art installations. Each apartment features a 48-inch Smart TV, Nespresso coffee machine, iPod docking station, and Malin+Goetz toiletries, while the kitchen is equipped with a cook top and microwave oven. The property offers e-services including iPad-activated check-ins, e-concierge, as well as e-print facilities. Technology also applies to the meeting and event facilities, such as the interactive touchscreen panels in the Pow Wow boardroom. Facilities include the Capri Club Lounge (for club floor guests only) and the hotel’s signature 24-hour Spin and Play room with foosball and Xbox Kinect TV games, and a 24/7 launderette. brisbane.capribyfraser.com   Fraser Residence Kuala Lumpur CITY: Kuala Lumpur OPENED IN: March 2015 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 445 ROOM TYPES: Studio (58 sqm), one-bedroom (88-116 sqm), two-bedroom (122-191 sqm), penthouse (825-944 sqm). LOCATION: In the city centre, within walking distance to the Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It’s also a five-minute walk from Bukit Nanas monorail and Dang Wangi LRT stations. PRICE: Nightly rates start from MYR264 (US$70) per night for an Advance Purchase package. Fraser Hospitality’s third property in the city is the group’s largest serviced residence to date. Each apartment features floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony and a kitchen equipped with induction hood, fridge, and washer/dryer. There are three function rooms, two meeting rooms and a boardroom. The largest meeting space, Sandalwood, can accommodate 85 people, theatre-style. A poolside cocktail party can be booked for up to 250 guests. Leisure facilities include a Sky Gym and Yoga Suite overlooking the city’s skyline, an outdoor swimming pool and pool bar, outdoor spa bath, steam and sauna, and Club Lounge & Bar with indoor and alfresco seating. All-day dining is available at the Relish restaurant and Café on the Fifth. kualalumpur.frasershospitality.com
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