WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Open since 2007, the neoclassical grey stone façade on Leighton Road in Causeway Bay hides a newly refurbished five-star luxury hotel. Reception on the ground floor is very welcoming: on my arrival in late afternoon there were four young attendants smartly dressed in grey suits to see me up in the lift to the first floor where reception and check-in takes place in a comfortable seat in front of the desk.
The Lanson Place brand is part of Wing Tai Properties (www.wingtaiproperties.com) and debuted with this property in Hong Kong in 2005. Over the last nine years, it has added six properties in Beijing, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and further openings are slated for Beijing and Shanghai. Most of these are termed “serviced residences”, though this one is a boutique hotel. This is partly because it secured a hotel licence, meaning it can offer long-term stays; some residents have been at the property, which is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, for several years.
WHERE IS IT?
It’s less than five minutes’ walk from Causeway Bay MTR station (use exit F). You can walk to shopping hub Causeway Bay in minutes, and the nearest mall is upscale offering Hysan Place.
ROOM FACILITIES
Following refurbishment in 2013, the rooms debuted their new look last October.
The 194 rooms are located on the third floor up to the 28th floor, and are divided into five categories, from superior (35 sqm) to Grand Luxe and Prestige Suites (55 sqm), plus a few one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites (90-180 sqm). My Grand Luxe room had a kitchenette with a two-hob electric stove, microwave, sink, fridge and dishwasher – plenty enough for a long stay in Hong Kong.
A basket of soft drinks and nibbles was placed in my room as a welcome, with the offer to replenish with whatever items I wished during my stay. But there are plenty of nearby convenience stores and supermarkets, and I frequently saw takeaway food being delivered to the hotel. Two bottles of water were left for me each day, and there was a twice-daily maid service, tidying in the morning and turning down in the evening. The room had two separate areas: a bedroom and the living room, with a small bathroom off the bedroom and the kitchenette close to the door and to one side of the living area. It’s a good size – some 45 sqm. There was a king-size bed, a glass work desk, and then a television that revolves so it can be watched either from the bed or from the comfortable seating area.
An iron, ironing board, in-room safe, mini ladder (for reaching pans on high shelves) are neatly tucked away in a spacious cupboard. This stay was in February, when Hong Kong is still a little chilly, so there was a radiator tucked under the work desk in case it got cold, the air conditioning being far more effective at chilling the room than warming it up. Wifi is complimentary.
RESTAURANTS
There is no restaurant other than the 133 Lounge and Library, which serves a complimentary healthy breakfast of boiled eggs, yoghurt, muesli and fruits. A selection of cold cuts and a cheese platter is served from 4pm to midnight.
BARS
Resembling a business class or executive lounge, the 133 Lounge and Library hosts live jazz performances on Wednesday and Thursday. To one side of reception is the library – a quiet seating area good for relaxing and reading in the evening.
BUSINESS FACILITIES
A 200 sqm meeting room with a copier, fax, binder, scanner and two computer terminals. Wireless broadband internet is available throughout the hotel.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The 24-hour gym is well equipped and has plenty of natural light.
VERDICT
Really good – the hotel has always been great for stays of a few days or more, with the kitchenette giving you the freedom to relax and have simple snacks and meals in your room. The refurbishment of the rooms has brought the hotel bang up to date and clever use of mirrors has made the rooms feel more spacious. A real find.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 194 divided into five categories: Superior (35 sqm), Premier, Deluxe, Grand Luxe and Prestige Suite (55 sqm) and several one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites (90-180 sqm).
- HIGHLIGHTS Thoughtful service, central but tucked away location, kitchenette
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible mid-week stay in June start from HK$2,205 (US$284.4) for a Grand Luxe room.
- CONTACT 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; tel +852 3477 6888;
- http://hongkong.lansonplace.com
