Hotel review: Gateway Apartments Hong Kong

In 2016 Business Traveller reviewed a two-bedroom unit in this apartment complex soon after completion of renovations (see here for full review). In February 2018 the Hampton Court block was closed and repurposed as office space, leaving Sutton Court as the only tower operating as Gateway Apartments – a drop from 499 to 256 apartment units overall.

Sutton Court tower stands above the huge Harbour City shopping mall that runs up Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). The small entrance lobby can be hard to find, as it blends discreetly with surrounding shops – the closest mall entrance to the lobby from outside is opposite the large Apple store on Canton Road.

From the lobby you can walk through the mall all the way to the Star Ferry pier in 5-10 minutes, or exit on Canton Road and skirt Kowloon Park’s southern edge to the TST MTR station in five minutes.

This is a high-end serviced apartment complex with top-quality materials and furnishings, but it’s so unobtrusive and low-key that most people will wander around the Harbour City shopping mall never knowing it’s above them. The five private elevators whisk you up to hotel-style corridors, but the doors into the apartments are heavy and feel somehow more “home-like” than the average hotel room door.

Gateway Apartments has won many Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence, but it now has an even stronger focus on green initiatives, with new programmes launched in recent years. From the use of energy-saving LED lighting throughout, water-saving limiters in all shower heads and eco-friendly housekeeping products, to no bleach in flushing water (ozone is used in the main water tank), day/night modes in the corridors, a “Waste Wise” food waste programme and a switch to paperless soft copy information updates to residents, the management and staff see themselves as influencers in Hong Kong in environmental awareness. Residents are also involved in various schemes, such as knitting events and clothes donations for charities, and the Waste Wise programme.

Of course, all guests also have access to the Pacific Club, a fantastic private club located on one of the piers that jut out into the sea alongside Ocean Terminal. You have to go through the mall to get there (a few minutes’ walk), which can seem strange at first, but it’s well worth the journey.

These vary from studio to one-, two- and three-bedroom units, as well as penthouse apartments, and they are also divided between city view and harbour view. I was in a single-bedroom apartment this time, with a view eastwards over Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon Park – most would prefer a harbour view but I loved the night-time, neon-lit panorama of the city.

The living room was very spacious, helped by huge windows. The décor of all units is plain but tasteful in greys and beiges, with just a few subtle artworks and lots of space for long-term guests to personalise their living space. Massive TVs dominated both the living room and bedroom – the living room TV had a Samsung surround sound speaker system set up around the huge, cushion-strewn sofa, plus a DVD player, and both TVs gave access to a wide range of satellite TV channels.

The kitchen was fully fitted with cooking facilities and utensils…

…and there was a washer/dryer there too, plus a slow-drip coffee percolator and fridge-freezer.

The living room housed a large dining table near the kitchen door.

Wardrobe and storage space was plentiful, with an in-room safe (hotel style), iron and ironing board tucked away out of sight. The curtain blinds in both rooms blocked the light from the large windows well, but they were not electrically operated and drawing six sets of blinds with their own chain drawstrings each evening got old fast (I know, first-world problems).

The bed was very comfortable – bed linen is changed every other day and the apartment is serviced by the same maid six days a week (not on Sundays), so long-term guests can actually develop a personal relationship with their housekeeper should they wish.

There was a wide selection of lighting throughout the apartment, with alcove lights, hidden ceiling lights, lamps, etc, so you could tailor it to suit your mood, which I appreciated.

The bathroom boasted twin sinks and separate bath and walk-in shower. The shower and bath were both excellent – the shower head was large and powerful (there were massage jets as well for the spine), the bath deep and satisfying, with good handles for entry/exit (very useful for someone of my advancing years).

My only criticism would be the toilet hidden at the end of the bathroom behind a half wall: without a screening door or panel it could not be used by anyone wanting real privacy while someone else was in the shower or bath.

The work desk was in the bedroom, reasonably sized with plenty of draw space, an LED work light and a Philips clock radio with an iPod dock. Wifi was super-fast and easy to connect, and you get your own dedicated Hong Kong phone number, plus free local phone calls by dialling +9 followed by the local number. I wasn’t a fan of the chair though, which had no lumbar support so I found myself relocating to the sofa with my laptop whenever possible.

While I wasn’t able to fully use all the amenities during my four-day stay, my impression was that for the long-term resident, this could easily become a cosy and very comfortable “home from home”.

This is all located in the Pacific Club (you can still get in-room dining though). The Island View restaurant is at the end of the complex, looking out over the harbour – the views are inspirational during breakfast, which is buffet but with eggs cooked to order (you’re asked as soon as you sit down). It used to have an alfresco area, but this has now been glassed in, allowing it to be used in the winter (with heaters) and summer (with air-con).

Other restaurants include Bauhinia (Cantonese), Pier 6 (international cuisine), Capricci (Italian – reservations are advised as it’s small but popular), a Ramen Bar and the Oyster & Wine Bar. Snacks can also be ordered at the Club Bar and the Poolside Café.

The Pacific Club has various small meeting and dining rooms that can be booked for events.

The Pacific Club’s list of leisure facilities is impressive. Its gym is the largest I have seen in a hospitality setting, with all the machines and fitness paraphernalia you could want, and more. On the roof are five tennis courts (two indoors with air-con) and a golf driving range, and the large indoor swimming pool at the end of the pier is great, though often very busy.

The excellent spa has a traditional feel, with male and female areas, however refurbishments are scheduled to start this spring so it will change. There’s also a large indoor kids’ play area, and a small ten-pin bowling alley adjoining the bar.

For mid- to long-term accommodation in the heart of downtown Kowloon, there is little to match these apartments – especially with the considerable bonus of access to the superb Pacific Club amenities.

• Best for… Luxury living in the heart of Kowloon.
• Don’t miss… Using the Pacific Club as much as possible.
• Price A One-bedroom apartment ranges from HK$64,000 to HK$92,500 (US$8,153-$11,784) per month (one-month to 24-month leases).
• Contact gatewayapartments.com.hk