Just arrived, mama? A guide to serviced apartment living in Hong Kong

Stepping off the plane and heading straight to a serviced apartment is an accommodation option that has always been seen as a temporary – yet convenient – solution for new arrivals to Hong Kong. Apartments were historically booked for short-term periods by expats relocating here, before finding a home. However, the trend has now shifted towards leases for much longer periods of time and these days, some tenants even stay in serviced apartments for the entire duration of their time here.

Serviced apartments are highly convenient and come equipped with furniture, utility services, broadband internet and various other facilities. This means that tenants can simply move in with their luggage in tow, and needn’t worry about the hassle of furnishing an empty apartment.

Here we explore the many options of serviced apartments available in Hong Kong, catering to different budgets and location preferences.

Economy Class

As the name suggests, the serviced apartments within this category are economic and affordable. However, due to a recent increase in demand and competition, the quality of lower-cost residences has also increased. These apartments are relatively small by comparison, and are made up of studios and one-bed apartments ranging from approximately 300 – 500 sq. ft. Most of them are situated in convenient locations with easy access to public transport.

Serviced apartments in this category include:

• Treasure View, Sheung Wan – this serviced apartment is located next to the MTR station. All of the studios are a reasonable size and only one apartment per floor. All guests are afforded comfort and privacy.
• Residence De Causeway – this serviced apartment is situated in the shoppers’ paradise of Causeway Bay and a mere 3-minute stroll to the MTR. It means their guests are within striking distance of the most popular landmarks in Hong Kong. All apartments, even the studios, are equipped with an enclosed kitchen.

How much: approximately HK$20,000 to HK$30,000 a month

Business Class

Also known as the ‘Boutique’ category, this group of serviced apartments is the most popular and has been extensively developed over the last 10 years. These residences are set between the economy and luxury offerings in terms of price, but they are trendy, and are often fitted out by famous designers. They are also larger in size than the economy units at approximately 400 – 800 sq. ft., making them a more realistic family option, and are also located within close proximity to public transport and entertainment spots.

Serviced apartments in this category include:

• The Putman – Set in the vibrant Central district, the Putman was conceived by renowned designer Andree Putman. Luxurious notes are infused subtly with elements like Simmons mattresses, Frette linens, Dornbracht rain showers, and other classic touches.
• Yin and Yi Serviced Apartments – With the former located in Central and the latter located in Tsim Sha Tsui, both cater predominantly to business executives. They aim to combine the luxury of a five-star hotel with the warm ambience of home. Both residences are fully equipped with business facilities to cater to working professionals, but also provide a sense of home, with fully-equipped kitchens and warm settings.

How much: approximately HK$28,000 to HK$60,000 a month

Upper Class

Serviced apartments in this category exemplify luxury living at its height and are the best family-friendly option. Exemplary service covers every detail, and personalised concierge services, a plethora of amenities ranging from business lounges, resort-style swimming pools, gym and fitness facilities to children’s playrooms and reading rooms are typically part of the complex. There is a large range of sizes for apartments in this category; starting from 600 sq. ft. for more modest units up to 3,900 sq. ft. for extravagant penthouses.

Serviced apartments in this category include:

• The Lily– Luxury at The Lily starts with the views; featuring a breath-taking view of Repulse Bay and the South China Sea, every detail enhances the experience of living there. The iconic structure is designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster and offers some of the largest serviced apartments in Hong Kong.
• Four Seasons Place – With the Four Seasons brand name, luxury and opulence is a guarantee. Conveniently located in the heart of the Central business district, this residence is ideal for corporate professionals. Orientation specialists and a 24-hour multilingual concierge service ensure that the needs of residents are fully satisfied.

How much: approximately HK$50,000 to HK$400,000 a month

This article is contributed by Anne-Marie Sage. Anne-Marie Sage works at Jones Lang LaSalle, Hong Kong. She is responsible for residential leasing and relocation services of expatriates to Hong Kong. Having a wealth of experience, Anne-Marie has great insight and expertise on the luxury residential properties in Hong Kong. For enquiries, please contact her at [email protected]. Anne-Marie has been working for 17 years with large real estate companies and is a licensed estate agent in Hong Kong.