For sheer travel convenience, the serviced apartments at Lanson Place The Waterfront Residences can hardly be bettered. They are directly above the MTR's Kowloon Airport Express Station and the Tung Chung line.
The complex is part of the Union Square development on Austin Road West, in Tsim Sha Tsui. Due for completion in 2007, it comprises - in addition to the serviced apartments - office blocks, luxury residential apartments, two hotels and a one million square foot shopping mall.
At 12 million square feet, the development is one of the largest such developments anywhere. The developers hope the location's easy access to amenities via the nearby MTR and bus routes, plus its position above the Airport Railway Kowloon Station check-in counters, will see it become the new hub of Kowloon, and a new gateway to China.
The first phase of Lanson Place opened in June last year. All 61 units are occupied, while the second phase stands relatively empty, with about one quarter of apartments occupied.
The lifestyle promoted by Lanson Place is that of a long-stay condominium environment. Lynn Ma, director of sales and marketing, says the environment is more in sync with that of a home, pointing out that other serviced apartments have hotel-type features. The lobby is deliberately understated, with a small seating area and a concierge to handle requests from residents.
Lanson Place does not completely escape the hotel-type ambience. Maid service and a newspaper are provided daily, and on weekdays there is a complimentary continental breakfast.