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For those who do not want to compromise comfort for convenience, Central 88 may provide the right answer.

Located in the centre of Central's bustling concrete jungle, alongside the ever-busy Des Voeux Road, the new serviced-apartment building prides itself as a 'one-stop service' for all accommodation needs.

'All your needs and requirements come as one package at a reasonable price with flexible lease terms and hotel-style services tailored to ease the headaches of your human resources department,' says  Gary Cheung, business development and operations manager at Central 88.

'Which is why we named it 'an oasis in Central',' she adds.

Entering the quiet interior of Central 88 can be as startling as it is soothing to your senses, thanks to the effective soundproofing - a welcome feature in all of the 78 apartments.

At the concierge, on level 2, you will be greeted with a combination of  traditional Chinese decor and the freshness of modern design.

'This theme is consistent throughout all our apartments,' says Ms Cheung.

Ranging from 440 sq ft studio apartments to 1,150 sq ft two-bedroom suites, Central 88 boasts a range of amenities including complimentary VCD/DVD player, hi-fi, filing, newspapers,  free faxing and unlimited  broadband usage.

Decorated in two  shades - burgundy and celadon  green - the rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed with the busy executive in mind.  In each apartment is a traditional Chinese writing desk  which has been fitted with the latest technology.

Security and business facilities have not been neglected, with a security card system that is required for the entrance, room doors and lifts. There is also a conference room with audio-visual facilities which can accommodate up to 18 people for meetings, and 50 for theatre-style presentations.

'The idea is to move in, unpack and leave the rest to us,' says Ms Cheung.

Central 88 offers a complimentary breakfast that alternates between Western-style and Chinese dim sum.

The  building  is owned by Wincome Management Consultants,  a subsidiary of Wincome Group,  which  also owns Valley Orchid in Happy Valley.

'The difference is that we had ownership of this building and so we built and furnished the apartments from the ground up,' says Ms Cheung, who adds that her company only took over the property in December last year.

Ms Cheung hopes to entice both short-term and long-term occupants to the apartments.

'We are looking to target people who are relocating for the long term; business executives who are in Hong Kong for a short project; employees on training programmes in Hong Kong; consultants who are coming for site inspections or meetings; and people who are looking to do business in China but require accommodation in Hong Kong,' says Ms Cheung.

She feels that its central location is a key advantage for Central 88 tenants. With easy access to medical facilities, shops, supermarkets and a range of transport options, including the Airport Express, 'What else could you want, she asks.

Uncomplicated lease terms, most Human Resources managers will reply.

Ms Cheung is well aware of the problems associated with accommodation in Hong Kong.

'There is a strong demand for serviced apartments in Hong Kong - it is becoming a fashionable trend nowadays.' But complicated billing requirements and pressures on most organisations to cut costs make finding suitable accommodation an 'HR headache'.

Ms Cheung aims to ease the pain by offering one package.

'We offer all the services in one price - there are no extra costs to it,' she says.

Central 88 is also offering the special rate of a five-night charge for a weekly package, a 5 per cent discount for a monthly package and a 10 per cent discount for a three-month lease.

'We aim to provide more services in terms of better discounts in nearby service facilities, including restaurants and shops,' says Ms Cheung. 'Also, we are in the midst of arranging day tours, spa packages, diving expeditions and golf trips for our tenants.'

This is as well as facilities in a nearby fitness centre that are offered free to Central 88's tenants.

Ms Cheung is confident tenants will come.

'The luxury residential leasing market is picking up due to the return of expatriates after Sars, China's entry into the World Trade Organisation, and the recovering local economy. All these will result in higher hotel occupancy,' she says.

'I am sure that the convenience and accessibility of the location, the flexible lease terms and the competitive pricing all rolled into one package will ease a lot of administrative problems. Besides, we already have our first tenant.'



Convenience meets comfort at Central 88