Prime location: Tsim Sha Tsui offers easy access to wealth of attractions

Though the queues outside luxury stores on Canton Road may not be quite as long these days, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) still holds its own in terms of residential appeal. A range of service apartments across various price sectors cater to those who wish to visit or live at the heart of the Kowloon action.

Joyce Ying, residence manager at Citadines Ashley Hong Kong, points out that while TST is best known as a shopping/tourist district, it is also the address of many companies making their base in Kowloon.

“The entire stretch of Canton Road boasts luxury retail on ground level, but atop shopping malls like Harbour City and Silvercord lie premium grade A office space which forms a good customer base for serviced apartment properties in Tsim Sha Tsui,” she says. “TST also offers high accessibility and convenience with its transportation network of buses, ferry to Hong Kong Island and the MTR. All these contribute to it being a prime location for serviced apartment residents.”

That said, the 36 serviced apartments at Citadines Ashley are usually filled by short-stayers visiting Hong Kong for leisure. “Families tend to dominate the market,” Ying says.

“Though we do have a few apartments on lease to expats who are in Hong Kong on a work project basis. They usually have offices in Tsim Sha Tsui or Kowloon Bay and stay with us for one to three months.”

Short-staying holidaymakers are mainly attracted to the close proximity of shopping malls and tourist attractions from the apartment, she adds.

“Location has always been a key factor for travellers deciding where to stay, and Citadines Ashley is located right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.

The luxury shopping strip at Canton Road, the Star Ferry terminal, the wide variety of restaurants outside the property, Kowloon Park, the Hong Kong Arts and Cultural Centre and the Space Museum are all within walking distance.”

Some apartments offer sofa beds which can cater to additional guests, which is another feature in the property’s favour, Ying says. “This is a very popular option for families travelling with children. The size of these rooms is also bigger than other hotels in the area, giving guests a comfortable living space to return to after a day out in the city.”

At Shama Tsim Sha Tsui, which caters exclusively to guests on an extended stay, most are employees of corporate clients sent to Hong Kong for short-term assignments of one to two months.

Tommy Lai, vice-president, north Asia at ONYX Hospitality Group, says the industries these guests come from have become more diversified.

“While finance, banking and legal are still major contributors, we have noticed an increasing demand from SMEs [small- and medium-sized enterprises], trading and electronics, beauty and cosmetics, China-based companies, and those that do businesses with China,” he says.

Even if on a short posting, they can enjoy familiar home comforts such as Shama Chill, a stylish outdoor area on the rooftop with herb garden and barbecue facilities.

“Our tenants are welcome to harvest herbs and produce from the garden, follow recipes in the Shama cookbook placed inside the apartments, and prepare dishes using the well-equipped kitchenettes in their own units,” Lai says.

“Those with energy to burn can visit the Shama gym, and all are welcome to join the tenant activities organised regularly as part of Shama’s ‘no boundaries’ lifestyle programme, which encourage networking and create a sense of community.”

He agrees that Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the most popular short-stay accommodation options in Kowloon, as it’s in the heart of the commercial district and conveniently connected to almost all parts of Hong Kong through the city’s extensive transport network.

For newcomers to the city, it makes an ideal base, Lai adds.

“A number of key commercial buildings are situated within or nearby, and with fabulous restaurants and bars, grocery shops, banks and cinemas all around the place, Tsim Sha Tsui offers all the basic and extra amenities newcomers need to fast track their lives in the new city and live like a local ultimately.”