Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
APARTMENT UPDATES
THE ASCOTT Limited launched the Tujia Somerset brand in March this year, designed for the growing Chinese middle class market. Three properties have already opened – in Dalian, Shenyang and Haikou – and the group plans to have over 2,000 operational units by the end of 2016. Ascott also recently unveiled The Crest Collection, a “prized selection of the most prestigious serviced residences”, which includes the newly opened Metropole in Bangkok. The group is also expecting to open a further 20 serviced residences this year in Asia-Pacific, across its Somerset, Citadines and Ascott brands, with a particular focus on China. Another highlight is the Ascott Orchard Singapore, due to open by the end of 2016. Located on Orchard Road, the premium 220-unit serviced residence is ideally placed for access to transport options, the CBD and entertainment districts. the-ascott.com
LANSON PLACE added Two MacDonnell Road to its collection in April 2016 – a 213-room property located in Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels. The group also celebrated its tenth property with the opening of the Parkside Serviced Suites by Lanson Place in Shanghai in June, featuring 182 one- and two-bedroom suites. Two more “by Lanson Place” properties coming this year include the One Sunland Serviced Suites in Shanghai, and a yet-to-be-named property in Chengdu – and there are more in the pipeline. lansonplace.com
TFE HOTELS recently celebrated the opening of its first Adina-branded property in Auckland, New Zealand, and will continue its expansion in Australia, with four new Adina Apartment Hotels set to open in Sydney, Fremantle and Brisbane in the next three years. Outside of Asia, the group is also targeting Germany, with four properties due to open by 2017. The first of these – the Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremburg – is set to open in October 2016. tfehotels.com
OAKWOOD WORLDWIDE is embarking on an aggressive expansion plan to double its portfolio in Asia-Pacific over the next three to five years. This year has seen the opening of the Oakwood Premier Tokyo, Japan in January and Oakwood Apartments Brisbane, Australia in April. A further five properties are due to be opened later this year, including the launch of a new Oakwood Studios brand. The debut property will be located in Singapore – another first for the group – and will feature 98 stylish apartments with tech-enabled spaces. Five Oakwood properties are also planned for 2017, with new openings in Chengdu, Surabaya, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta. oakwood.com
ONYX HOSPITALITY Group added the Chiva Residence Bangkok to its Mosaic Collection in February. The 93-unit property offers studios and one-bedroom suites, all featuring kitchenettes and spacious living areas. More recently, the group secured a management deal for the 24-unit Shama Midlevels Hong Kong, while the Amari Residences Pattaya opened in July, featuring 173 one- and two-bedroom suites. Looking ahead, Onyx has more properties in the pipeline, with six expected to open in China by 2018. onyx-hospitality.com
PAN PACIFIC Hotel Group is expanding to Malaysia for its sixth property, with the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Puteri Harbour, Johor set to open in 2018. The 205-unit development will span 16 floors and offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, views over a private marina, an infinity pool, gym and outdoor Jacuzzis. Meanwhile, at the group’s flagship Singapore property – Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road – travellers can now enjoy a preview before booking, thanks to an immersive virtual tour experience. The property is now accepting short-term stays as well. A special promotion is also currently active, which includes privileges such as airport transfer, breakfast and laundry discounts. Prices start at S$270 (US$200), and bookings must be made by August 15, 2016 for stays until December 31, 2016. pphg.com
GATEWAY APARTMENTS A recent three-year project has seen 300 apartments of this 500-unit Hong Kong complex renovated. Occupying two towers above the Gateway Arcade in Tsim Sha Tsui, with stunning views over Ocean Terminal towards Hong Kong Island, Gateway Apartments is at the top end of the serviced accommodation sector – monthly rates for a one-bedroom unit are HK$59,900 (US$7,720). The apartments range from studio to three-bedroom units, plus a couple of penthouse options, all furnished in a neutral fashion that allows long-term guests to decorate in their own style. As part of the lease, guests enjoy membership to the exclusive Pacific Club only a few minutes’ walk from the entrance lobby, which provides leisure and F&B facilities that match or exceed any luxury hotel’s offerings. gatewayapartments.com.hk
MADERA HOLLYWOOD Opened in March this year, the second Madera hotel boasts an enviable location on Hong Kong Island’s Hollywood Road within the popular Soho dining and leisure district. Although the property operates a general hotel licence for business flexibility, it was conceived for long-term guests, who enjoy good rate discounts. There’s a decent gym but there are no F&B options as yet; however, with Soho’s many choices on the doorstep that’s not really an issue. maderagroup.com
FRASERS HOSPITALITY is on track to meet its global target of 30,000 units with the opening of 48 properties by 2019. Within China, the group is specifically targeting high-growth cities such as Changsha, Dalian and Nanchang. The group is also looking for exponential growth across the rest of Asia, with the 85-unit Fraser Place Gurgaon (India) due to open in 2017. An exciting partnership with Mercedes-Benz and the group’s Capri by Fraser brand was launched in London, UK last year, and the Mercedes-Benz Living @ Fraser concept has now come to this region at Capri by Fraser, Changi City/ Singapore. frasershospitality.com