Gateway Apartments Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

In 2016 Business Traveller reviewed a two-bedroom unit in this serviced apartment complex soon after completion of renovations. In February 2018 the Hampton Court block was closed and repurposed as office space, leaving Sutton Court as the only tower – a drop from 499 to 256 apartment units overall.

WHERE IS IT?

Sutton Court tower stands above the huge Harbour City shopping mall that runs up Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). The small entrance lobby can be hard to find, as it blends discreetly with surrounding shops – the closest mall entrance to the lobby from outside is opposite the large Apple store on Canton Road.

From the lobby you can walk through the mall all the way to the Star Ferry pier in 5-10 minutes, or exit on Canton Road and skirt Kowloon Park’s southern edge to the TST MTR station in five minutes.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

This is a high-end serviced apartment complex with top-quality materials and furnishings, but it’s so unobtrusive and low-key that most people will wander around the Harbour City shopping mall never knowing it’s above them.

All guests also have access to the Pacific Club, a fantastic private club located on one of the piers that jut out into the sea alongside Ocean Terminal. You have to go through the mall to get there (a few minutes’ walk), which can seem strange at first, but it’s well worth the journey.

ROOMS

These vary from studio to one-, twoand three-bedroom units, as well as penthouse apartments, all offering either city or harbour views.

The living room was very spacious, helped by huge windows. The décor of all units is plain but tasteful in greys and beiges, with lots of room for long-term guests to personalise their living space. The kitchen was fully fitted with cooking facilities and utensils, and there was a washer/dryer there too, plus a slow-drip coffee percolator and fridgefreezer. Wardrobe and storage space was plentiful, with an in-room safe (hotel style), iron and ironing board tucked away out of sight.

The bed was very comfortable – bed linen is changed every other day and the unit is serviced by the same member of staff six days a week, so long-term guests can actually develop a personal relationship with their housekeeper if they wish.

The bathroom boasted twin sinks and separate bath and walk-in shower. The shower and bath were both excellent – the shower head was large and powerful (there were massage jets as well for the spine), and the bath deep and satisfying, with good handles for entry/exit.

The work desk was in the bedroom, reasonably sized with plenty of drawer space and a Philips clock radio with an iPod dock. Wifi was super-fast and easy to connect to. I wasn’t a fan of the chair though, which had no lumbar support so I found myself relocating to the sofa whenever possible.

FOOD AND DRINK

This is all located in the Pacific Club (you can still get in-room dining though). The Island View restaurant is at the end of the complex, looking out over the harbour – the views are inspirational during breakfast.

Other eateries include Bauhinia (Cantonese), Pier 6 (international cuisine), Capricci (Italian), a Ramen Bar and the Oyster and Wine Bar. Snacks can also be ordered at the Club Bar and Poolside Café.

LEISURE

The Pacific Club’s list of leisure facilities is impressive. Its gym is the largest I have seen in a hospitality setting, while on the roof are five tennis courts (two indoors with air-con) and a golf driving range. The large indoor swimming pool at the end of the pier is great, though often very busy.

The excellent spa has a traditional feel, with male and female areas; however, refurbishments are scheduled to start this spring so it will change. There’s also a large indoor kids’ play area, and a small ten-pin bowling alley adjoining the bar.

VERDICT

For mid- to long-term accommodation in the heart of downtown Kowloon, there is little to match these apartments – especially with the considerable bonus of access to the superb Pacific Club amenities. Jeremy Tredinnick

The Pacific Club is a fantastic private club located on one of the piers