Privileges for guests at Hong Kong's boutique serviced apartments are becoming a cornerstone of competition in the residential leasing sector.
Cutting-edge operators are offering an increasing range of value-added bonuses that give a new meaning to 'serviced' apartment living.
Personal touches extend to guided 'hood tours, familiarising new arrivals at Shama's seven buildings in Mid-Levels, SoHo, Central, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, with an eighth complex set to open in Fortress Hill.
The tours are organised every week for new residents, who are shown around nearby supermarkets, wet markets, restaurants and bars. They learn to find their way around on public transport and even specialist conveniences such as shoe repairers are pointed out.
The services underlined the group's business philosophy of boutique serviced apartments with 'personality and style', enabling guests to immediately settle down into city living, said Shama founder and CEO, Elaine Young.
A 'No Boundaries' card for tenants meanwhile offers a 'fast-track ticket to social life'. It gives instant membership to local gyms with a complimentary platinum card at California Fitness and Pure Yoga membership. 'Constantly updated' retail and dining discounts are also offered, and residents get six-month guest membership at the exclusive Kee Club in Central.
