On your next visit to Hong Kong, consider a stay at the recently refurbished Lanson Place Causeway Bay – a small property that’s big on personalized luxury.
When most people travel to Hong Kong, booking a hotel in Causeway Bay means that they want to be where the hustle and bustle is – the retail therapy, dining options, the late-night watering holes scattered in various corners. Now, you can also consider staying in the neighborhood if R&R is on the agenda because the recent reopening of Lanson Place Causeway Bay, following a 16-month closure, allows you to hide away in peace while still being in the center of it all.
“We are a very personal hotel and serviced residence. Here, our USPs include personalized service and a refreshed interior design that acts as a calming sanctuary amidst busy Causeway Bay,” shares Danny Tse, Area General Manager, Lanson Place Causeway Bay. The hospitality veteran, who first got his start in the industry over three decades ago, adds, “I believe we know what modern affluent travelers are looking for today – efficiency, luxury, and personalization. The fact that we are a smaller property compared to other luxury hotels in Hong Kong means that we can better focus on and grow these aspects.”
From the outside, Lanson Place Causeway Bay is a study in understatement (contrasting with Hong Kong’s neon lit cityscape), with a classic façade that most passersby might overlook – which is perhaps what travelers who value discretion will like most about it. As soon as you step inside, prepare to be transported into a calming, beautifully designed space that’s punctuated by a soothing color scheme, tasteful furniture, and elegant decorative elements.
“Lanson Place Causeway Bay’s transformation was marked by significant enhancements and interiors refurbishments,” says Tse. “We partnered with Pierre-Yves Rochon, who, in my opinion, is one of the masters of luxury hospitality design. He is responsible for designing renowned luxury hotels like The Dorchester, The St. Regis Rome, Shangri-La Paris, The Peninsula Shanghai, and various Four Seasons hotels around the world.”
Through Rochon’s design vision, the refurbished Lanson Place, which is listed under the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, now blends understated French elegance with delicate craftsmanship. This is immediately seen in the hotel lobby, which is officially known as the L’Orangerie. The property does away with a heavy, imposing front desk and instead, walks its guests through the check-in process at this calming space that calls to mind a French-inspired courtyard, thanks to various greenery, flowers, giant terracotta pots, and comfortable seating. At the same time, it doubles as a social space, perfect for intimate launches or press conferences.
Meanwhile, the 188 rooms and suites at Lanson Place Causeway Bay, ranging from 380-402 sqft for guest rooms and 553-590 sqft for the Prestige Suite, feature a variety of layouts, French-inspired designs, as well as a comforting color palette of soft, pastel tones. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light throughout the day, but are also fitted with effective blackout curtains for those who want to catch up on uninterrupted sleep.
“In addition to the seamless service we try to extend to every customer, we also incorporated comfort and technology into the rooms on the property,” adds Tse. During my stay, I enjoyed the 55” Smart TV that includes streaming functionality, wireless charging stations in different corners of the room, the stylish Ruark Audio speaker on the bedside table, as well as the plentiful universal power plug and USB ports – perfect for travelers who can’t live without their gadgets or those like me who transform hotel rooms into a temporary office.
Beyond the rooms, you’ll notice an old-world elegance in areas like Salon Lanson, the hotel’s dedicated dining area where you can enjoy buffet-style breakfast, early evening cocktails and canapes, or an elegant French dinner. The expansive space is illuminated by vintage Lalique chandeliers and lamps, and features artworks and paintings from the property’s private collection. “While we appreciate all the technological innovations that the refurbished Lanson Place Causeway Bay provides, we also want to preserve the signature elements that define our identity, particularly with the art pieces,” says Tse.
“Every single detail of this hotel makes me go ‘Wow’”, admits Tse – and we can’t blame him. But no matter how tempting it is to cocoon oneself in the comforts of the hotel, the Causeway Bay district is begging to be explored.
Take a leisurely 10-15-minute stroll and you’ll end up in the Tai Hang neighborhood, a very local enclave that’s popular with both Hong Kongers and expats in the know. When it comes to retail, Tse recommends the nearby Lee Gardens shopping mall where “you can pretty much find whatever you want when you’re in the mood for luxury shopping.” As for food, Tse notes that the humble cart noodle stalls in Causeway Bay (Man Fai Octopus Ball Noodle and Ming Kee Noodle are some of his personal recommendations) shouldn’t be missed. “Pop by any of the local noodle shops and you’re guaranteed it’ll be good,” he says confidently.