CHI Residences 314

The simple black-and-gray stone facade of the CHI Residences 314 reflect its simplicity and focus on function. Beyond a glass door decorated in red decals of Chinese tassels and firecrackers, a narrow staircase opens to the small, largely unadorned reception desk and tiny business center of this extended stay hotel. Lobby seating is limited to two straight-backed chairs. A second flight of stairs leads to an elevator. There's an array of small plants and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. On the opposite side, the wall is mirrored and adorned with signature red Koi fish, giving a slightly more expansive feel to an otherwise small space. Clientele at the hotel are mainly international business professionals. Guests should consider the reception area like the lobby of an apartment building and expect limited social interaction in the tight space.

Nathan Road, the address of the Chi Residences 314 and the main artery in the Jordan neighborhood of Kowloon, is a pungent slice of old Hong Kong, home to the city's working class and dense with shops and restaurants. It's a two-minute walk to the main transportation hub, which is a gateway to the rest of Hong Kong. Within a three-minute walk, travelers can reach the Temple Street Market. The Jade Market can be reached in six minutes on foot. It's an 11-minute walk to the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Center. The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade with its view of the famed Victoria Harbour is a six-minute drive away. Mongkok is a seven-minute drive. The Ladies Market is eight-minutes away by car. The Hong Kong International Airport is 25 minutes away by car.

Contrasting with the neon, multi-hued colors of the neighborhood, the apartment units are decorated in neutral colors -- soft beiges and creams -- and simple lines. The cream walls in some rooms are a bit spotty. All units, even Studios, have a seating area with sofas in velour taupe. Some also include one or two armchairs in stiff-looking leather. Larger units have dining tables that seat three to six under drum lights. TVs are Plasma flat-screens, but on our visit, the DVD player was not compatible. Rooms are also equipped with safes, irons/ironing boards, free Wi-Fi, and umbrellas. Bathrooms with beige-and-white checkerboard tile floors and beige walls are outfitted with modern chrome fixtures, big mirrors over wooden vanity sinks, and large, walk-in showers with frosted glass doors and rainfall showerheads. There are hairdryers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and the hotel's own brand of toiletries. 

All units have the pragmatic items needed for an extended stay. Kitchenettes are equipped with electric burners, microwaves, electric kettles, coffeemakers, toasters, a few pots, pans, crockery, and eating and cooking utensils. Refrigerators are small with tiny freezers. Each room has an air purifier. 

Unlike other extended stay hotels, rooms at the CHI Residences 314 are cleaned every day, and sheets are laundered weekly. There are laundry and dry cleaning services for a fee, and groceries can be stocked in units prior to arrival, also for a fee. And there's a 24-hour concierge. But aside from those services, there's no other on-site facilities, and guests are expected to make meals in their apartment kitchenettes or dine in the city.