[jmaresky]

Hi all,

I used to live in HK and a complicated set of circumstances has caused me to relocate, but still work in Asia for 3 weeks per month.

So I commute in and out of HK during the three weeks, using it as my home base for a few days a week and weekends.

I was using 2 MacDonnell Road as a base - it is a serviced apartment arrangement with daily and monthly rates. It is centrally located (mid-levels) and convenient in that I have a kitchen, broadband and basic amenities, and I move in and out as suits me (leaving my luggage behind in storage).

Recently they have increased the daily rates to HK$1100/day from HK$850 - a 30% hike (which in most countries would be illegal!). So I am looking for an alternative. Any suggestions? Most of the other places I contact are monthly only...

Should be relatively central in HK Island.
Thanks!

[The Janitor]

Same thing happened to a friend of mine who was living at De Fenwick in Wanchai - they upped the rent by 30%. It seems to a common phenomenon since the housing market started improving. The only thing I could suggest would be to seek a flat share, either in the property pages (www.scmp.com) or through forums like these. I managed to set up a similar arrangement in the late 90's when I was spending time between HK and the Middle East. Works well, if you can trust the people you're sharing with.

If your serviced apartment was costing $850/day ($25,500/month), you could split the rental with one ot two others and get that down to around HK$6,000/month, or HK$200/day.

Even places in Island East are only offering discounted rates for a studio at HK$16,800/month.