The access advantage: Redefining luxury, value in property
Well-connected properties—those near major roads, highways, transit lines, and airports—remain in great demand.
After all, having easy access to city centers, workplaces, schools, hospitals, and entertainment hubs can help boost livability and long term value, driving both quality of life and property appreciation.
Here are a few global examples of prominent developments that pair exceptional connectivity with top tier amenity offerings.
Deutsche Bank Center
New York
Located on Columbus Circle, the twin skyscrapers of what was formerly called the Time Warner Center combine to form the epitome of luxury living.
At 748 feet tall, the 55-story twin tower is an icon of luxury in New York. It is a mixed-use development with residences, hotel, offices, and retail hubs. The towers, topped by a 60-foot-tall lantern, rise from the podium base that houses a high-end shopping mall, Time Warner offices and large-span studios.
Each condominium in the Deutsche Bank Center provides all of the luxury expected of a high-end condominium: shining hardwood floors, a walk-in closet, a washer and dryer system, a balcony with a terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows that give way to stunning views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. Other amenities include a health and fitness center, day spa, steam room, pool, children’s playroom, screen room and rooftop deck, plus so much more.
At the same time, the Deutsche Bank Center remains one of the most accessible properties in New York. Guests can take the A, B, C, or D trains to get to 59th Street-Columbus Circle, whose entrance opens directly to the center. Other public transport options further make it more accessible.
Lotte Seoul Hotel
South Korea
Step away from the bustling streets of South Korea’s capital of Seoul and enter the elegant Lotte Hotel Seoul in the bustling Myeongdong district.
According to the Forbes Travel Guide, Lotte Seoul presents simple sophistication, with the hotel’s color scheme of neutral browns and beiges, impressive chandeliers, marble flooring, and golden fixtures, demonstrating that no expense has been spared in enriching the property.
Yet another prominent feature of the hotel is its accessibility. Seoul’s historic Hanok Village and other former palaces are just a five-minute trip away by car or subway. By foot, you can readily access Deoksugung Palace, Myeongdong Shopping District, Seoul Plaza, the Grevin Museum, and the Hwangudan Altar, among many other destinations.
The hotel is also a minute’s walk away from Line 2 Euljiro Station and a ten-minute walk away from Line 1 City Hall Station of the Seoul Station, making it one of the most accessible residential hotels at the heart of Seoul.
All hotel rooms meanwhile are equipped with advanced tablet controls so you can adjust the lighting and curtains without even getting out of bed. Lotte Seoul Hotel also features numerous dining options, meeting rooms, a spa and sauna, a fitness center, an indoor pool, a golf driving range, and a hotel museum.
Crowne Plaza
Singapore
Transition seamlessly from a world-class airport to a luxurious hotel at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel, a landside property nestled at Terminal 3 of the world-renowned Changi Airport in Singapore.
Recognized as the World’s Best Airport Hotel and Best Airport Hotel in Asia in the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards for nine consecutive years, the hotel is not only connected to the airport but also to the Changi Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the Jewel, a tropical wonderland where nature meets retail, which is just next to the hotel.
The hotel features 575 well-appointed guestrooms, curated amenities, and dining facilities. Business meetings can also be arranged at the hotel’s six nature-inspired meeting spaces or rainforest-inspired grand ballroom, all equipped with stellar audiovisual equipment and internet access.
If work takes you away from the hotel, head southwest to the city’s Business Park or Singapore Expo in 10 minutes. A 25-minute taxi or MRT ride takes you downtown to the city proper.
Tour Défense 2000
Paris
Constructed in 1974, the Tour Défense 2000 is among France’s tallest residential towers to date. It was also the tallest in Europe upon completion, standing at 136 meters with 47 floors and 308 apartments.
Located at 23 Rue Louis-Pouey in Puteaux, Tour Défense 2000 is mainly accessible via the La Défense metro station, the nearest transport hub, along with numerous bus stops and routes for walking and cycling.
Whether you’re a driver, a two-wheeler, a pedestrian, or a person with reduced mobility, there are a multitude of ways to get to and around Paris La Défense, which also has one of the largest public transport networks in the world. All modes of transport are complementary, and the area is well served: the district is only a few kilometers from the center of Paris and a few dozen minutes from the three Parisian airports.
Designed by architect Michel Proux, who drew inspiration from the famous Chase Tower in Chicago, Défense 2000 rises majestically above the urban landscape of the Paris area.
Living at the tower comes at a price, yet investments seem to be worth the costs as residents pay a lot and love living in the towering Défense 2000.
Sources: futurearthgroup.com, naiop.org, nyr.com, wsp.com, warnercenterassociation.org, tvtaping.com, elegran.com, warnerconnects.org, forbestravelguide.com, lottehotel.com, seoulmetro.co.kr, changiairport.crowneplaza.com, ihg.com, en-vols.com, skyscrapercenter.com, parisladefence.com, bonjour-ratp.fr
