Background
The opening of Regent Hong Kong in November 2023 was an exciting homecoming for the brand, which was the original incarnation of the popular Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront hotel in 1980. It was subsequently transformed into the InterContinental Hong Kong in 2001, before closing in 2020 for a refurb and rebrand. With IHG having acquired the Regent brand in 2018, the group has reinstated it to its former glory.
The Regent brand is looking forward to a slew of big openings over the next five years, including Shanghai, Bali (Canggu), Kuala Lumpur and Santa Monica.
Where is it?
Enviably located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront above the Avenue of Stars. The avant-garde K11 Musea shopping destination and Hong Kong Museum of Art stand either side of the property, with other luxury hotels such as the Rosewood and Peninsula nearby. It’s a five minute walk to the Star Ferry or East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, with plenty of buses and taxis nearby.
What's it like?
The grand circular driveway remains, but as you walk into the lobby the hotel feels immediately different, with moody modern interiors, a sleek line of reception desks, and striking Spirit of Regent digital artworks.
The new design has been conceived by Hong Kong designer Chi Wing Lo, though the structural bones remain, including iconic features such as the glass-fronted lobby lounge with breathtaking harbour views and sweeping white marble staircase.
A bank of six lifts swish around silently and efficiently, with black doors, low lighting and unusual keypad designs continuing the modern aesthetic, with dark corridors leading to hotel rooms.
Rooms
The Regent offers 497 generously sized rooms, ranging from a Classic Room (30-39 sqm) to a Premium Harbourview Room (43 sqm) and 129 suites in various categories – topping out with the incredible 325 sqm duplex Presidential Suite, complete with private terrace and infinity pool. I stayed in a 38 sqm Classic Harbour View Room.
Rooms have been designed as a “personal haven” with a “beauty of contrast” concept underpinning Chi Wing Lo’s design strategy. This is achieved with calming neutral tones, natural materials and thoughtful consideration of how guests will want to use the space – unsurprisingly, this rotates around the stunning view, with day beds lining the windows (rather than sofas facing into the room) so guests can drink up the scenes of busy Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, plus illuminated bonsai trees outside to frame the views.
You enter your room through impressive castle-like studded doors, if you can get the temperamental electronic keycards to grant you entry.
Opposite the front door is a dressing area with a tan leather wardrobe where you can store your luggage and hang clothes on thick wooden hangers, plus a full length mirror.
To the left, you emerge into the open plan bathroom, dressed in chic dark grey stone and wooden walls.
A floating island houses an extended sink with two taps and large mirror, with a separate toilet, an elevated bathtub (of course, facing the magnificent views) and a glass-enclosed rain shower cubicle. While there is a sliding partition to the bedroom, I found the otherwise lack of privacy in the shower a slightly strange choice.
Bathroom amenities are from wellness brand Perricone MD, along with amenities such as dental and shaving kits, and bath salts and plenty of fluffy towels and luxurious grey bathrobes.
The bedroom is kitted out in soothing light neutral tones with a huge kingsize bed. Bedside switches include easy-to-use master light switches, do not disturb, illumination buttons for the bonsai tree and controls for two electronic blinds for the window (though you might not ever want to use them).
Bedside tables are soft and curved, with inbuilt wireless chargers. There’s no desk, but there’s plenty of space for relaxed working.
Amenities include a Nespresso machine, and a minibar stocked with local Gweilo beer and pre-mixed cocktails.
A particular treat was the turndown service, which came with skincare goodies such as miniature moisturisers and hand creams.
Food and drink
Gourmands will be pleased to see the big ticket dining destinations have been retained. Yah Toh Heen, the InterCon’s famed Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, returns as Lai Ching Heen (as it was in 1984). The steady hand of executive chef Lau Yiu-fai also remains, with refined dim sum and elevated Cantonese classics served against an elegant backdrop of luxurious jade walls and sculptures. Dishes ranged from Hokkaido scallop dumplings to wok-fried wagyu.
Another F&B icon staying put is the The Steakhouse, which boasts the only charcoal grill left in Hong Kong. The live-action kitchen adds to the glamour, while an interior serving room holds cases of dry-aged meats alongside starter salad buffets that would constitute a main meal in themselves. The meat was exceptionally rich and flavourful – to the point I simply couldn’t finish.
The all-day dining Harbourside buffet restaurant also remains, with extravagant options from seafood and sushi to pizza and roast meats, all served with spectacular views.
Other dining options include Japanese cuisine at Nobu, afternoon tea and cocktails in the lobby lounge, or drinks in chic new bar Qura, which is cosy and eclectic with a fully stocked bar of rare premium spirits and a cigar room with a retail section and a tasting room
Meetings
The pillarless Regent Ballroom can host up to 1,000 guests, and there are 10 versatile function rooms for meetings and events.
Leisure
The hotel offers an enormous 24-hour TechnoGym with plenty of equipment that will sync with apps to maintain your fitness routines. There is also a fabulous large pool with terrace and pool bar, plus a second jetted bath and plunge pool. It’s also possible to do yoga on the deck against amazing city view backdrop.
The Regent Club is also open to eligible guests, and offers another place for breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktails.
A spa is expected to open in summer 2024.
Verdict
The Regent Hong Kong has relaunched with a bang. Stunning rooms, exceptional F&B and leisure offerings, fantastic service, and unbeatable views. Highly recommend.
FACT BOX
- Best for Sensational harbour views – arguably the best in Hong Kong
- Don’t miss Dinner at any one of the fabulous dining venues
- Price Internet rates for a flexible stay in March start from £584 per night
- Contact 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2721 1211; hongkong.regenthotels.com
