Why the 5-star, rebranded Regent Hong Kong is worth a visit: architect Lo Chi-wing has transformed the interiors, 2 Michelin-starred Lai Ching Heen is better than ever – and the views are to die for

Sep 9 , 2023

A stunning view of Victoria Harbour from one of the Regent hotel’s Corner suites. Photo: The Regent

Everyone knew it as the InterContinental, but the Regent Hong Kong in TST finally reopened under its original 1980s name earlier this year, after using Covid-19 as a chance to renovate the interiors

Sandwiched between The Peninsula and Rosewood, the hotel is an oasis amid the bustling metropolis, with a gorgeous outdoor pool and dining options that include the superlative Lai Ching Heen

The city as a mix of old and new is one of the enduring clichés that surrounds Hong Kong.

This particular mix takes many forms – the outmoded Star Ferry boats that criss-cross Victoria Harbour in the shadow of towering skyscrapers, or the Central to Mid-Levels escalator that pushes tourists and locals alike up past historic buildings like Tai Kwun and Central Market.

Much like the city, the Regent hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, downtown Kowloon, is a perfect blend of old and new. The establishment originally opened in Kowloon in 1980 before being rebranded as the InterContinental Hong Kong in June 2001. The place is back to its original name now and used Covid-19 as an opportunity to gut and renovate the interiors – almost the only thing left over from the InterCon is the exterior.

Regent Hong Kong is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, along the promenade.

The Regent’s location sandwiched between The Peninsula and Rosewood hotels – both are just a short walk away – is emblematic of the hotel’s overall positioning. It seeks to be traditional without being as elderly as the Peninsula and modern without being as contemporary as the Rosewood.

It’s a tight rope to walk, but The Regent performs the act spectacularly.

Chinese artwork in the lobby of the Regent hotel.

As soon as we walked in the front doors, the balance was evident. Behind reception is a wall dedicated to digital art, while on the opposite side of the lobby are examples of traditional Chinese artwork. The entire area has the intriguing appeal of a gallery space – albeit one enlivened by the thrum of hotel guests rather than the quiet whisperings of art aficionados.

Credit for all the changes belongs to world-renowned architect and design visionary Lo Chi-wing, a Hongkonger, who says, “My vision for the hotel was to provide a sanctuary rather than simply a place to stay. I wanted my design to embody the spirit of The Regent and provide a sense of peace, serenity, and balance amid the bustling metropolis.”

Lo Chi-wing, who designed the interiors of the reborn Regent hotel.

This sense of calm is evident throughout the rooms. All are decorated in light colours and with natural materials – woollen carpet, stone worktops, wooden doors – that help to relax you on arrival. Even our walk to the room from the lift had the air of a luxurious spa thanks to the quiet and the subtle lighting.