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
The city as a mix of old and new is one of the enduring clichés that surrounds Hong Kong.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Each room has a custom bathtub, along with shower area, designed by Lo. The tub’s size – somewhat short but deep – evokes images of a traditional Japanese bathtub. The stone faucet that fills the bath furthers the feeling that this is our own personal onsen.
We were fortunate enough to find ourselves in a harbourview room and the view is spectacular. Situated right on the waterfront, each room on this side of the hotel has a picture-perfect view of the Hong Kong Island skyline. It’s probably the best view from any hotel in the city. Best of all, we could admire it from our bathtub.
The view from Kowloon rooms and suites is no slouch either. These overlook the greenery of the pool area and lend these rooms a resort feel.
The Regent’s other restaurants are also exceptional. The Steak House remains one of the best spots in Hong Kong for steak, the Lobby Lounge’s harbour view is unbeatable, and there never seems to be a time that Harbourside, the hotel’s buffet restaurant, isn’t packed. Service at each, as throughout the hotel as a whole, is attentive while remaining unobtrusive.
Competition among luxury hotels in Hong Kong is fierce, but The Regent’s prime waterfront location, excellent F&B offerings and majestic renovation should put the five-star establishment at the top of your list whenever visiting.
- 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