This Revamped Icon Stands as One of Hong Kong’s Most Exciting New Hotels

The Dinogo Perspective

After enduring over three years of political upheaval and pandemic-related border restrictions, Hong Kong is on the path to recovery. A resurgence in flight routes is gradually transforming the city’s airport back into one of Asia's busiest hubs, while a wave of new hotel openings is revitalizing the city with fresh energy. Among the most eagerly awaited recent launches is the Regent Hong Kong, which combines newness with a cherished legacy.

Originally opened in the 1980s, the hotel quickly became one of the city’s most luxurious destinations for both accommodation and dining. Around the turn of the century, InterContinental (IHG) took control and operated it as the InterContinental Hong Kong until acquiring a majority share in the Regent Group in 2018. This led to the property's designation as the flagship for Regent's revival in Asia, with a significant redesign by Hong Kong-born designer Chi Wing Lo, unveiled in November 2023.

Gone is the opulent 1980s decor, replaced by contemporary art pieces, simplified color schemes, and striking light installations reminiscent of illuminated ice cubes. However, one aspect remains unchanged: the hotel’s prime waterfront location, offering one of the most breathtaking views in all of Hong Kong—a sweeping, unobstructed vista of Victoria Harbour that dazzles from (nearly) all the rooms, dining areas, and the vibrant lobby.

Who is it ideal for?

Few places in Hong Kong rival the romantic ambiance of Victoria Harbour illuminated by neon lights, making the Regent’s waterfront rooms and dining venues perfect for couples enjoying a staycation or city getaway. With connecting rooms, an expansive pool area, and cozy seating areas that can easily convert into beds for kids, families will find themselves comfortably accommodated. Additionally, the hotel’s convenient access to nearly all of Hong Kong’s major commercial districts (along with a tax-free policy) makes it an excellent base for shopaholics looking to unwind after a day of boutique shopping.

The Setting

Kowloon has often been overshadowed by the glitzy malls and hotels across the harbor, but a wave of new developments—including the Regent—has changed that landscape in recent years. Adjacent to the hotel is the K11 Musea mall, which opened shortly before the pandemic and features luxury brands like Brunello Cuccinelli, Gucci, and Dior, alongside a diverse array of cafés and restaurants. The recently renovated Avenue of Stars, a waterfront promenade in Kowloon, meanders along the water and leads westward to the Star Ferry, which offers a ride to Hong Kong Island for under a dollar.

The Accommodations

Approximately 75% of the hotel’s nearly 500 rooms and suites boast the signature Victoria Harbour views. The interiors are purposefully designed to be serene and minimalistic, featuring soft tones, blonde wood, gentle textures, and subdued lighting, allowing the stunning vistas to take center stage. Thus, these harbor-view room categories are truly worth the investment.

The bathrooms differ among room types, yet all incorporate bamboo motifs and back-lit onyx wall panels. Some boast cozy Japanese bathtubs with granite spouts reminiscent of ancient temples, while others showcase large, bowl-like baths and crescent-shaped windows that frame views of the harbor.

Designer Chi Wing Lo’s expertise in residential design is evident in the welcoming ambiance of the living spaces: each room features cozy window seats perfect for curling up, as well as candy jars filled with local delights like crispy egg rolls and honey-roasted walnuts for guests to enjoy at their leisure. The minibar is complimentary and stocked with a selection of local craft beers and bottled cocktails.

Culinary Offerings

You could enjoy a week-long stay here and dine at a different restaurant each night. The hotel boasts an impressive array of dining options, including Nobu’s inaugural Hong Kong location (established during its time as the InterContinental), Harbourside, an all-day dining venue featuring a remarkable buffet spanning multiple cuisines from breakfast through dinner, and a sunlit lobby lounge ideal for lunches and afternoon teas with harbor vistas. The adjacent Qura bar serves up oysters and charcuterie boards, complemented by a selection of rare vintage whiskeys and cognacs, while the Regent Club executive lounge on the second floor offers buffet brunches and cocktail hours for guests in suite-level accommodations.

Lai Ching Heen, the hotel's jade-accented Cantonese restaurant, has been a beloved fixture in Hong Kong's dining landscape since its debut in the original Regent during the 1980s. The new Regent restored its original name (which had changed during its time as the InterContinental) while preserving many of the Cantonese dishes that garnered the restaurant its two Michelin stars, including exquisite dim sum at lunch, Peking duck, and honey-glazed barbecued pork at dinner. Non-drinkers will enjoy the thoughtfully curated tea pairings recommended by the restaurant's tea sommelier, featuring a sparkling oolong infused with longan honey produced exclusively for the hotel.

The Steak House, another long-standing dining option at the Regent Hong Kong, underwent a stylish renovation that introduced a room-spanning salad bar. The menu showcases superb interpretations of classic steakhouse fare, featuring premium cuts from esteemed farms worldwide, including candy-fed Mayura beef from Australia. Though the dimly lit dining area is situated away from the waterfront, mirrored panels along the windows ensure that the stunning view of Victoria Harbour remains ever-present.

Personnel and Service

The service here mirrors the hotel's sleek design, an impressive feat considering the bustling atmosphere with guests and locals frequenting the lobby lounge. Memorable touches include returning to find your laundry perfectly folded, being greeted by name by the doorman, and discovering luxury skincare products by Perricone MD awaiting you on your pillow as a delightful turndown surprise.

Accessibility Features

Ramps and spacious elevators ensure that the lobby, restaurants, and other communal spaces are accessible to wheelchair users. Several rooms are equipped with enhanced accessibility options, such as bathrooms with grab bars and more space between furniture, although they regrettably do not offer the signature views.

Discovering Hidden Gems

At first glance, the hotel's design may seem sleek and refined, but delightful quirks emerge during your stay. Look for the unique illustrations by Romanian artist Saddo, who has depicted Hong Kong's iconic red-sailed junk boats, bauhinia flowers, and goldfish in vibrant patterns found on stationery envelopes and inside umbrella linings. You'll also find nods to the Regent's rich history: prints that once decorated the original hotel are now artfully displayed on a wall in the lobby, and a vintage Rolls-Royce that once transported guests from Hong Kong's former Kai Tak Airport is immortalized as a wallpaper design in Qura's foyer.