Built in 1980, this legendary Hong Kong hotel has a new lease on life

Spare a thought for Hong Kong’s taxi drivers. Not only are they getting to grips with the addresses of the myriad new attractions that have sprung up in the city post-COVID-19 but they’re not privy to the repositioning and rebranding that goes on within the big international hotel groups.

The Regent hotel, which opened in 1980 and became the InterContinental in 2001, this year reverted to its original Regent Hong Kong moniker, after closing for extensive renovations in 2020. Several drivers have no idea the Regent is back in town.

But back it is, and in a big way. IHG Hotels & Resorts have given this flagship property on the harbour’s edge at Kowloon a quietly luxurious new lease on life, with Europe-based Hong Kong architect Chi Wing Lo bringing multidisciplinary design expertise to his first hotel project.

The relatively low-rise Regent’s unparalleled position right on Victoria Harbour – practically in it – gives guestrooms an intimate connection to life on the water as well as uninterrupted picture-window views straight across to Hong Kong island (especially vivid at night). The serene, open-plan spaces feature neutral tones and soothing curves, and many include softly mirrored sliding doors between bedroom and bathroom so that spectacular view is reflected all around. By the time of the official grand opening in November, 497 rooms and suites will have been renovated.

Some original features have been retained to emphasise the hotel’s legendary history – royalty, presidents and countless celebrities have stayed here over the years. The sweeping driveway, white marble stairs to its ballroom and expansive outdoor pool and gardens (a rarity in this city) remain.

Elsewhere, the reimagined public spaces are dynamic and inviting, from the “vertical chandeliers” and sculptured stone pond in the lobby to the dramatically lit reception desk with its background video projection. As Lo explains, “Timelessness in design is elusive, but is best described as objects that appear to embody past, present and future – the three domains of existence.”

Meanwhile, appropriately for this food-obsessed city, restaurant choices are plentiful. The airy, double-height Harbourside offers a generous buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner while locals sightsee along the Avenue of Stars outside. Afternoon tea is served in the Lobby Lounge while The Steak House and two-Michelin-star Lai Ching Heen both offer the elevated experience you’d expect from a brand of this calibre. A bar and Nobu restaurant will open by the end of the year. Two more places for taxi drivers to get their heads around.

See hongkong.regenthotels.com

The writer travelled as a guest of Regent Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific.