Regent Hong Kong

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 became 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.

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 The 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 close by.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? 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 a sweeping white marble staircase.

ROOMS

The Regent offers 497 generously sized rooms, ranging from a Classic room (30-39 sqm) to a Premium Harbour View room (43 sqm) and 129 suites in various categories. I stayed in a 38 sqm Classic Harbour View room.

The rooms have been designed as a “personal haven”, 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 daybeds lining the windows so guests can drink up the scenes of the busy Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong skyline.

The open-plan bathroom features a floating vanity station with an extended double sink and large mirror, a separate toilet, elevated bathtub and a glassenclosed rain shower cubicle. While there is a sliding partition to close off the bedroom, the otherwise lack of privacy in the shower could be awkward for some.

Bathroom products are from wellness brand Perricone MD, along with amenities such as dental and shaving kits, plenty of fluffy towels and luxurious grey bathrobes.

The big-ticket dining destinations have been retained

Next to the huge king-size bed are easyto-use master light switches, do not disturb buttons, and controls for two electronic blinds for the window. Bedside tables are soft and curved, with built-in wireless chargers. There’s no desk, but plenty of space for relaxed working.

Room amenities include a Nespresso machine, and a minibar stocked with local Gweilo beer and pre-mixed cocktails.

A particular treat was the turn-down service, which came with skincare goodies including miniature moisturisers and

hand creams.

FOOD AND DRINK Gourmands will be pleased to see the big-ticket dining destinations have been retained. Yan Toh Heen returns as Lai Ching Heen (as it was in 1984), with refined dim sum and elevated Cantonese classics served against a backdrop of jade walls.

Another F&B icon staying put is The Steak House, which boasts the only charcoal grill left in Hong Kong and a live kitchen. All-day dining Harbourside buffet restaurant also remains, with extravagant options from seafood and sushi to pizza and roast meats, 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 stocked with premium spirits and features a cigar room.

MEETINGS

The pillarless Regent Ballroom can host up to 1,000 guests, and there are ten versatile function rooms for meetings and events.

LEISURE

There’s a large 24-hour gym with Technogym equipment and a fabulous terrace with an infinity pool, jetted bath, plunge pool and pool bar. A spa is expected to open in summer 2024.

VERDICT

The Regent Hong Kong has relaunched the brand with a bang. Stunning rooms, exceptional F&B and leisure offerings, fantastic service, and unbeatable views. Highly recommend. Tamsin Cocks