The Return and Reimagining of an Iconic Hotel

As Hong Kong rebounds post-Covid, it’s the dawn of a new era for the city, where world-class cultural attractions including M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum lure visitors and locals alike In the heart of Kowloon, on the edge of Victoria Harbour, one of the city’s most famous hotels has come back to life –returning as the reimagined Regent Hotel – its reopening perfectly timed with the momentum of the city’s revitalisation. The epitome of modern style and glamour when it first opened as The Regent Hong Kong in 1980, the hotel was rebranded to InterContinental Hong Kong from 2001-2020. Now three years after its closure and the most extensive transformation in its history, the harbourfront property is building on its storied heritage while debuting a serene aesthetic and sensorial hallmarks of the revitalised Regent brand since IHG acquired Regent Hotels & Resorts in 2018.

Managing Director Michel Chertouh shares, “The extended pause in Hong Kong has allowed us the opportunity to undergo a total metamorphosis – from the hotel façade and entrance to all public areas and guestrooms Over the past many months, we have been gradually unveiling our reimagined facilities and immersive new experiences while building the momentum of our relaunch The timing is ideally aligned with the city’s revitalisation as visitor arrivals gradually rebound with the return of both business and leisure travellers ”.

He adds, “I am thrilled by my team’s passion in bringing the Regent back to Hong Kong It is also humbling and inspiring to witness the emotions and hear the memories evoked by the property among the local community I look forward to seeing Regent Hong Kong contribute to the success of this incredible city as a global travel destination.”

The hotel first ‘soft opened’ its Dining Destination at the end of 2022 with re-envisioned dining experiences at beloved restaurants which include Harbourside, a local favourite known for its vibrant market ambience and lavish international buffets, and The Steak House, a paradise for meat and wine lovers. Here you’ll find a curated collection of the world’s finest meat, perfectly grilled on the open fire of the original charcoal grill. Favourites like the elaborate salad bar have been elevated, with the quality and detail evident in every aspect of the dining journey, from the premium Nesmuk knives to the homemade mustard, crafted from mustard seeds in a process that takes weeks.

Meanwhile in The Lobby Lounge, cinematic harbourviews can be savoured over afternoon tea and evening cocktails with a unique selection of Champagnes from small growers, boutique wines and craft cocktails. The venue transforms throughout the day like a chameleon. As the sun sets over Victoria Harbour and the skyline morphs into “A Symphony of Lights”, you’ll be enveloped in the spectacular vista from large semi-circular banquettes and armchairs with cleverly hidden revolving mechanisms, allowing you to swivel your chair to enjoy the panoramic view.

The two-MICHELIN star Lai Ching Heen (formerly Yan Toh Heen) which remained open throughout the hotel transformation, has returned to its original name, which translates to “scenic Regent pavilion” The elegant jade-encrusted venue overlooking Victoria Harbour serves exquisite Cantonese cuisine of the highest quality.

Michel Chertouh shares, “Whether it’s pent-up demand, loyal patrons returning to their favourite dining spots or the buzz created by our revitalised venues, our restaurants are doing extremely well While you’ll still find classic dishes and all-time favourites, the dining experiences have been thoughtfully reinvented, from the décor and menus to the guest journey which engages all the senses Our Dining Destination is a showcase of emerging culinary talent and innovation with the focus on top quality ingredients – responsibly sourced, intuitive service and a touch of decadence.”

This fall will see the long-awaited return of Nobu, showcasing the innovative Japanese cuisine of world renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Also soon to launch is the exclusive Regent Club, designed as a private haven of residential luxury with sweeping harbourviews and a bespoke range of services and immersive culinary offerings. This will be followed by Qura, a decadent new destination bar with mesmerising harbourviews. Meanwhile Regent Spa & Wellness is anticipated to debut in early 2024.

The hotel is also a renowned venue for glamorous galas and weddings. To the delight of generations of guests who have celebrated milestones at the hotel, its iconic white marble “Fred and Ginger” staircase leading to the Regent Ballroom has been preserved and pristinely restored The first major event was held here earlier this year when Robb Report Hong Kong hosted a glamorous launch gala with a fleet of super cars on display at the hotel piazza – heralding a new era of glamour and sophistication for the hotel and Hong Kong.

Upon approaching the hotel, which is perched over the harbour, removed from the bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui, the calming sound of the glistening fountain sets the tone, as welcoming doormen open enormous castle-like doors. Sixteen vertical glass brick “Golden Illusion” screens, designed as floor-to-ceiling chandeliers, form an enticing passageway as you enter the soul-rejuvenating aesthetic by Hong Kong born design visionary Chi Wing Lo. With over 30 years of architecture and design experience in the United States, Greece and Italy, Chi Wing Lo blends artisan craftsmanship with a subtle yet sublime sensibility for his reimagining of Regent Hong Kong, his first hotel project. His timeless design integrates aspects of the hotel’s storied heritage and the Regent signature Beauty of Contrasts, with spectacular views of bustling Victoria Harbour juxtaposing serene interiors layered with textured materials and quietly decadent touches.

Inspired by the hotel’s unique location and panoramic vistas, Chi Wing Lo shares, “My vision is to create something different and unique – a design that can represent Hong Kong and create a sense of peace, tranquillity and balance within the city From the moment of arrival, we are setting the tone for a journey of discovery – a seamless sequence, like a cleansing ritual preparing you for the unexpected harmony that lies within.”

In the Lobby the dark granite floor encased with glass inserts creates an intricate pattern of reflections. A long softly lit translucent onyx check-in counter is framed by a 15-meter LED screen with abstract cinematic local art, while “The Spirit of Regent Retrospective” screen, crafted from juxtaposing pieces of the hotel’s original art collection, recalls the essence of the art which graced the walls in the early Regent years. A few steps further and the dramatic wall of windows reveals Victoria Harbour in all its glory – the misty effect on glass balustrades dissolving the foreground, as panoramic views of the dazzling harbour and skyline unfold.

Guestrooms and suites have gradually been unveiled floor-by-floor since late March 2023. While not all of the 497 guestrooms including 129 suites are ready, a variety of room types are currently on offer, each reimagined as a Personal Haven of peace and tranquillity It’s worth splurging on at least a Classic Harbourview Room where you'll find purposefully positioned mirrored sliding doors that reflect the vibrant waterfront or open up to the Oasis Bathroom which has a soaking tub with views of the dramatic citycape. Whether a pampering bath or the windowfront daybed, perfect for cosying up and soaking in the spectacular views, you'll want time to unwind and enjoy the room and the many thoughtful touches. The scalloped ceiling resembles a canopy, while custom-designed oak furniture with sleek curved lines and an armchair that swivels so you can take in the full view, showcase Chi Wing Lo’s attention to detail. A wellness amenity such as a hand or lip balm or eye cream, is placed bedside in lieu of a traditional chocolate on the pillow each evening. This is just one of many Day to Evening Rituals throughout the hotel as the skyline transforms at dusk. Staff emerge in chic evening uniforms, while the lighting and playlist morph into evening mode, heightening the senses and mesmerising harbourviews.

When it comes to service, it’s definitely on your terms with a Regent Experience Agent at your beckoned call to ensure a seamless journey Throughout the hotel, the staff are approachable and knowledgeable, with many familiar faces who have worked at the hotel in the past and amazingly still remember guests’ preferences You can simply pick up the in-room phone to connect with the Regent Service Centre or use the Regent Chat App from wherever you are inside or outside the hotel 24/7.

Here the luxury feels discreet; the grandeur intimate The views are awe inspiring; while the experience is personal It’s the Beauty of Contrasts, which also describes the enduring allure of Hong Kong, with its unique blend of East and West, old and new, skyscrapers and scenic green spaces. At the reimagined Regent you’re privy to a serene and indulgent haven removed from the bustle of the city, while in the heart of it all, with Kowloon’s newest attractions all within easy reach. It’s the dawn of a new era for Regent and Hong Kong, filled with inspiring discoveries.

Regent Hong Kong

Reborn and reimagined

A new chapter unfolds on Victoria Harbour with the return of Regent Hong Kong. Generations of unforgettable experiences, thoughtfully re-envisioned, along with immersive new delights.

Discover a rare haven for those seeking discreet luxury Amidst the unexpected harmony of Chi Wing Lo’s visionary design – majestic yet serene – find balance and connect over seamlessly curated moments that uplift and inspire Here the experience is personal, the grandeur intimate, the dining decadent – all stunningly staged with the city’s best harbourviews

Inspiring discoveries await https://hongkong regenthotels com/

About Regent® Hotels & Resorts

Guests have made grand entrances through the doors of Regent® Hotels & Resorts for nearly half a century. Born in 1970, our collection of modern hotels and resorts are home to stays both serene and sensational. The type of experiences that spark stories and charm even the most seasoned of travellers Regent Hotels & Resorts hotels are located in some of the globes most inspiring must-see destinations, from urban streetscapes rich in culture to ports with breath-taking seaside views An invitation to life’s most scenic moments Regent hotels are amongst the most well-known luxury hotels in the world, with nine open hotels including the exclusive Regent Hong Kong, Carlton Cannes - a Regent Hotel, Regent Phu Quoc, Regent Chongqing, Regent Shanghai, and Regent Porto Montenegro Ten further properties are due to open in the next five years in Bali, Santa Monica, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Chengdu, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Jeddah and Kyoto For more information and to book, visit www regenthotels com