Why the 5-star, rebranded Regent Hong Kong is worth a visit: architect Lo Chi-wing has transformed t

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

During the years the hotel was closed for renovation, one thing that remained open was Lai Ching Heen, formerly Yan Toh Heen, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant. Back to its original name, the food here is better than ever before. Each dish of our curated menu was a masterful example of classic Cantonese cuisine, from the barbecued suckling pig to the wok-fried prawns with home-made XO sauce, and evidence of why Lai Ching Heen has been elevated from a one- to a two-Michelin starred restaurant this year.

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.

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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.

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