A Weekend at Regent Hong Kong & my all-time favorite hotel view
“No other hotel holds such a special place in my heart - this is my safe space whenever traveling to Asia”
Hong Kong has always held a special place in my heart. Over nearly 15 years, this trip marked my fourth visit to the vibrant metropolis. My first experience dates back to 2009, and to answer the most pressing question right away: Yes, Hong Kong has changed significantly since that inaugural visit.
One of the most notable changes concerns the hotel I stayed at on two previous trips: the former InterContinental Hong Kong. Situated in what I consider the finest location of any city hotel in the world, it offers unparalleled proximity to the city’s heart and the best possible views. When I learned that my favorite hotel in town was undergoing a major transformation, I was both curious and excited to witness the results firsthand.
Originally opened in 1980 as a Regent, the property was later rebranded by InterContinental Hotels but remained under the IHG umbrella. In a full-circle moment, it has now returned to its roots and been reinstated as a Regent Hotel. To be honest, the transformation has been nothing short of a triumph. The hotel has successfully recaptured its former glamour, and the return to the Regent brand is a brilliant continuation of its distinguished legacy.
To fully capitalize on this extraordinary location, IHG commissioned renowned Hong Kong-born and Milan-based designer Chi Wing Lo. He has done a magnificent job crafting a warm, serene, and elegant atmosphere that reflects the hotel’s unique vistas. Every design element has been carefully sourced to create a harmonious blend of Hong Kong tradition and global luxury. From the materials to the color palette, nothing feels out of place.
As you step through the magnificent wooden doors of the newly unveiled lobby, your eyes are instantly drawn across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island. It’s a view that captivates and stuns, and one that remains etched in memory long after you leave. At the long, understated front desk, we were efficiently checked in. Given our late evening arrival, we appreciated being swiftly shown to the elevators and directed to our room with minimal delay.
We were staying on the fourth floor in a Classic Harbourview Room, which measures a generous 38 square meters. I rarely recommend paying extra for a view, but Hong Kong is one of those rare cities where the view is truly worth every penny. Watching the iconic skyline from bed is, to me, one of life’s great travel luxuries. It’s impossible to imagine visiting this city without indulging in its most breathtaking feature. So yes, do go for the Harbourview room — and consider ordering room service to elevate the experience. Our first order of business, quite literally, was the “bed test” — quickly followed by ordering two “Bikini Sandwiches,” which are essentially ham and cheese toasties, served Regent-style. Even this simple dish arrived beautifully presented, matching the aesthetic refinement of the room.
The Classic Harbourview Room is clearly designed to stand out from conventional city hotel rooms. Upon entering, the first feature you’ll notice is the sleek and stylish wardrobe. Only after stepping deeper into the room does the dramatic view unfold before you. Even though it was shortly after midnight when we arrived, we stood in awe at the floor-to-ceiling windows, mesmerized by what looked more like a high-definition photograph than a real-life view.
The room features a light, plush carpet that gives off a cozy, residential vibe. Twin beds — perfectly dressed and seemingly floating thanks to their hidden bases — promise a dreamy night’s sleep. There’s also a daybed by the window, a compact dining table with a single chair, and a sideboard housing a discreet minibar and the television. Every detail has been carefully considered for both style and functionality. For instance, all minibar accessories are concealed behind cabinetry; even the paper bin is hidden inside the sideboard. Everything feels intentional and immaculate.
We opted to sleep with the curtains open during our stay, allowing the sunrise to gently wake us — a rarity for me, as I usually prefer blackout curtains. But in Hong Kong, especially with a view like this, the natural light only enhances the experience.
Now, let’s address one of the most talked-about features of the rooms at Regent Hong Kong: the open-plan bathroom. Polarizing to some, adored by others, this layout has been purposefully designed to make the most of the iconic views — even from the bathtub or shower. And what a bathtub it is: possibly the deepest I’ve ever encountered in a hotel, complete with an infinity-edge design. You don’t need to crane your neck in any direction to soak in the skyline. The bathroom also includes a single vanity with dual faucets (ideal for couples), a walk-in rain shower, and a separate toilet.
Everything is brand new and luxurious. The towels are sumptuously soft, and the toiletries are by Perricone MD — a skincare brand I hadn’t encountered in a hotel before, but quickly came to enjoy. Each evening, housekeeping left a small gift on the bedside table, such as face wash or hand cream, giving us the perfect introduction to the brand. I appreciated this thoughtful and clever touch so much that I ended up ordering several products once I got home.
Speaking of thoughtful touches, our welcome amenities included a bowl of delicious, oversized white wine grapes, a few fine chocolates, and a chilled bottle of champagne. The wardrobe, while elegantly designed, offered just enough space for a two-night stay, although it didn’t quite accommodate my Rimowa cabin trolley. As is common in many city hotels, suitcase space is limited, so I’d recommend upgrading to a larger room category if you plan to stay longer or aren’t traveling light.
The hotel’s facilities are spread across the third floor, where you’ll find a striking outdoor pool overlooking the Kowloon side, two jacuzzis (one hot, one cold), and a well-equipped, spacious gym that is open 24/7. Unfortunately, the pool and jacuzzi area closes early — around 6 p.m. — which felt like a missed opportunity, particularly since sunset views over the harbour are so spectacular. Still, we managed to enjoy a soak in the hot tub before closing time. For further relaxation, the gender-separated changing rooms offer a sauna and steam bath.
While I read that a dedicated spa is in the works, there was no visible sign of construction or any confirmed opening date during our stay. Nevertheless, I found the existing recreational facilities to be more than sufficient. After a full day of walking through the city or a morning workout, all I really needed was a proper pool to swim lengths and a hot tub to unwind.
If you’re planning a business meeting or simply want a tranquil setting to read or reflect, the Lobby Lounge near the entrance is perfect. I remember it from previous visits, and its calm atmosphere hasn’t changed — even though the space itself is grand in scale. It’s also a prime spot for people-watching, enjoying Afternoon Tea, or sipping a drink while the sun sets over Victoria Harbour.
Interestingly, and somewhat atypically for a Regent, there is a Club Lounge located on the first floor — a holdover from the InterContinental era. Accessible for an additional fee, the Club Lounge is a quiet sanctuary offering complimentary champagne, a tea station, a generous buffet, and a full-service bar. I had enjoyed this lounge during the hotel’s previous incarnation and was pleased to see that it’s only improved. Given that Regent is a more premium brand, the quality of offerings has clearly been elevated. If you have time for Afternoon Tea or Happy Hour, it’s well worth the splurge.
Culinary-wise, we limited ourselves to breakfast and a final dinner at The Steak House. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the main restaurant, Harbourside, which also offers views over the harbour, as its name suggests. I’d read some negative reviews beforehand regarding the buffet, but I found the opposite to be true. Everything was of excellent quality. Though most of the service is self-serve (except for coffee and tea), the variety was impressive. I even tried the Eggs Benedict — typically a risky buffet dish — and found it surprisingly enjoyable. The bread selection was outstanding, as were the fresh salads and the array of Asian dishes catering to the mostly local clientele. Despite the restaurant being fairly busy, the staff were always attentive and quick to offer refills on hot drinks.
Our dinner at The Steak House on our final night before flying back to Europe turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. We enjoyed a three-course sharing menu showcasing the restaurant’s signature dishes. We started with a crab cake and bone marrow, followed by a succulent beef fillet accompanied by indulgent mac and cheese and perfectly cooked asparagus. Dessert was a theatrical soufflé finished tableside — light, airy, and absolutely divine.
What truly elevated the evening, however, was the service. Our two waiters were exceptional, striking the perfect balance between professional and personable. Dining before a 12-hour flight isn’t always ideal, and we weren’t the easiest guests — unable to finish everything and wary of eating too much. But the team handled it with grace, warmth, and a genuine desire to make us comfortable. I can confidently say that The Steak House deserves its place among the world’s best and is a must-visit for anyone in Hong Kong — not only for the food and views, but for the interesting crowd it draws.
Our two-night stay ended on a generous note: as our return flight wasn’t until just before midnight, we were granted a complimentary late checkout until 5 p.m. — a gesture that we greatly appreciated. Throughout our stay, every member of the staff we encountered was attentive, professional, and genuinely dedicated to creating a memorable guest experience.
In summary, Regent Hong Kong is a standout choice for anyone visiting this dynamic city. Yes, the city has changed — many expats have left, and the once globally driven energy has partially shifted to places like Singapore — but Hong Kong remains a place of immense power and potential. We left feeling recharged and motivated, inspired by the city’s vibrancy. After all, who doesn’t secretly dream of one day joining the city’s elite, gliding through the streets in a Rolls-Royce, shopping at Cartier, and soaking in the skyline from their harbourfront home?
