This Iconic Hong Kong Hotel Is Back After a Massive Renovation — With Stunning Water Views, Infinity Pools, and a Michelin 2-star Restaurant

Regent Hong Kong has been a fixture in the city’s Kowloon region for decades, and it made its long-awaited return last year after a massive two-year reimagination. The hotel's deep history in the area dates back to when it first welcomed guests in 1970. After multiple acquisitions and rebrands — it first became a Regent hotel in 1980 — it rejoined the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio in 2023.

"We spent two years reimagining a new era for the Regent brand as a storied icon, building on its founding ambition to take modern luxury to new heights," Tom Rowntree, the vice president of luxury and lifestyle brands for IHG Hotels & Resorts, told Travel + Leisure. "With this, Regent Hong Kong brings these new brand foundations to life through discreet design touches, world-class restaurants and bars, and immersive dining and guest experiences."

When I entered the 497-room property, I felt like I'd stepped into a secret oasis. I was first greeted by a Feng Shui fountain at the hotel entrance — a preserved fixture from the original Regent Hong Kong. "Its calming sound signals the start of a serene, sensory journey removed from the bustle of the city," Rowntree said. (There's local lore that the fountain symbolizes the "pearl of the Orient," which lures Kowloon's nine dragons through the hotel to drink and bathe in Victoria Harbor. )

Inside the hotel, I temporarily forgot I was in a city of 7.4 million people. It felt like a sanctuary, from the serene fountain in the lobby to the pool terrace with lush landscaping.

"Chi Wing Lo, the Hong Kong–born designer of the hotel, has encapsulated the Regent vision to create something different and unique — a design that represents Hong Kong while also creating a sense of serenity, contrast, and balance within the city," Rowntree said.

Here, my full review of the Regent Hong Kong.

The Rooms

If the hotel is an oasis, then its rooms are a micro-oasis. While there are 12 types of guest rooms, they can be bucketed into three groups by view: sea view, harbor view, and "Kowloon View" — the latter means the guest room will either overlook the piazza, Kowloon, or the pool.

My Classic Harbourview Room had a window-front daybed and a deep soaking tub from which I could enjoy the views across Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island. (The view is so stunning, I found myself spending most of my time lounging on the daybed.) The bathroom was stocked with Peter Thomas Roth amenities, but the pillow menu was my favorite amenity. An added perk: the rooms are stocked with beverages and snacks.

Of honorable mention is the 7,000-square-foot, two-story presidential suite. The suite has a 2,500-square-foot private terrace, an infinity pool, a dining room and tea room, a private sauna and steam room, a gym, a kitchenette, and unobstructed views of the Victoria Harbor.

Food and Drink

I'm an advocate of exploring a destination's dining scene (both hole-in-the-wall joints and fine dining), but I found it's easy to enjoy some of the best eats in the city without leaving the property. "Regent Hong Kong is a delight for foodies," Rowntree said.

The hotel has seven food-and-beverage options, including Michelin two-starred restaurant Lai Ching Heen; Qura Bar; an outpost of Nobu; and The Steak House.

Lai Ching Heen specializes in Cantonese cuisine. The menu has popular dishes like stuffed crab shell with crab meat and crispy Lung Kong chicken, but there's also a robust dim sum menu.

At The Steak House, the beef is sourced from the likes of Italy, Spain, Korea, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.  Aside from steak, the menu offers caviar, oysters, and an assortment of entrées like grilled king crab legs, Hungarian Mangalica pork, salmon, and lobster.

There's also Harbourside, where guests can indulge in elevated buffet experiences. I found myself crippled with decision fatigue on what to eat for breakfast — the local specialties, the continental breakfast, the fresh-baked goods, or all of the above? (All of the above is the only acceptable answer.)

In early 2024, Regent Hong Kong opened Qura Bar, a whimsical establishment with a drawing room, bar, dining lounge, and cigar spaces.

One thing guests can rely on no matter where they drink and dine is stunning views of the city’s iconic Victoria Harbor.

Experiences and Amenities

Pool Terrace

The rooftop Pool Terrace has three infinity pools surrounded by daybeds. The entire area has views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline. Guests can order food and drinks — everything from tiger prawn Thai salad and carbonara pasta to Champagne and inventive mocktails.

Regent Club

The property also has a brand-new Regent Club, an exclusive lounge that feels like a chic living room, offering breakfast, refreshments, afternoon tea, and cocktails in the evening. And, not surprisingly, it also boasts panoramic views of the harbor. "It's designed to create an exclusive sanctuary where guests can unwind, recharge, and feel truly indulged in culinary, beverage, and wellness offerings," Rowntree said.

Regent Experiences

Guests have access to a Regent Experience Agent who personalizes each stay — and is available anytime. "Regent Experiences Agents are on hand to orchestrate a seamless experience with local discoveries that connect Regent guests with the city," Rowntree said. "With truly personalized and intuitive service, it is the Regent mantra that even the smallest thing does not go unnoticed; and every moment is meaningful and memorable."

The Location

Travelers can fly to and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Regent Hong Kong is less than a 30-minute drive, traffic permitting, from the airport.

The hotel sits in Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui district on the Victoria Harbour waterfront. "Regent Hong Kong has unmatched, uninterrupted views of the harbor itself and provides a quintessential base for an exploration of Hong Kong’s myriad of attractions," Rowntree said of the property's location.

In front of the property, on the waterside, is The Avenue of Stars — a promenade and tourist attraction inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Walkable from the hotel are several highlights: the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Cultural Center, and the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.

Accessibility and Sustainability

In the redesign, the hotel prioritized sustainability from small touches like opting for "natural and raw materials such as granite and natural oak," according to a release provided to T+L. The hotel also has automated LED lighting and an energy-saving temperature system, an all-electric fleet of BMWi7 limousine transportation, and an in-house water filter system that eliminates single-use plastic bottles on the property.

When it comes to accessibility, Regent Hong Kong has accessible guest rooms, namely the Kowloon View rooms and Harbourview rooms. These rooms have a special layout to offer more turning space, grab bars and maneuvering space in the bathrooms, and even a bathroom emergency button system. The hotel's common areas, communal bathrooms, lobby, and restaurants are wheelchair-accessible and have accessible seating. For those who need it, a wheelchair is available upon request.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Regent Hong Kong is part of the IHG portfolio and guests can use HG One Rewards Points to pay for their stay. The hotel also has an offers page where you can browse deals, like having a fourth guest dine for free at Harbourside and saving up to 20 percent on your stay. Hong Kong Regent's nightly room rates start at $767. You can book your stay at hongkong.regenthotels.com.