Review: Regent Hong Kong Hotel

Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a holiday in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Palau. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Regent Hong Kong Hotel (today)
Review: Eva Air Business Class Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Hong Kong to Taipei
Review: Capella Taipei Hotel
Review: China Airlines Business Class Airbus A321Neo from Taipai to Palau
Review: Cruise in Palau with Four Seasons Explorer
Review: United Airlines Business Class Boeing 737 from Palau to Tokyo

Review: Regent Hong Kong

Hotel website: Regent Hong Kong
Location: Google Maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Regent Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most iconic luxury hotels, enjoying a spectacular waterfront setting directly on Victoria Harbour. The landmark hotel combines its legendary past with a thoroughly contemporary interpretation of discreet luxury. Its 497 rooms and suites, superb restaurants and extraordinary public spaces are designed around one priceless asset: uninterrupted views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline. Regent Hong Kong has also received considerable international recognition, including a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating and being named the #1 Best Hong Kong Hotel in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026.

Regent Hong Kong features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Hong Kong.

Have you ever stayed at Regent Hong Kong? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

I made a YouTube video with full tour of Regent Hong Kong, which you can watch here:

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

Pros & Things I Like

Regent Hong Kong enjoys one of the finest locations of any luxury hotel in the city. The property occupies a prime position on the Kowloon waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, directly facing Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island’s world-famous skyline. It is connected to K11 MUSEA at Victoria Dockside and lies just steps from the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Space Museum and Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The enormous Harbour City shopping complex on Canton Road is within walking distance, while the West Kowloon Cultural District – home to M+, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and Xiqu Centre – can be reached within minutes. The Star Ferry terminal is also nearby, making the historic ferry one of the most enjoyable ways to reach Central across the harbour. Despite this central location, Regent Hong Kong feels surprisingly removed from the frenetic energy of Hong Kong once inside. Hong Kong International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car, while the Airport Express reaches Kowloon Station in around 25 minutes, followed by a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride to the hotel.

Regent Hong Kong has a fascinating history stretching back more than four decades. The hotel originally opened in 1980 as The Regent Hong Kong and quickly established itself as one of Asia’s most celebrated luxury hotels. Its prime position on Victoria Harbour, innovative architecture, acclaimed restaurants and high level of service earned the property an international reputation throughout the 1980s and 1990s, while also helping to establish Regent as a pioneering name in Asian luxury hospitality. In 2001, the hotel entered a new chapter when it was renamed InterContinental Hong Kong, a name it would retain for almost two decades. The story eventually came full circle following IHG Hotels & Resorts’ acquisition of a majority stake in the Regent brand in 2018. The Hong Kong property was subsequently chosen to become a flagship for the revitalized brand and closed in 2020 ahead of a complete transformation. In 2023, one of Hong Kong’s great hospitality icons finally returned to its original name: Regent Hong Kong.

The transformation of Regent Hong Kong was entrusted to Hong Kong-born, Milan-based designer Chi Wing Lo, who reimagined the property as a serene urban sanctuary rather than an ostentatious grand hotel. His design deliberately places Victoria Harbour at the center of the experience, using restrained interiors to frame rather than compete with the extraordinary views. Warm woods, tactile stone, bronze accents, glass, beautifully crafted furniture and a subdued palette of natural tones create a sophisticated residential atmosphere throughout the hotel. The sense of arrival is particularly memorable: guests pass a cascading feng shui fountain before entering through the shimmering “Golden Illusion,” an installation of glass screens inspired by traditional Chinese LiuLi craftsmanship. Inside, dramatic darker spaces gradually open towards enormous windows and the bright harbour beyond. Selected elements of the original hotel were retained, including its iconic Calacatta white-marble staircase, providing a subtle connection between past and present. The result feels distinctly Asian, contemporary and timeless, with the spectacular Hong Kong skyline providing the ultimate decoration.

Regent Hong Kong features 497 guestrooms, including 129 suites, conceived as individual “Personal Havens” that offer a calm contrast to the energy of the city outside. Accommodation ranges from Classic and Premium Rooms to spacious Studio and Harbourview Suites. Designed by Chi Wing Lo, all rooms combine neutral colors, natural materials, beautifully crafted furniture and subtle Asian influences, resulting in interiors that feel elegant, contemporary and residential. The signature feature of many rooms is the windowfront daybed, positioned against the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows to create what Regent calls a “Framed View.” In the harbour-facing categories, Victoria Harbour becomes a constantly changing piece of living artwork, from ferries crossing the water during the day to Hong Kong Island’s illuminated skyscrapers after dark. Another distinctive feature is the bathroom design. In the lower room categories, the bedroom and bathroom have a largely open-plan layout, enhancing the sense of space, although sliding partitions can provide privacy when desired. Higher categories feature Regent’s more expansive “Oasis Bathrooms,” some positioned to take full advantage of the harbour views.

The pinnacle of the accommodation at Regent Hong Kong is its trio of Signature Suites: the CEO Suite, Terrace Suite and Presidential Suite. Designed by Chi Wing Lo as luxurious private residences rather than conventional hotel suites, all three combine expansive indoor living spaces with private outdoor terraces and spectacular views across Victoria Harbour. The CEO Suite offers a sophisticated residential setting for entertaining or relaxing, while the remarkable duplex Terrace Suite extends onto an enormous rooftop terrace, creating a private sanctuary high above Kowloon. The ultimate accommodation is the legendary Presidential Suite, long regarded as one of Hong Kong’s most spectacular hotel suites. The newly redesigned duplex measures approximately 7,000 sq ft (650 sq m), including its private rooftop terrace and infinity swimming pool. Soaring two-storey windows frame Victoria Harbour, while the suite incorporates expansive living and dining areas and exceptional wellness facilities. All three Signature Suites include Regent Club privileges and private outdoor whirlpools, allowing guests to watch the Hong Kong skyline transform from daylight to the dazzling evening “Symphony of Lights” in complete privacy.

Guests staying in selected room and suite categories can enjoy access to Regent Club, an exclusive residential-style space with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. Designed to feel more like an elegant private living room than a traditional hotel lounge, the Club provides a quieter and more personalised experience within the hotel. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the morning, followed by refreshments and light snacks throughout the day, as well as afternoon tea and evening cocktails with accompanying delicacies. The floor-to-ceiling windows and harbourfront setting are a major part of the experience, particularly towards sunset when the skyline of Hong Kong Island gradually begins to illuminate across the water. Regent Club also offers dedicated service and additional privileges for eligible guests, making it especially appealing for travelers who appreciate a more intimate atmosphere or simply want somewhere peaceful to relax between exploring the city. The combination of attentive service, generous food and beverage presentations and extraordinary views makes Regent Club a worthwhile enhancement to a stay at Regent Hong Kong.

Regent Hong Kong’s Pool Terrace is one of the hotel’s greatest assets and a remarkable urban oasis in the heart of Kowloon. The outdoor swimming pool occupies an elevated position overlooking the skyline of Kowloon, providing a refreshing escape from Hong Kong’s heat and relentless energy. Even more impressive is the infinity spa pool positioned towards the harbor. Its design creates the illusion that the water continues directly into Victoria Harbour, with Hong Kong Island’s forest of skyscrapers forming the backdrop. Ferries and boats constantly crossing the water below add to the sense of place – this is unmistakably Hong Kong and a pool experience that could hardly be replicated elsewhere. Comfortable loungers surround the terrace, making it equally appealing for relaxing between swims and simply admiring the panorama. The setting becomes particularly atmospheric towards sunset and after dark, when thousands of lights illuminate the opposite shoreline. The Pool Terrace was ranked #3 Best Hong Kong Hotel Pool in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, further confirming it as one of the standout leisure facilities at Regent Hong Kong.

Regent Hong Kong has long been regarded as one of Hong Kong’s leading dining destinations, and gastronomy remains an important part of the hotel experience. Its six restaurants and bars range from Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine and premium steaks to international buffets, Japanese-Peruvian dishes and elegant afternoon tea, with several venues enjoying spectacular views across Victoria Harbour.
- Lai Ching Heen – Formerly known as Yan Toh Heen, Regent Hong Kong’s signature Cantonese restaurant holds two Michelin stars in the 2026 Michelin Guide. Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai and Head Chef Cheng Man Sang present refined Cantonese cuisine with an emphasis on premium ingredients, traditional techniques and elegant presentation. The jade-inspired interior and panoramic harbour views make this one of the hotel’s most sophisticated dining experiences.
- The Steak House – One of Hong Kong’s best-known steakhouses, this elegant restaurant specialises in premium cuts sourced from around the world and prepared on its original charcoal grill. The experience is complemented by an elaborate salad bar and an extensive selection of condiments and salts. The restaurant is Michelin-selected and was ranked No. 80 in the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2026.
- Nobu Hong Kong – The celebrated restaurant by chef Nobu Matsuhisa serves his signature Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences, including many of the dishes that have made Nobu famous around the world. Located against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour, the restaurant combines contemporary interiors with impressive views of the Hong Kong Island skyline.
- Harbourside – Regent Hong Kong’s relaxed all-day dining restaurant enjoys a prime waterfront setting and is particularly popular for its extensive buffets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner feature a wide selection of Asian and international dishes, with live cooking stations and an emphasis on fresh seafood. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that Victoria Harbour remains part of the dining experience.
- The Lobby Lounge – One of the most iconic spaces at Regent Hong Kong, The Lobby Lounge is framed by soaring windows overlooking Victoria Harbour. It is an atmospheric setting for light meals and the hotel’s signature afternoon tea, while sunset and the illuminated skyline make the lounge particularly spectacular in the evening.
- Qura Bar – This intimate and sophisticated bar evokes the atmosphere of a private residence, with carefully curated collections of rare spirits, wines and cigars alongside creative cuisine. Its rich interiors and more secluded atmosphere provide a contrast to the expansive harbour-facing spaces found elsewhere in the hotel.

Regent Hotels & Resorts is positioned at the very top of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury portfolio and is one of the pioneering names in modern luxury hospitality. Founded in 1970, Regent built its reputation by introducing a distinctly Asian approach to luxury, combining intuitive service, generous spaces and a strong sense of privacy with sophisticated international design. Today, the brand continues this philosophy through a deliberately small and exclusive collection of hotels and resorts around the world. Rather than focusing on formality or ostentatious luxury, Regent emphasizes tranquillity, personalization and experiences that feel effortless and individual. Its modern brand philosophy includes concepts such as “Personal Havens,” creating private spaces in which guests can unwind; “With Compliments,” offering thoughtful inclusions without additional charges; and Regent Experience Agents, who provide personalised assistance throughout a stay. The growing portfolio includes properties in destinations such as Hong Kong, Bali, Phu Quoc, Chongqing, Shanghai, Cannes and Santa Monica, with further Regent hotels and resorts under development in key destinations worldwide.

Cons & Things To Know

Regent Hong Kong does not have a dedicated spa, which is somewhat surprising for a luxury hotel of this calibre. There is an excellent fitness center as well as the outdoor swimming pool and infinity spa pool, and in-room massage treatments can be arranged. Nevertheless, travelers who enjoy spending part of their stay in a full-service hotel spa – with dedicated treatment rooms, relaxation areas, sauna and steam facilities – may find the wellness offering rather limited compared with other five-star hotels in Hong Kong.

Although Regent Hong Kong is famous for its extraordinary views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline, these iconic panoramas are not visible from the outdoor Pool Terrace. The pool area is positioned behind the main hotel building rather than directly on the harbourfront, so the building itself separates the terrace from the classic skyline view enjoyed from many of the rooms, restaurants and public spaces. The Pool Terrace is still an attractive and peaceful place to relax, but guests expecting to swim while looking directly across Victoria Harbour towards Hong Kong Island should be aware that this is not the case.

Breakfast at Harbourside offers an impressive buffet with an enormous choice of Asian and Western dishes, but the restaurant can become very busy during peak morning hours. During my stay, Harbourside felt somewhat too small for the number of guests having breakfast, and at one point there was even a wait for a table. This detracted slightly from what is otherwise an excellent breakfast experience. Guests who prefer a quieter and more refined start to the day should consider booking a room or suite with Regent Club access, where breakfast is served in a much calmer and more exclusive environment overlooking Victoria Harbour.

The entry-level rooms are relatively compact by luxury hotel standards, and their unusual layout may not appeal to everyone. Upon entering, guests essentially arrive through the open-plan bathroom area before reaching the bedroom, which initially feels a little strange and provides less separation between the sleeping and bathing spaces than some travelers may prefer. The clever design and high-quality finishes make excellent use of the available space, but the difference becomes noticeable when compared with the hotel’s more generous higher room categories. If your budget allows, I would definitely recommend upgrading, particularly for a longer stay, as the additional space and more conventional layout considerably enhance the overall experience.

My Verdict

Layout: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: n/a
Service: 8/10
Wow factor: 9/10
Value for money: 9/10
Overall experience: very good – 8.6/10

Tips & Save Money

Save money: get VIP perks at Regent Hong Kong when booking through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD food & beverage credit, to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Regent Hong Kong (and/or receive many free perks).

Room tip: I highly recommend booking a harbor-facing room and, if your budget allows, upgrading from the entry-level categories. The higher room categories offer considerably more space and a more conventional bathroom layout, while the spectacular views across Victoria Harbour towards the Hong Kong Island skyline are an essential part of the Regent Hong Kong experience. For an even more exclusive stay, consider a room or suite with Regent Club access, which includes breakfast in the peaceful Club Lounge and avoids the morning crowds at Harbourside.

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Hong Kong is from October to December, when the weather is at its most pleasant and reliable. During these months, daytime temperatures typically range from 18–26°C (64–79°F), with cooler evenings that are ideal for walking along Victoria Harbour, exploring street markets, or hiking scenic trails. Humidity is noticeably lower than in summer, rainfall is minimal, and skies are often clear, making outdoor sightseeing far more comfortable. This balance of mild warmth and fresh air allows travelers to experience Hong Kong’s energetic city life and natural landscapes at their best.

Hong Kong offers very different travel experiences throughout the year. January to February is cooler and drier, with temperatures around 14–20°C (57–68°F), making it comfortable for sightseeing, though it can feel chilly at night and is busier around Chinese New Year. March and April bring spring warmth at 18–25°C (64–77°F), along with blooming greenery, but rising humidity and occasional fog or drizzle. May to September marks summer, when temperatures climb to 26–33°C (79–91°F) and humidity is high; this period also sees heavy rain and potential typhoons, though it’s a good time for beaches and fewer crowds. Late September signals a transition, with heat and rain easing as the city moves toward the more comfortable autumn months.

How To Get There

Getting to Regent Hong Kong is straightforward, thanks to its prime position on the Victoria Dockside waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. From Hong Kong International Airport, the journey typically takes around 35 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic, with the most seamless option being a private hotel limousine or taxi. For a more scenic arrival, the Airport Express train connects to Kowloon Station in roughly 20 minutes, followed by a short taxi ride of about 10 minutes to the hotel. Once in Tsim Sha Tsui, the property is also well connected to the MTR, Star Ferry, and pedestrian waterfront promenade, making it easily accessible from both Hong Kong Island and other parts of Kowloon.

Below is a selection of my photos from Regent Hong Kong. To view additional images, including breakfast at Harbourside Restaurant, brunch at The Steak House and dinner at Nobu Restaurant, click here.