Occupying prime real estate on Kowloon’s waterfront promenade, just a stone’s throw from Victoria Harbour, the InterContinental Hong Kong has been an iconic part of the city’s skyline since it first opened as The Regent Hong Kong in 1980. Once regarded as the diamond in the “Pearl of the Orient”, the notable property has played host to visiting royalty, heads of states, and A-listers to Hong Kong over the past few decades, priding itself on outstanding hospitality and premium facilities.
To keep up to speed with the slate of new high-end hotels that have opened in Hong Kong in recent years — and those set to open in coming years, like Rosewood Hong Kong and The Murray — the InterCon recently announced that it will undergo a full renovation starting from the first quarter of 2019, with a brand-new look set to be completed in early 2020.
Despite harbouring a number of high-end dining venues and arguably still one of the city’s best panoramas from the grand Lobby Lounge, there’s no denying that the faded-brown facade of the InterCon has appeared a bit lacklustre and dated in recent years next to a host of shinier new hotels — including the opulent new Kerry Hotel — that have sprung up around the city.
In a move to return the property back to its glory days as a luxurious, world-class destination, a complete renovation of the InterContinental is scheduled to take place over 12–16 months, and its scope includes all guest rooms, suites, public areas, restaurants, and event venues. The plans also include a complete redesign of the building’s exterior façade, transforming not only the hotel, but also the entire look of Kowloon’s waterfront skyline.
Leading the redesign is Tokyo-based studio Curiosity Inc., a cutting-edge firm that has worked with some of the world’s most celebrated luxury retail brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Berluti. The design will aim to position the InterCon once again as a contemporary luxury destination, with a modern look to replace the outdated interiors and façade. While rooms will be closed, frequent dining patrons of the InterCon’s F&B establishments can breathe a sigh of relief: the celebrated two-Michelin-starred Yan Toh Heen will remain open for dinner, while the other restaurants including Rech by Alain Ducasse will reopen for service towards the end of summer 2019.
InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2721 1211
Leslie Yeh
Editor in Chief
Having worked as a lifestyle editor for almost 10 years, Leslie is thrilled to be writing about the topic she loves most: wining and dining. When she's not out pounding the pavement for the latest new restaurant opening or tracking food trends, Leslie can be found at home whipping up a plate of rigatoni vodka and binge-watching Netflix with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in hand.
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