Hotels Reviews

Review: Intercontinental Hong Kong

a large glass building with tables and trees

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The Intercontinental Hong Kong was opened in 1980 as The Regent Hong Kong. Then in 2001, it was acquired and rebranded as an Intercontinental and served as one of the single best uses of the now devalued IHG anniversary night ( which we redeemed on this stay). Late last year, IHG announced that the hotel would be closed in 2020 for renovations and reopened in 2021. It’s a renovation that is definitely needed as Hong Kong’s 5 star hotel market is highly competitive, and as our stay witnessed, the hotel is showing its age. However, in the time between the renovation announcement and this review, IHG purchased Regent Hotels, and announced the iconic Regent Hong Kong would reign once again: come 2021 the Intercontinental Hong Kong will be rebranded back as the Regent Hong Kong.

I’ve wanted to stay at the Intercontinental Hong Kong for quite some time, and I was pretty giddy rolling up in our taxi. The location is amazing, and knowing we were doing it free of charge is something that will never be lost on me.

Intercontinental Hong Kong
Intercontinental Hong Kong

The Deets:

  • When: November 2017
  • Where: Hong Kong
  • Loyalty: IHG Ambassador
  • Rate: IHG Rewards Select Free Night Certificate
  • Upgrade: Superior Suite + Free Breakfast

Check In-

Our rooms weren’t quite available when we arrived, and being Ambassador they were apologetic. Ended up being a great situation for us, as we were given free drinks in the Lobby Lounge, and complimentary breakfast the next day. The breakfast was tremendous. And the Lobby Lounge was, where we had drinks, offers an outstanding view of Hong Kong.

Watching the light show in the Lobby Lounge.

One of my favorite aspects of Hong Kong is the light show that occurs nightly between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Having been to many different hotels in the area, I think the Intercontinental possesses one of the very best places to watch the light show: The Lobby Lounge. With 2 story windows, and Hong Kong Island having arguably the better display of lights, this is my go to spot to kick back, have a drink/food, and watch the show. Try and get a table near the windows on the far right side of the lounge.

Intercontinental Hong Kong

Room:

Our room was on the back of the building, and to our surprise, once we entered we realized we’d been given a very generous upgrade. A small sitting area that wraps around to the twin beds. What was even nice was the patio out the back of the room that lead down a small pathway to the pool. Once we’d checked in I immediately regretted not spending more than a night in Hong Kong. I absolutely love this city, and this hotel feels like a vacay.

The bathroom was quite large with dual vanities, separate shower and tub, amenity kit, and luxurious robes. While I like the style and feel, you can tell that the hotel needs to renovate to keep up with the hotels sprouting up. I really hope that when the hotel reopens in 2021 IHG allows redemptions for Regent hotels.

Gym and Pool

Sadly I didn’t have time to spend much time at either of these facilities. Ok…admittedly I wasn’t too sad to miss the gym, but the pool area looks uber relaxing, especially the area with the infinity view of Hong Kong Harbour.

Breakfast

It’s served in Harbourside from 7am to 11am and it is absolutely a delicious. If you end up booking this hotel through Virtuoso, you won’t be disappointed – the breakfast benefit alone is worth nearly $100. We were lucky to get this comped because our room wasn’t ready when we arrived. #blessed.

Intercontinental Hong Kong

There aren’t many breakfast buffets that I think are truly worth $50, but this is one of them. From pastries, made to order eggs, and fruit, to seafood and multiple types of honey – it is tremendous.

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Overall:

Sadly, this hotel is no longer available with the IHG credit card annual night certificate. It is truly a world class hotel, in a world class location, and once the renovation is complete, it’s going to be one of the best hotels in Hong Kong, if not the world.

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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