Creativity screened...

Regency revival, Hong Kong   (Venues)


The closing of the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong in 2006 signified the end of a hospitality era for global guests and local residents. But this month sees the re-opening of Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui.   Bethany Hutton-Stigga takes in the view (16 Oct'09)

History

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong opened on Nathan Road in 1969 making it the first Hyatt hotel established outside the United States. Throughout its 36 years it maintained its position as one of the premier locations to stay, wine and dine in Hong Kong.

Ethos

Nostalgic reverence mingles with '09 design. The location might have changed but the spirit and qualities have been revived and  updated. Hong Kong nostalgia has been revisited by institutions like Hugo’s, the Chin Chin Bar and The Chinese Restaurant which continue the legacy of the former Hyatt Regency Hong Kong.

The opening of the venue completes the tripartite of Hyatt properties in Hong Kong, joining the legendary Grand Hyatt Hong Kong in Wan Chai and the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, which opened earlier in 2009.


Location
A a prime location in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui atop The Art Mall which comprises six stories of boutiques and restaurants. The Art Mall uniquely integrates art exhibits and   dialogue between local artists and shoppers.

Hyatt Regency spans floors of the new K11 multi-use development that runs the length of Hanoi Road in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.


Through The Art Mall, hotel guests have direct access to the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR subway and East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, and are within short walking distance of prime tourist attractions.



Suites


Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui brings together a contemporary, international hotel with a strong emphasis on home-style comfort.

The hotel’s 381 rooms, including 33 suites, are decorated in rich tones of burgundy and grey, featuring tactile textured wallpaper, leather-effect headboards and plush velour armchairs and ottomans.

Take in the panorama of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon while surrounded by walls featuring contemporary black and white images of Hong Kong.

The Regency Club guest rooms, private lounge and meeting rooms are located on Levels 22 through 24 where floor-to-ceiling windows provide unencumbered views. Spanning 2,960 square feet, the Regency Club lounge on Level 23 offers complimentary buffet breakfast, all day tea and coffee and evening canapés and cocktails.


Wining & dining

Fans of the former Hyatt Regency Hong Kong will be thrilled to discover reincarnations of their beloved wining and dining favorites at Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui. On the Lobby Level, Hugo’s offers classic European cuisine under the auspices of its fictional Bavarian host and namesake, Hugo Ludwig Wilhelm von Gluckenstein. Patrons of the previous location might recognise the heavy pine doors at the entrance reclaimed from the original Hugo’s. This time, the atmosphere is brighter with the new Hugo’s  floor-to-ceiling windows and a high-beamed ceiling.



Traditional serving ware includes two remodelled walnut wood Christofle hors d’oeuvres trolleys from the 1960s. Hugo’s revives the craft of table-side preparation for dishes including Caesar Salad and Cherries Jubilee and diners can rejoice in the return of Hugo’s Chocolate Bonbons—ice cream-filled chocolate spheres, served with a theatrical flourish from a bowl of billowing dry ice.

The Lobby Level also hosts international at the all-day restaurant Café and an array of dishes including teppanyaki, Chinese and dim sum and Indian with Tandoor ovens as well as Western antipasti and pizza. The Library is located here offering a comfortable, residential-style space lined with books where guests can take afternoon tea.

On Level 3, Chef Lo—the Chinese chef at the former Hyatt Regency Hong Kong hotel— resumes place at The Chinese Restaurant where the focus is on authentic Cantonese cuisine which retain the original untampered, recipes. Fomers guests will notice a change in décor and dining is in one of two private rooms, seating six and eight, respectively, the latter housing a private bar. Alternatively, they can dine in the main restaurant or outside on the terrace, surrounded by the neon lights, old buildings and unique bustling atmosphere of Tsim Sha Tsui.



Meeting & Events

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui features 5,705 square feet (530 square meters) of event space on the Lobby Level, including a 3,606-square-foot (335-square-meter) pillar-less ballroom catering to up to 300 guests for dinner and 400 for cocktails. Modern interpretations of medieval ring-framed chandeliers grace the 16-foot ceiling, creating a dramatic but intimate function space. Adjacent to the ballroom are five meeting rooms of varying sizes, all equipped with the latest audiovisual technology and wireless Internet connectivity.



“We are delighted to herald the return of the legendary Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui,” says general manager Xavier Pech. “We’ve taken the most successful elements of the former hotel and repackaged them for our guests, offering an improved and upgraded environment. In doing so, we believe the legend of the former hotel will continue. Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui looks forward to being of service to the local community and international guests.”


RK  _________________________________________