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.”