If you walked along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront a few years ago looking for the InterContinental Hong Kong, you’d have found a legend. Now? You’ll find something that looks a bit different but carries the same DNA. It’s the Regent Hong Kong. The rebranding was more than just a name change on a marquee; it was a homecoming for a property that defined luxury in the 1980s before becoming an InterContinental staple for two decades.
People still call it "the InterCon." Old habits die hard in a city like this.
The InterContinental Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui wasn't just a hotel. It was a front-row seat to the Victoria Harbour show. Honestly, if you didn't have a drink at the Lobby Lounge while watching the Star Ferry bob across the water, did you even visit Hong Kong? The hotel sat on some of the most expensive real estate on the planet, perched right on the edge of the Kowloon peninsula. It felt like the building was literally dipping its toes in the harbor.
What Actually Happened to the InterContinental Hong Kong?
The story is kinda simple but also a massive corporate maneuver. In 2015, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) sold the property to a consortium of investors led by Gaw Capital Partners for a staggering $938 million. Part of that deal was a long-term management contract. Then, in 2018, IHG bought a majority stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts. They saw an opportunity to bring the property full circle.
The hotel closed its doors in April 2020. Perfect timing, in a weird way, since the world was shutting down anyway.
The renovation wasn't just a lick of paint. We are talking about a total, floor-to-ceiling, gut-renovation led by architect Chi Wing Lo. The goal was to pivot from the 2000s-era "gold and grand" aesthetic of the InterContinental brand to something more "discreet luxury."
The Identity Crisis of Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui is a crowded neighborhood. You have the Rosewood right next door at Victoria Dockside, the Peninsula just up the street, and the K11 ARTUS nearby. The InterContinental had to evolve or get left behind. It was always known for its massive plate-glass windows and that iconic red marble staircase.
🔗 Read more: Why Presidio La Bahia Goliad Is The Most Intense History Trip In Texas
When it was the InterContinental, the vibe was very "high-end business traveler." It was efficient. It was grand. It was where you held your most important wedding banquets because the ballroom was legendary. But the Regent rebranding changed the energy to something much more residential and quiet.
The Dining Scene That Survived the Rebrand
One thing that didn't change—thankfully—is the quality of the food. When people search for the InterContinental Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui, they are often actually looking for Yan Toh Heen. Except it’s not called Yan Toh Heen anymore. It’s Lai Ching Heen.
It still has its two Michelin stars. It still uses those beautiful jade place settings.
The steakhouse also stuck around. Formerly the InterContinental Steak House, it’s now simply The Steak House. It’s still one of the few places in the city where you can get charcoal-grilled prime cuts with a side of that million-dollar view. Honestly, the salad bar there is a local obsession. People go for the steaks but stay for the premium veggies and artisanal cheeses.
- Lai Ching Heen: Cantonese excellence. Try the crispy lung kheen.
- The Steak House: Intense heat, massive wine list, and a legendary salad bar.
- The Lobby Lounge: Now reimagined with a "cinematic" view of the harbor.
- Harbourside: The buffet that ruined all other buffets for locals.
Why the Location Still Beats Everything Else
Location is everything. The InterContinental's old spot—now the Regent—is directly on the Avenue of Stars. You step out the door and you're at the Museum of Art. You turn left and you're at the Cultural Centre.
Most hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui are set back a block or two. You have to cross Salisbury Road. Not this one. Because it’s built on a pier-like structure, there is no road between you and the water. This is a huge deal. It means when you’re in a harbor-view room, you don't see cars. You just see the neon reflecting off the waves.
💡 You might also like: London to Canterbury Train: What Most People Get Wrong About the Trip
It’s quiet. Which is rare for TST.
Addressing the "InterContinental" Nostalgia
Is it worth visiting now that the "InterContinental" name is gone?
Yes, but manage your expectations if you loved the old look. The old InterContinental was famous for its "big" personality. The new version is much more about textures—oak, granite, and soft lighting. Some regulars miss the old lobby’s bustling, almost chaotic energy. It was a place to be seen. The new vibe is more about being invisible.
If you are looking for that specific InterContinental brand experience now, you have to head over to the InterContinental Grand Stanford, which is also in Tsim Sha Tsui but further East towards Hung Hom. It’s a great hotel, but it doesn't have the "on the water" position that the former InterContinental Hong Kong (now Regent) boasts.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to stay at this iconic Tsim Sha Tsui spot, here’s the ground reality.
First, the harbor view is the only way to go. If you book a "city view" room, you’re basically looking at the back of the Sheraton or the traffic on Salisbury Road. It’s fine, but it’s not why you come here. You come here to see the Symphony of Lights from your bathtub.
📖 Related: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
Second, the pool deck is still one of the best in Asia. It has these "infinity spa" pools that are set at different temperatures. You can soak in a hot tub while looking at the Hong Kong Island skyline. It’s surreal.
Transportation Hacks
Getting there is easy, but don't take a taxi if you're coming from Central. Take the Star Ferry. It’s cheap, it’s iconic, and the pier is a short, scenic walk from the hotel entrance.
- MTR Access: Use Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit J) or East Tsim Sha Tsui Station.
- Airport Express: Take the train to Kowloon Station, then a short taxi ride.
- Walking: The hotel is connected to the K11 Musea mall, so you can walk through air-conditioning for a large chunk of your journey if the humidity is hitting 90%.
Timing Your Visit
Don't go during the Lunar New Year unless you’ve booked a year in advance and are prepared to pay triple. The fireworks happen right in front of the hotel. It’s the best seat in the house, and the hotel knows it.
Instead, try late October or November. The weather is dry, the skies are clear, and the views across the harbor to Wan Chai and Central are razor-sharp.
The InterContinental Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui may have changed its name, but the soul of the place—that feeling of being at the center of the world—hasn't gone anywhere. It’s just grown up a bit.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current status of the "Symphony of Lights" show times, as they can shift during public holidays. If you're planning a meal at Lai Ching Heen, book at least three weeks out for a weekend slot. For those specifically loyal to the IHG One Rewards program, ensure you book through the official Regent Hong Kong portal to retain your Diamond or Platinum benefits, as the transition has occasionally caused minor glitches in older third-party booking systems. Finally, take an hour to walk the Avenue of Stars right outside the lobby at sunrise; it's the only time you'll have the harbor to yourself.