Inter-Continental Hong Kong Emerging Into Light From Regent’s Shadow

HONG KONG— Since acquiring the legendary Regent Hong Kong in 2001 for $346 million, Britain-based hotel operator Six Continents has been bringing a lighter touch to the property in its rebranding of the 514-room luxury hotel as an Inter-Continental, yet still positioning it to emerge as a premier hotel in its own right. Now solely owned and operated by 6C, the Tsim Sha Tsui district property overlooks Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s skyline, and is the flagship for the brand in Asia/Pacific. There had been initial concern among some industry observers that the departure of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as the long-standing management arm of the former Regent could adversely affect the Kowloon property’s reputation as one of the world’s leading hotels. “There were some who had a concern,” acknowledged Carole Klein, director/public relations, who remained with the property after the acquisition. “But the mission statement for the hotel has been to maintain everything that was wonderful about ‘The Regent Hong Kong-A Four Seasons Hotel,’ and enhance upon that.” According to Jennifer Fox, the hotel’s managing director, much of what the Inter-Continental Hong Kong is undertaking will be benchmarked for other I-Cs in terms of levels of service and features. Six Continents’ multimillion-dollar investment to put its stamp on the property is under way via significant renovations this year. Perhaps the most dramatic change is one that greets guests immediately. The formerly dark and clubby lobby, once rife with black and burgundy leather furniture, has been turned 180 degrees by a bright, light palette of FF&E in tones including off-white, cream and celedon. “We just completed phase one of the renovation, which was the total redecoration of the lobby and lobby lounge, ” said Klein. “We actually brought in the design firm that originally designed the hotel as the Regent in 1980.” Twenty-one years later the mandate was to keep the integrity of the modern building, but bring it back to the cutting edge it had when it opened. Part of that was to add a contemporary executive level, which the hotel never had. Club Inter-Continental opened Feb. 11 taking over the space on the mezzanine level formerly occupied by disco Club Shanghai. The state-of-the-art facility offers business and concierge services along with full breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktails and other F&B items. Guests not booked on Club floors also may take advantage of the Club Inter-Continental by paying a daily supplement. At the same time, the Harbourside all-day café was refreshed, notably adding a wall of mirrors to give all patrons a view of the harbor. The second phase of the renovation begins shortly and will encompass redecorating all the guestrooms and expanding the hotel’s exercise studio and spa, doubling its size. “We see that the spa is a trend that’s here to stay,” said Klein, noting more private spa rooms would be added. Also, by the end of April every room will be equipped with high-speed broadband Internet access. “There’s a definite need for it,” she said. In fourth quarter the former Plume restaurant will be replaced with a less formal— albeit high profile— F&B concept. “It was time to do something new in that space,” said Klein. “In Hong Kong, 70% of the restaurant business is local.” Even the level of amenities was contrasted with what had been available under the previous stewardship, from the quality of the bathrobes to flip-flop slippers. “It had to stay at equal quality, or in some cases, if Inter-Continental had a better quality [item], we went in that direction,” said Klein. Fox also sees great opportunity for business from loyalty program members and has been continuing to target them with direct mail and advertising since 6C took over the property. “We really think there was an unfilled demand in Hong Kong for people who would be Inter-Continental customers looking for a hotel at our level, and there wasn’t one. They might have staye