The Hari Hong Kong, Wan Chai 

The Hari Hong Kong – Wan Chai

Monica Tindall (unwatermarked photos supplied by hotel)

Hong Kong’s heartbeat is felt in the vibrant Wan Chai district. Packed with a dynamic mix of specialty stores, street markets, exotic nightlife, hot restaurants and bars and minutes from the commercial hub of Causeway Bay, the address is an exciting place to stay. The Hari Hong Kong builds on this energetic community, staking its own identity with an infusion of art and social spirit in the luxury hotel.

The Hari is the vision of Dr Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels. Over 40 years of experience in managing and owning properties culminated in the creation of the independent brand, with one in London and The Hari Hong Kong opening in December 2020. My stay here is sensational. I’m so close to the full vigour of the streets below, yet completely cocooned in the creative comfort of the hotel.  

The Hari Hong Kong – Rooms

While there are 210 guest rooms in the 30-storey building, and they brand themselves as a modern luxury hotel, the property boasts the feel of a boutique hotel. In line with the owner’s passion, artworks have just been refreshed days before my arrival. While a central theme and series are present, each room is brightened with individual pieces, with more eye-catching works in the lobby and hallways.

Rooms range from a compact 25 square metre King Room to the generous 80 square metre The Hari Suite. All feature high-quality Mühldorfer bedding, signature-scent bathroom amenities, espresso machine, tea, kettle, mini-fridge, 49” Flat screen HDTVs, safe, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Of note are thick-soled, cushy slippers and robes and a high-pressure shower with instant hot water. Windows are double-glazed, offering a barrier to the busy street noise below and curtains completely black out the room – both features much appreciated by light sleepers.

Colleagues or friends travelling together will be happy to know that twin rooms are also available. The glass divider between the bedroom and bathroom gives the illusion of more space but can also be “frosted” with the click of a button, creating instant privacy.

Facilities

A small gym outfit with quality Technogym cardio machines and free weights is complemented by a small outdoor space. I appreciate the outdoors, especially in the lovely spring weather during my stay, to end my workout with a cool down and stretch in the fresh air. 

The Hari Hong Kong is also home to The Boardroom, a premium private space suitable for up to 10 people. It’s been used not only as a corporate meeting room but also cleverly utilised as a dining alternative for more intimate dinners.

Meanwhile, the lounge is an extension of the lobby, reception and restaurants. Comfortably and stylishly furnished, it feels like the living room of a friend’s home (albeit, a very well-off friend with exquisite taste). It’s alive with activity throughout the day. Some guests use it as an alternative breakfast location, others use it as a meeting place, some like the open work space, and other gather for evening drinks.

Food & Beverage

Food and beverage is worth dining in for, with Lucciola Restaurant & Bar offering all-day dining and Zoku Restaurant & The Terrace serving meals to remember. It’s an easy day’s start with breakfast at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar. Breakfast deals include a choice of a main dish (eggs, bagels, pancakes, French toast) supported by tea, coffee and a small Continental-style buffet. Avocado with a poached egg on toast is my top pick, and I’m grateful for the choice of milk alternatives for my coffee. I don’t have a chance to dine further into the day at this restaurant, but Italian recipes by Francesco Gava from Piedmont do sound right up my alley. 

Zoku Restaurant & The Terrace offered the real surprise for me. I arrived expecting a menu of familiar Japanese dishes. What I found was a thrilling line-up of exceptional recipes founded on premium Japanese ingredients with a touch of Peruvian flair. The room itself is gorgeous, with the semi-covered terrace a highlight. Read the full story of the Zoku Experience dinner and outstanding beverage pairing here.

Service

Maybe I’ve been in Malaysia for too long, or perhaps the hotel industry is just so grateful to see international guests again, but I can’t rave enough about the service at The Hari Hong Kong. From the security to the restaurant staff, the reception desk to room service, the team did all they could to make my stay a comfortable one. One example illustrates how the rest of the stay followed… heading up to my room from the street, I asked a man wearing The Hari logo how or with who I should order ice and wine glasses for my room. It turns out he was a security guard. However, instead of redirecting me to someone else, he took my room number and communicated my request. Minutes later, someone was in my room, not only with an ice bucket and glasses but also prepared with a bottle opener. She opened the wine, put it in the bucket, decided it needed more ice, came back to fill up the tub and poured our wine. And that was just one example!

The Hari Hong Kong Review

From service to location, rooms to food and beverage, The Hari Hong Kong is an excellent choice of stay in the pulsating Wan Chai district. 

Reasons to stay at The Hari Hong Kong: small but luxuriously comfortable rooms; exceptional service; inspired design; awesome location; a meal at Zoku Restaurant & The Terrace.

The Hari Hong Kong
2/F, 330 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
+852 2129 0338
www.thehari.com/hong-kong

Find more recommendations for gourmet travel to Hong Kong here, and stay up-to-date on the latest culinary happenings around Malaysia here and here.