Bustling Wan Chai is a miniature version of Hong Kong as a whole, where historic landmarks comfortably sit side-by-side with modern skyscrapers and vibrant street markets are interspersed with contemporary supermarkets. Staying at the Hari is akin to staying in the beating heart of Hong Kong Island.
Hotel
This five-star luxury hotel is owned by the Harilela family. They first started out in the tailoring industry during World War II in Hong Kong and have blossomed into a property empire, comprising 15 hotels across the globe. The Hari Hong Kong arguably means the most to the family, being in their home city. Located on bustling Lockhart Road, the hotel has 30 floors with 210 rooms and suites.
The art-focused feel of the hotel is due to the owner, Dr Aron Harilela’s passion for creativity. The family sponsors The Hari Art Prize every year, and you won’t be surprised to find some of the nominees’ works on display in the lobby area. Eye-catching pieces include Nostalgia by Yoan Capote, which features a suitcase filled with bricks. There is also a digital art piece called The Kiss After Klimt, which reinterprets the iconic masterpiece from Gustav Klimt. Many pieces have been displayed in Art Basel Hong Kong.
Despite the building’s slender shape, the hotel includes two respected restaurants, a garden terrace, a 24-hour gym, and meeting space. It reflects Hong Kong people’s ingenuity in using space wisely despite physical limits.
Room
Room categories are mainly king, corner, and family rooms. The 30th floor hosts suites: The Chesham Suite, The Hari Suite, and The Library Suite. Higher floors offer a decent view of Victoria Harbour and the other side has majestic views of The Peak’s greenery. Room sizes are standard for Hong Kong, between 25 and 55 square metres.
Rooms have a 49-inch 4K ultra HD flat screen TV and a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer in the bathroom, and Hari-branded signature scent amenities, created by La Bottega, are provided. The king-sized bed, feather pillows and duvet ensure a perfect night’s sleep. Even in central Hong Kong, you will not hear street noise.
Food and drink
The hotel truly excels on the culinary front and their two restaurants, Zoku and Lucciola, are not just used by hotel guests, but are hugely popular with the locals. The former is a Japanese restaurant that defies convention. The décor is contemporary, with khaki velvet booths and strong use of leather and shades of pink. The design is more akin to a Western restaurant rather than a traditional Japanese restaurant that would be using more light wood.
Meanwhile, the Italian food at Lucciola is widely regarded as one of the best in Hong Kong. The fresh, handmade pastas have the perfect al dente texture. There is a strong focus on decadent seafood offerings with pastas that include lobster tail, Mediterranean clams, sea urchin and Alaskan king crab. Vegetarians are well catered for with moreish dishes like Tonnarelli Cacio Pepe. They have special offerings on most days, such as Cacio and Pepe Madness on Tuesdays, Musselicious Thursday, and the hugely popular Pranzo Italian weekend brunch.
To do
If you speak with the concierge team and they have suitable staff on hand, they can potentially provide an art tour of the exhibits displayed at the hotel. They’ve also embraced the neighbourhood and local culture by launching a neighbourhood audio guide where you get to visit off-the-beaten-track gems and see the authentic local side of Hong Kong. The highlights include a visit to Foo Tak Building, Villain Hitting, Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, Harbour Chill, a tour of PHD Group art gallery and a stop at a community-cooked food centre, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre. The above stops are all within a two to 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Nearby districts such as Causeway Bay, Admiralty and Central all have a plethora of high-end shops and eclectic restaurants. You will always be spoilt for choice when staying at The Hari Hong Kong.
Factbox
The Hari Hong Kong offers rooms from HKD 1,620 per night.
Address: 330 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2129 0388
Email: [email protected]
Website: thehari.com/hong-kong
