The Hari Comes to Hong Kong

Independent business hotel meets style destination at The Hari Hong Kong, where British designer Tara Bernerd has combined the charm and elegance of the hotel’s original London location with the energy of Hong Kong

To say that The Hari Hong Kong launched during a difficult period would be an understatement. Its location in Wan Chai, just a ten-minute walk from the convention centre, made it a sure bet to draw business travellers pre-pandemic, but with borders closed, its main demographic has disappeared. Hotels play a long game however, and Dr Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels, is optimistic, saying ‘Its opening sends a clear and strong message of our confidence in what lies ahead.’

Meanwhile, The Hari’s design credentials and positioning as an independent neighbourhood hotel give it an advantage over the many characterless properties in the area, and put it in a strong position to attract a smart local set, despite being only a few months old. British designer Tara Bernerd, founder of her eponymous London-based interior architecture studio, designed the brand’s first hotel in London, and says that the intention is to ‘bring the charm and elegance of The Hari London, while simultaneously delving into the energy and dynamism of bustling Hong Kong.’

The entrance lobby, easily accessed from the street, is sleek yet intimate and comfortable, with wood-panelled walls, marble floors, caramel leather sofas, contemporary art, touches of whimsy and flashes of mid-century design. This atmosphere of a luxurious living room continues on the first-floor reception and lounge, which is filled with richly upholstered armchairs that encourage guests to settle in for cake, cocktails or with one of the many coffee table books on display.

Italian restaurant Lucciola is here, outfitted with a green marble bar, tessellated floor tiles, green tadelakt plaster walls and leather banquettes. Floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch the length of the restaurant and lounge provide views of Wan Chai’s fascinating street life. Japanese restaurant Zoku is more glamorous, with its asymmetrical origami-inspired ceiling, pink and red velvet booths, a wall of Crittall-framed fluted glass and catwalk-like terrace.

Colour makes welcome appearances throughout, including the signature blue that carpets the hotel’s corridors, and in the leather doors that open into the 210 compact but well-designed guest rooms. All feature wood-panelled walls, timber floors, marble bathrooms and brass trim, while padded bedheads, sofas, custom-made rugs and contemporary art by Asian artists soften the tone. The one-touch shower button is a triumph of form and function.

But the biggest wow factor is reserved for the three penthouse suites, all similar in layout and size. Each features a separate living room, bedroom, bathroom and impressive 12-metre-wide terrace, a rarity among the city’s hotels. The top Hari Suite claims a corner position, giving it stunning views of the surrounding buildings and dazzling sunsets behind the Peak. It’s a drawcard sure to appeal not only to business travellers, but to anyone with an appreciation for urban architecture and living, should they be lucky enough to stay here.

Text by Kee Foong
Images courtesy of The Hari Hong Kong

Corner room

Corner room