The Hari Hong Kong Hotel: London's elegant tailoring in Wan Chai's vibrant locale
Exuding an updated, mid-century modern vibe, this boutique hotel in Wan Chai brings London’s tailored yet approachable attitude to Hong Kong.
By Asih Jenie -
Opened in December 2020, The Hari Hong Kong is the second Hari hotel by the Harilela Group, a family-owned company founded in 1959 that owns 15 hospitality properties across Asia, Europe and the US.
Designed by London-based interior architectural practice Tara Bernerd & Partners that also did The Hari London in 2016, the inspiration for The Hari Hong Kong came from its vibrant Wan Chai locale and founder Aron Harilela’s style and sensibilities.
“Influenced by his layered tailoring, I created this concept in our material and palette choices. Like a fine tailored suit, the hotel brings a London attitude to Hong Kong,” shares Tara, who helmed the project.
“Masculine yet approachable, the design provides a warm welcome across all aspects of the property, from the bedrooms to the dining concepts.”
A glazed glass and iron-framed front greets guests, and offers a glimpse of the lounge where a stately, grey marble floor blends perfectly with the plush rugs denoting various mid-century modern seating areas.
From there, the interior bridges the polished sheen of the commercial Causeway Bay with the vibrant creative scene of Wan Chai.
Just as striking are the artworks amidst luxe materials such as polished hardwood, marble, genuine leather with a fluted texture, brass hardware and retro-style patterns.
The artworks on the walls of The Hari Hong Kong were selected by Pontone Gallery. It also did the selection for The Hari London.
The result is a chic, timeless space with a decidedly contemporary, industrial edge aimed at “capturing the essence of what it must be like inside the chicest Hong Kong homes”.
A library feature wall with a curated selection of books, vases and decor facilitates the transition from the entrance to the lift lobby.
The suites feature a bedroom with a five-piece bathroom, a separate sitting room and a private terrace with a view of Hong Kong’s skyline.
The King and Twin rooms have an airy layout with open wardrobes, a two-seater sofa and a bathroom that’s separated from the rest of the room by antique brass steel doors that recall the lobby’s aesthetic.
Lucciola Restaurant & Bar captures the spirit of Italy with its patterned floor, wrap-around cognac leather banquette seats and a dramatic, slanted ceiling that maximises natural light.
Zoku Restaurant & Terrace serves Japanese fare in an elegantly textured space palette of pinks with khaki velvet banquettes, fluted timber and glass.
While The Lounge, chic yet casual with long banquettes and a mix of neutral linens, a bold pop of patterned aqua fabrics and a statement wall of patterned book-matched marble, is deliberately designed to work from day to night.
Classically luxurious materials such as marble and hardwood melded with tweed, linen and fluted corduroy create an elegant yet approachable vibe that draws you to spend more time in a hotel than you would normally do so, whether you are just visiting or staying there.
Photography by DENNIS LO, courtesy of TARA BERNERD & ASSOCIATES