Checking in at the latest design-led properties across the globe gives us life here at The Hotel Journal. From The American Club in Wisconsin, to imaginative Keemala in Phuket, and Canopy by Hilton in London, we love to discover what’s hot and happening in the world of hotels. Recently, we stayed at The Hari Hong Kong and enjoyed it so much that we booked in for an extra night (now you know that says something!) See why we fell in love below.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
The Hari Hong Kong review
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: The Hari Hong Kong
Address: 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Rooms: 210 rooms and suites
Brand: The Hari / Harilela Group
Opened: 2020
Style: Contemporary luxury with Art Deco influences, rich timber, velvet, marble and abundant greenery
Family amenities: Family Rooms, connecting rooms and larger suites
Wellness: Fitness centre; no conventional swimming pool or full-service spa
Dining: Lucciola Italian restaurant, Zoku Japanese restaurant, The Lounge and The Terrace
Best for: Design lovers, couples, foodies, business travellers and exploring Wan Chai and Causeway Bay
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay, approximately six minutes’ walk; Exhibition Centre station, approximately seven minutes’ walk
Prices starting from: HK$1,500 per night, depending on room and season.
Welcome to The Hari Hong Kong
The entrance experience at The Hari Hong Kong wows with both the art and the luxe furniture
Nestled in-between bustling Causeway Bay and the nightlife district of Wan Chai, The Hari Hong Kong has quickly made a name for itself. A sister hotel to Belgravia’s The Hari London (which appears on our list of best boutique hotels in London btw), the property was designed by seasoned hotel expert Tara Bernerd in conjunction with the Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels, Dr Aron Harilela. The result is a hotel jam-packed with inviting and warm spaces where contemporary art adorns the walls next to shelves filled with classic novels and coffee table books about people, places, and things that inspire. Quite simply, it feels like home (or at least what your home would look like if you had your way.)
A special shout-out goes to the team behind this hotel. We love that they all bring that classic hospitality, where no request is too much, but they’ve modernised this somehow and just make a stay or a visit feel really special.
The rooms
The art-filled premium corner rooms are the perfect places to step away from the world
Offering 210 guestrooms, we stayed in one of the lovely premium corner rooms that offer sweeping views of the city and even a glimpse of the harbour. It was more spacious than most Hong Kong hotel rooms and wowed us with its ridiculously comfy beds (HK is famous for hotel beds that feel like stone!) decked out in Mühldorfer linens.
Signature The Hari scented amenities by La Bottega are on hand in reusable bottles, a big tick in the eco-friendly box. In fact, we were happy to see bamboo toothbrushes and even wooden razors on offer in recyclable packaging as the norm here; plus the hotel’s use of the Nordaq filtered water is another sustainable coup.
Enjoy long baths and a wonderful terrace in The Hari Suite
You know we love a high-quality robe; in fact, cheap robes at good hotels are one of our biggest gripes, and the Kashwere option piped in the hotel’s blue was uber cosy and big enough to feel completely engulfed.
Unfortunately, there was no bath in the room, but if you book into one of the stunning suites available, you’ll have one along with a terrace to enjoy sundowners, yoga, or a private moment.
Eateries
We’d already dined at both of The Hari’s restaurants before we stayed, and we were interested to see if the food remained at the same high standards. Thankfully, we weren’t disappointed.
Settle in for an Italian feast at Lucciola
First, we treated ourselves to a room service pasta dish from Lucciola, the Italian restaurant helmed by Piedmont-born chef Francesco Gava, and it was absolutely divine. Cavatelli al Granchio, Limone e Zafferano (Cavatelli Pasta, Alaskan King Crab, Butter Sauce, Amalfi Lemon, and Saffron) was served with a generous portion of Alaskan King Crab, and the pasta was so good, we could probably eat it every day. We may have ordered a couple of desserts (all in the name of research, of course!) and can confirm that both the tiramisu and the Torta Caprese Bianca (lemon cake with white chocolate) hit it out of the ballpark.
For dinner, we headed to Zoku, The Hari’s Japanese space where origami ceilings and velvet booths offer plenty of eye candy. Do yourself a favour and sample some of the cocktails that are inspired by Hong Kong itself; we love the Wan Chai Sour that pays homage to the iconic bo lo bau (pineapple bun), and there are also some great mocktails on offer.
The Toro Tartare at Zoku is mind-blowingly good
You really can’t go wrong with the food here, but we have to shout out a few of the dishes that will definitely put a smile on your face. The Toro Tartare with tapioca chip, truffle aioli, and caviar should really be illegal; it’s just so mouth-watering. We ordered to share, but recommend indulging in one for yourself as the flavour pairings are just so well done. The grilled maitake mushroom, with avocado, shichimi, sweet miso, and crispy shallots, is the perfect hand roll for anyone who loves a flavour punch, while the Alaskan Black Cod miso marinated with pickled myoga and ume plum rivals anything on the menu at Nobu or Zuma.
Breakfast is served in Lucciola with a buffet of fresh pastries, cereals, cold cuts, and juices. There’s also an à la carte menu where you can sample a range of egg dishes and sweet treats. As the restaurant is so intimate, some guests need to eat in The Lounge area, but floating wait staff will ensure you want for nothing.
What to do
Take it easy in The Lounge
There’s a gym onsite that has a selection of equipment, including machines and free weights. But one of our favourite pastimes at The Hari Hong Kong is flicking through a book in The Lounge with a cup of tea and letting the time pass us by. That luscious bed also had us cocooned for oodles of Netflix moments and more than a few naps.
Getting there and getting around
The Hari is at 330 Lockhart Road in Wan Chai, making it a convenient base for exploring Hong Kong Island and getting across to Kowloon. Hong Kong International Airport is around 40km away, and the easiest option with luggage is a taxi or private transfer, which takes roughly 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, take the Airport Express from the airport to Hong Kong Station, then continue by taxi or MTR to the hotel.
Once you’re at The Hari, you don’t need a car. Causeway Bay MTR station is around a six-minute walk away, while Exhibition Centre station is approximately seven minutes on foot. The MTR is the fastest way to travel longer distances, while Hong Kong’s historic trams are a fun and inexpensive way to explore Hong Kong Island. Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and many nearby restaurants, shops and bars are easily reached on foot. Taxis are plentiful and convenient for journeys where public transport isn’t practical, while the Star Ferry is an enjoyable way to cross Victoria Harbour to Kowloon.
Frequently asked questions: The Hari Hong Kong
Yes. Its location is particularly useful if you want to experience Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, rather than staying solely around the traditional luxury hotels on Hong Kong Island’s waterfront.
Wan Chai’s restaurants, bars, markets and heritage buildings are within walking distance, while the MTR makes it easy to reach Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and other parts of Hong Kong.
Yes. It offers a good compromise between being well connected and staying in a neighbourhood with plenty of local character.
If your priority is waking up directly opposite Victoria Harbour, a harbourfront hotel may be preferable. But if you want to explore restaurants, markets and everyday Hong Kong life while remaining close to the major sights, The Hari is a strong option.
Causeway Bay is essentially on the hotel’s doorstep. Causeway Bay MTR station is approximately six minutes’ walk away, making the hotel particularly convenient for shopping and getting around the city.
Central is a short MTR or taxi journey away. The hotel’s position between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay means you can also reach Central by tram, taxi or on foot if you want to explore along the way.
Yes. Several room categories have city or harbour views, while the top-floor suites offer particularly impressive outlooks across Victoria Harbour, Central and The Peak.
If views matter to you, it’s worth paying for a higher category rather than assuming every room will have a harbour outlook.
Yes. The hotel has dedicated Family Rooms measuring 55sqm, created by connecting a King Room with a Corner Room. Connecting rooms are also available in other categories.
This makes The Hari considerably more practical for families than a boutique hotel where everyone has to share one compact room.
Very much so. The intimate public spaces, sophisticated design, restaurants and rooftop-style terraces give the hotel a more grown-up feel than a large business hotel. For a romantic stay, consider one of the terrace suites, which have private outdoor space overlooking the city.
No. The Hari does not have a swimming pool.
Very much so. The HKCEC is approximately eight minutes’ walk from the hotel, making The Hari a convenient choice for conference delegates who also want access to restaurants and nightlife in Wan Chai.
The verdict
Thanks to its convenient location, eclectic design style and superb service, this is one of the chicest boutique hotels in Hong Kong. A stay here feels modern and fun, and the stellar restaurants mean that you don’t even have to leave.
Find out more about The Hari Hong Kong or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
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