When veteran travelers think of Hong Kong hotels, classic luxury brands such as The Peninsula, Shangri-La, Rosewood or Mandarin Oriental come to mind. Of course, these are all top-notch properties, but they tend to lean more formal than intimate. That’s why, on a recent visit, The Hari Hong Kong felt like a great find.
Opened in 2020 and owned by the Harilela family — which has a long history in Hong Kong — the 210-room property is a sister to The Hari in London. For travel advisors, the property is a strong fit for clients seeking boutique design, walkable neighborhoods and a more relaxed alternative to traditional luxury hotels in the city.
Artful Design
According to the hotel, the goal is to infuse The Hari Hong Kong with a “relaxed sense of elegance and an eccentric touch of wit.” The look and feel of the property are the product of designer Tara Bernerd, who utilized dark wood and rich earth tones to create a warm contrast to the city’s steel-and-glass skyline.
Guestrooms are on floors seven through 30 (with three suites on the top floor) and all feature views of the city. The layout of my Corner Room took advantage of the view with a chaise, a king bed facing the large window and a glass-enclosed marble bathroom with a rain shower.
Suites are located on the 30th floor.
Credit: 2026 The Hari Hong KongArt and literature are themes throughout the hotel. The lobby has a coffeehouse vibe — walls are lined with books and guests often read or work on laptops in comfortable nooks. Lucciola Restaurant & Bar, the property’s main restaurant, spills into this space, making it feel even more like a local cafe. In addition, the property sponsors The Hari Art Prize competition, which is open to artists within the first 10 years of their career. Interesting pieces hang throughout the hotel, which is a popular choice for visitors attending the annual Art Basel Hong Kong.
Lucciola is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For dinner, the restaurant serves Italian classics with a modern twist using local produce. There is also a popular brunch on weekends.
Zoku, the hotel’s other restaurant, serves contemporary Japanese cuisine, as well as sushi and sashimi. The Terrace, Zoku’s dining space, includes an alfresco bar and patio popular during “tipple hour” (happy hour). There is also live jazz during the week.
Neighborhood Focus
The Hari Hong Kong is located in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai neighborhood. Once a small fishing village, Wan Chai is one of the most historic areas of the city, known for its blend of old and new. It’s a short trip to Victoria Harbor, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Causeway Bay shopping and dining district.
There’s a popular terrace for drinks and dinner.
Credit: 2026 The Hari Hong KongOne of my favorite aspects of the hotel is how it connects to the neighborhood. The Hari Hong Kong offers its own guided tour, for example. The roughly 2½-hour experience shares the history and culture of Wan Chai. The hotel also provides “The Hari Neighborhood Guide Audio Tour,” a self-led walk featuring an interactive map of nearby hidden gems. The tour includes narration by Dr. Aron Harilela, the chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels, who discusses his memories of Wan Chai growing up in Hong Kong.
One unique neighborhood activity advisors should suggest to clients is called “Villain Hitting” (Da Siu Yan). This traditional Hong Kong folk ritual involves practitioners striking paper effigies to punish evil people and banish bad luck. Visitors can participate in the ceremony under the Canal Road Flyover, located a short walk from the hotel.
Advisors booking The Hari Hong Kong can rest assured they will not be on the receiving end of the ritual — clients will surely appreciate the recommendation. For those looking to move beyond Hong Kong’s traditional luxury playbook, the hotel offers a more intimate, design-forward stay with a connection to one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
