A peek at Hong Kong's brand new Harilela hotel

Artist's impression of a guest room at The Hari Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is set to welcome a brand new hotel to the city, with the announcement that The Hari Hong Kong will be opening this coming winter.

The boutique property will be located on Lockhart Road between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

The Hari is the inspiration of Dr Aron Harilela, chairman and chief executive officer of Harilela Hotels. This will be the group’s second Hari property, following the opening of The Hari London in 2009. Located in well-heeled Belgravia and just moments from Sloane Street, Harrods and Harvey Nichols, the chic UK property boasts a well-regarded Italian restaurant and a sleek vibe, with artwork by Tracey Emin and Mario Testino.

It was designed by Tara Bernard, who has also taken on the interior design brief for The Hari Hong Kong.

“We are excited to bring The Hari to Hong Kong,” said Dr Harilela. “Our second property, the hotel represents a homecoming to the place I’ve always called home.”

Harilela is the son of the late Hong Kong Indian businessman, hotelier and philanthropist Hari Harilela, who founded the Harilela Group in 1959.

The new hotel will offer 210 guest rooms, including three signature rooftop suites designed by Bernerd. It will also have a Japanese restaurant and terrace bar, Zoku, and an Italian restaurant, Lucciola.

Zoku, meaning ‘clan’ in Japanese, will highlight fresh ingredients translated into popular Japanese dishes, such as robata grilled dishes, tempura and sushi.

Lucciola is being pitched as a gathering spot for family and friends with a menu of regional Italian classics.

Recognising the current economic climate, Harilela said that the decision to open The Hari Hong Kong after a year of protests and the pandemic represents “a vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s future as a city.”

“I believe that Hong Kong will bounce back, we have foundations that you just can’t take away,” he said.