InterContinental Hong Kong has unveiled a stylish new look for its iconic Lobby and Lobby Lounge. Created by architecture firm Woods Bagot Hong Kong studio, the stunning design enhances the mesmerising appeal of this venue from morning until late at night.
Renowned for its unmatched views of Victoria Harbour and the city’s renowned skyline, this celebrated venue offers an extraordinary vantage point. Its wrap-around, expansive plate glass windows and panoramic harbour views have made this “the place to see and be seen” for over three decades.
“Since our Lobby is the heart of the hotel and where our guests have their first impression of Hong Kong,” says InterContinental Hong Kong Managing Director Jean-Jacques Reibel. “we want our guests to have a unique sense of arrival.”
The new design, material and colour selections are inspired by the hotel’s unique location on Victoria Harbour. Key design elements are interpretations of the movement on the harbour with its horizontal wave formations and a theme of vertical patterns reflecting the Hong Kong skyline.
Reminiscent of sunset on Victoria Harbour, bronze, gold, champagne and silver shades have been used to create a warm, rich and luxurious interior. Flowing forms in the dark orange, champagne, silver grey and purple customized Brintons carpet design represent the subtle wavy contoured patterns on the harbour, creating a textural, three-dimensional effect. A wave pattern forms the outline of the curved banquettes, with cosy seating areas exuding understated luxury within a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Fabrics in natural and aubergine shades with wavy patterns reflect the natural light, adding warmth to the space in the evening. Golden “c” shaped lamps resemble large wave-like forms while accessorising the space.
The vertical concept inspired by the Hong Kong skyline incorporates champagne gold polished metal for the Lobby’s wall detailing, set against Satin Walnut walls, with an angled and pleated bronze hairline metal “skirting feature” at the base of the island reception and Concierge counters. These metallic finishes reflect the outdoor light, thus illuminating the Lobby and broadening the view.
Table tops nearest the expansive windows are made of Champagne-coloured textured glass with copper metal frames, reflecting the light from the harbour and adding a three dimensional element. Round table tops with geometric copper bases are made of ink stone, which is used to make traditional Chinese ink wells, add an authentic Asian touch.
Taking centre stage is a dramatic art piece, which doubles as a communal bar table. Weighing approximately 2000 kg (2 tons), this free-flowing table is made of African Padauk (for the body), African Rosewood (for the top), with American burled poplar (for the border). Its unique shape is like an amoeba with a subtle Yin and Yang influence. The base resembles the belly of a whale, resting on “stilettos” or rather, solid wooden legs with steel cores.
The finish is a very high gloss lacquer that reflects the dynamic lighting in the Lobby, creating an illusion that the table is floating within the space (in keeping with the harbour inspired design theme.)
As per InterContinental Hong Kong’s Managing Director Jean-Jacques Reibel, who was the passionate driving force behind the design, “We wanted to create a focal point in the Lobby Lounge with a unique art piece. In collaboration with the talented Jake Walker of BAM (Ballistic Architecture Machine in Beijing), we have made this vision into a reality.”
Reibel adds, “For the Lobby Lounge, one of the key briefs I gave the designer was that the harbour view could not be obstructed in any way. We did not want any walls or partitions which might obscure the spectacular views from our Lobby.”
According to Sandy Lai, Senior Interior Designer for Woods Bagot Hong Kong studio, “The new design enhances the space while ensuring it does not distract or compete with the iconic views. “We have created a refined and luxurious space that captures the essence of the harbourview. The cosy group seating arrangements and raised “gallery” area with banquettes maximise guests’ enjoyment of the Lobby Lounge experience.”
A New Taste –– “V-Sips” and “Tappetisers”
In addition to its new look, the Lobby Lounge has a new selection of signature cocktails called ‘V-Sips’, also inspired by the hotel’s unique position on Victoria Harbour. “V Sips” showcase vintage cocktail recipes that have been recreated with a local twist. In keeping with Hong Kong’s dynamism and exciting blend of Eastern and Western cultures, these signature cocktails are sophisticated, with an exquisite balance of “Yin and Yang”.
Themed cocktails include the Nine Dragons, Victoria Sunset, Fragrant Harbour, Peak Me Up, Hong Kong Skyscraper, Smoke & Mirrors, Asia’s World City, Avenue of Stars and Batman (with reference to the scene from “The Dark Knight Returns” when Batman jumped from the 88-storey IFC II tower into Victoria Harbour.) The cocktail menu also includes infused cocktails using Asian spices such as Cinnamon, Pandan Leaves, Wasabi, Chili and Lemongrass. The new snack menu showcases an enticing array of ‘Tappatisers’ – simple and flavourful nibbles created by InterContinental Hong Kong’s Executive Chef, Graham Burst and his team.
The Lobby Lounge is also a panoramic and popular setting for Afternoon Tea. Guests can choose our contemporary Parisian Tea Set, with French pastries, homemade sandwiches and scones and a selection of Mariage Frères teas or our Red Box Chinese Tea Set with three tiers of savoury and sweet Chinese items served with fine Chinese teas. In addition to the extensive tea selection, our Lobby Lounge Barista serves up a range of fine espresso drinks including single origin coffees and “latte art”.
The new all-day menu includes a selection of Artisan Burgers made from organic, natural, free-range or grass-fed meat, plus a selection of “BYOB” (Build-your-own-Bento) Box Lunches, healthy salads and specialty sandwiches with artisan breads.For those with a sweet tooth, there are also homemade ice cream desserts and French style cut cakes. The wine list features a selection of organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines, as well as wines from vineyards practicing organic farming.
A New Sound
In the early evening (6:00pm-9:00pm), the Lobby Lounge’s hip new sound features chill-out “house music” with a DJ and musicians blending soulful instrumentals with cool electronic jazz. In the evening, the Lobby Lounge features a different international guest artist every few months, with showcased Canadian singer / songwriter Amanda Wood currently performing a selection of upbeat pop and smooth jazz, as well as unforgettable ballads.