Regal Oriental Hotel

From the street, the Regal doesn't make much of an impression. The tan-colored facade with a bank of windows folded in a V formation feels corporate and dated with little ornamentation to draw the eye or add personality. Inside, the '80s-style entryway has been updated with illuminated glass panels in a white crosshatched pattern. Colorful blue-printed carpets stretch out into sitting areas with surprisingly abstract wood-and-reed couches and settees that resemble seashells beside a baby grand piano. Chrome and mirrored details add a bit of sparkle, but low ceilings, loud ads, and escalators deflate any potential glamor.

The Regal Oriental Hotel is located in an old residential area off of the busy Prince Edward Road, just north of the city's former airport. The immediate area around the hotel is gritty and not too appealing for tourists, but there are many popular local restaurants that make the neighborhood come to life at night. There's a bus stop next to the hotel, but there are no MTR stations in the neighborhood. It's far from central Kowloon attractions (around 20 to 30 minutes away by public transportation), but relatively close to some of the big shopping complexes -- Festival Walk and Megabox are both an 11-minute drive in opposite directions and the Mikiki shopping mall is within a 10-minute walk. Once across the street, the Hong Kong International Airport is now located about a 35-minute drive to the west. 

As its location was originally next to an airport, the hotel's 494 rooms have good sound proofing from double-glazed windows. The contemporary decor consists of cream-colored textiles and dark wood furniture plus some trendy additions like white mod-style chairs. The carpets vary by room category, either beige swirls or a cream-and-gray crosshatch, but some of it has become worn and shows its age. Minibars, electric tea kettles, safes, irons, and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs come standard. A wide array of Executive Rooms have larger work desks with roller chairs and sitting areas with white couches, as well as Nespresso machines, while family rooms add multiple beds. Most bathrooms have average tiled shower/tub combos, but executive versions add a second rainfall showerhead. Room views overlooking multilane roads and construction leave little to admire.

The hotel has several restaurants starting with its Regal Terrace, a Chinese restaurant that specializes in dim sum and Cantonese cuisine. The buffet at Café Neo covers Asian, international, and Western food, with a large breakfast buffet (not included). The on-site China Coast Pub + Restaurant styles itself after an American burger joint. There's also a cake shop open all day long with both Western and Chinese pastries. Business facilities include the executive club lounge (members and upgraded guests only) that has free refreshments, a business center with multiple workstations, and eight meeting rooms, as well as a large ballroom that can accommodate up to 345 people. The hotel's small fitness room has a few treadmills, stationary bikes, an elliptical, and free weights.