Hong Kong’s iconic Royal Garden hotel brand will open The Royal Garden Kowloon East in Tseung Kwan O in January 2026, marking its first expansion in 44 years. The 366-room urban resort is a reimagined transformation of the former Crowne Plaza Kowloon East, introducing nature-led design, family- and pet-friendly accommodation, and a phased rollout of dining, wellness, and event facilities throughout 2026.
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A new chapter for The Royal Garden brand
The Royal Garden Kowloon East represents a significant milestone for both the brand and its developer, Sun Hung Kai Properties. The group first established The Royal Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1981, and the new Tseung Kwan O property signals a carefully considered evolution rather than a direct replica.
Positioned as an “oasis of calm” within a fast-growing urban district, the hotel is designed to retain the brand’s hallmark sense of quiet elegance while appealing to a new generation of travellers seeking space, flexibility, and lifestyle-led experiences.
According to Area General Manager Jenny Chan, the property has been “redefined for a new generation of discerning travellers,” with nature-inspired design, family-focused innovation, and pet-friendly hospitality shaping what she describes as a bold evolution of the Royal Garden identity.
An urban resort with villas and private gardens
Among the hotel’s most distinctive features are seven exclusive villas, a rare offering in Hong Kong’s urban hotel landscape. Designed for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts, the villas feature private gardens and are fully pet-friendly, accommodating staycations that include four-legged companions.
Styled with a Balinese-inspired aesthetic, the villas incorporate:
- Warm oak finishes
- Soft, soothing colour palettes
- Indoor-outdoor layouts designed for privacy and calm
These villas form part of the hotel’s broader positioning as a serene retreat from the city’s pace, while remaining closely connected to urban conveniences.
Guest rooms designed for modern travel needs
Beyond the villas, the hotel’s 366 guestrooms are conceived as warm, welcoming living spaces rather than traditional hotel rooms. The accommodation mix caters to a wide range of traveller profiles, including families, groups of friends, and longer-stay guests.
Room configurations include:
- Family-friendly rooms with interconnecting layouts and drawing walls
- Bunk bed studios designed for younger travellers
- Multi-room deluxe suites suitable for group stays
The emphasis is on flexibility, comfort, and practicality, reflecting changing travel habits across leisure, staycation, and multi-generational travel segments.
Family-focused experiences and themed rooms
Family travel is a key focus at The Royal Garden Kowloon East, with a strong emphasis on shared experiences and child-friendly design.
Two themed family rooms anchor this offering:
- Junk Bay Kids’ Den, featuring a cosy ocean adventure theme and dedicated play area
- Family Fortress Room, built around an interactive castle exploration concept
These are complemented by a range of parent-child recreational options and shared spaces designed to encourage connection and play.
Dining and social spaces with a lifestyle focus
Food and beverage will play a central role in the hotel’s identity, with multiple venues catering to different moments of the day.
Garden Lounge is designed as a tropical sanctuary, featuring olive tones and golden accents inspired by forest landscapes. The space includes an outdoor barbecue garden and a dedicated play area, making it suitable for gatherings of friends and families.
In the lobby, the Fine Foods Lounge continues The Royal Garden’s culinary legacy, serving quality snacks and pastries, including the brand’s artisanal cakes, iconic butterfly cookies, and specialty coffee.
Ponentino to open in July 2026
Dining will be further elevated with the launch of Ponentino, a new Italian all-day dining concept inspired by The Royal Garden’s original, award-winning Sabatini Ristorante Italiano.
Scheduled to open in July 2026, Ponentino will be located on the hotel’s highest floor and extend onto a spacious outdoor terrace. The venue aims to offer a casual yet refined Italian dining experience for a younger audience, with a curated menu showcasing regional Italian flavours.
The rooftop setting will offer expansive views over Tseung Kwan O, with sunset dining positioned as a key highlight.
Wellness, leisure, and events
The hotel’s wellness and leisure facilities are designed to support both relaxation and active lifestyles. These include:
- A 25-metre outdoor swimming pool
- A state-of-the-art fitness centre
- Kids Club, Giggle Hill
- Communal spaces designed for social interaction and downtime
For events, weddings, and corporate functions, the hotel offers contemporary MICE facilities led by Diamond Room 8, which can host up to 180 guests. The venue features expansive French windows and a minimal tropical design, with an adjacent outdoor garden providing additional flexibility.
A dedicated bridal room, complete with private bathroom, dressing area, and makeup station, supports wedding events and private celebrations.
Sustainable design rooted in place
Designed by LAAB Architects, the hotel adopts an eco-conscious approach aligned with the preferences of Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha travellers. Inspired by the natural landscape of Tseung Kwan O, the interiors use a palette of olive and apricot tones, warm wood finishes, and airy layouts to blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Design Director Otto Ng describes the project as “a true urban resort” that offers tranquillity, wellness, and curated experiences within the context of Hong Kong’s dense urban environment.
Phased opening and launch offer
The Royal Garden Kowloon East will be unveiled in three phases across 2026:
- January 2026: Guest rooms and suites
- March 2026: Exclusive villas and family-focused amenities
- July 2026: Grand opening of Ponentino
To mark the launch of its official website, the hotel is offering a Transformed Offer Rate, with 25% off stays and up to two complimentary breakfasts per room per day for bookings made directly using promo code RGKE. The offer is valid for bookings made until 31 March 2026, subject to terms and conditions.
At a Glance
- Hotel: The Royal Garden Kowloon East
- Location: Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
- Opening: January 2026
- Rooms: 366 guestrooms and suites
- Signature Features: Private garden villas, family-themed rooms, pet-friendly stays
- Dining Highlight: Ponentino rooftop Italian restaurant (opening July 2026)
- Facilities: Outdoor pool, fitness centre, Kids Club, MICE and wedding venues
- Developer: Sun Hung Kai Properties
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