Review: The Royal Garden Kowloon East’s Bold Makeover as an Urban Resort in Hong Kong

HONG KONG

CSP Times checks into The Royal Garden Kowloon East, a newly opened hotel in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong. Touted as the “new landmark of Kowloon East,” the hotel is a refined transformation of the former Crowne Plaza Kowloon East.

All images are courtesy of The Royal Garden Kowloon East.

I’ve lived in Kowloon my whole life, yet never fully explored the Eastern part of it. Word on the street a few years back was that Tseung Kwan O is the “next big thing” in dining and hospitality. But the pandemic halted the momentum. Now, three years on, this side of Hong Kong is drawing in crowds with new restaurant and hotel openings. Case in point: the Royal Garden brand expands for the first time in four decades with The Royal Garden Kowloon East.

The Location and The Design

The Royal Garden Kowloon East is just a five-minute walk from the Tseung Kwan O MTR Station. Guests don’t even need to go outside as the station exit is connected to the hotel via Popcorn Mall. So, rain or shine, it’s just a stone’s throw away. The area offers the best of both worlds: lush mountains with modern comforts. 

There are six shopping malls in the vicinity of the hotel (which are pet-friendly), and it’s just within walking distance to the Tseung Kwan O Waterfront. The hotel also has a shuttle bus service connecting Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon within 20 minutes. Its location is a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown. For nature enthusiasts, Sai Kung is just a 15-minute drive away.

The 366-room hotel is transformed into an urban resort for “a new generation of discerning travellers. Its exterior is simple and blends in well with the surroundings. Inside, it features a nature-inspired design by LAAB Architects, with a focus on being family- and pet-friendly. Axed are the mundane colours of a former business hotel, replaced by warm, earthy tones and soothing colour palettes to evoke a sense of home away from home and reflect the natural landscape of Tseung Kwan O.

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The Accommodation

I stayed in the Family Fortress room, which has one king-sized bed, two single beds in a bunk-style configuration, and two plush seats. The spacious 36-square-metre room is great for families and friends. Draped in a wood aesthetic with a Scandinavian-inspired motif, it’s cosiness wrapped into one. It’s simple but not boring. The room is just one example of its home-styled rooms that cater to a variety of needs and stays. Moreover, each room has large bathtubs, premium Antipodes amenities, a bedside charging dock, a water dispenser, and 55-inch smart televisions.

Others have interconnected setups and drawing rooms, while deluxe suites with multiple rooms are also available for larger groups of travellers. The Sunset Terrace Suite (only three available) opens onto a private terrace that overlooks the city’s skyline, as well as a living room and a small pantry. Those who love looking at the view can opt for the Sunset Vista Corner Room, with its wide panoramic window. These rooms are also designed for long-stay guests such as students and those visiting families. Even the standard room, the Urban Oasis Room, has a soft bed on top of a normal bed for maximum relaxation.

Unique to the hotel are the Horizon Retreat Villas, which include their own outdoor garden — a rarity even among Hong Kong’s luxury hotels. The villas have a resort aesthetic with warm oak finishes, natural textures, and bamboo accents. What you get is a private sanctuary that’s pet-friendly and tailored for families, couples, and even nature lovers, away from the bustling city.

The Dining

The Fine Food Lounge is an extension of the existing one at The Royal Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui, and this time, seating is available. It overlooks the outdoor water features, complete with three-storey panel windows for natural sunlight. Grab a quick bite, sip on fresh coffee, or enjoy a delightful afternoon tea. Don’t miss the signature butterfly cookies. The lounge is also decorated with free-standing sculptural elements and standalone lighting pendants.

The hotel’s dining highlight will be Ponentino, which is inspired by Sabatini Ristorante Italiano from the Tsim Sha Tsui outpost. The sister restaurant will showcase regional flavours of the Italian countryside at a stunning rooftop venue with dramatic sunset views. It will open in July 2026.

The Facilities

Sweat it out at the gym, which comes with newly installed computerised equipment for cardio and general health. Cool off at the 25-metre outdoor swimming pool and bask in the scenic views of the Tseung Kwan O skyline as well as the surrounding mountains.

Escape to a tropical sanctuary at the Garden Lounge. This social space is awash in olive tones and golden accents, akin to those of a lush forest. Hang out in the lounge with friends and family, or prepare a satisfying feast at the outdoor barbecue garden. The dedicated children’s play area called Giggle Hill is perfect should the kids get restless.

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The Verdict: The Royal Garden Kowloon East, Hong Kong

A stay at The Royal Garden Kowloon East checks all the boxes for an ideal weekend getaway or staycation. Think stunning city skyline with dramatic views of the mountains, booted with Scandinavian-inspired hotel room designs. Better yet, the Balinese-inspired villas are a unique touch that other urban hotels don’t have. The generous room sizes, as well as being a pet-friendly space, win points in my book. It’s truly an urban resort by any means.

Address: 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong | Website: rgke.com.hk/en/ | Phone: +852 3983 0388  | Instagram: @theroyalgardenkowlooneast | Facebook: @TRGKE

Disclaimer: The writer was invited by the Royal Garden Kowloon East to experience the property. All observations, assessments, and opinions expressed are based on the writer’s independent experience and professional judgement.