Royal Garden Brand Expands with Kowloon East Opening
Hong Kong’s Royal Garden Hotel is set to expand for the first time in more than four decades with the opening of The Royal Garden Kowloon East in Tseung Kwan O in January 2026. The 366-room property marks the brand’s first new address since the original hotel opened in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1981.
The hotel is a repositioned transformation of the former Crowne Plaza Kowloon East and has been reimagined by developer Sun Hung Kai Properties.
According to the hotel’s management, the new Royal Garden Kowloon East has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of travellers, with features that support family stays, longer visits and local staycations. Accommodation options range from standard guest rooms and multi-room suites to interconnected family layouts and bunk-bed studios. Seven private villas with gardens have also been introduced, catering to families and couples, and are pet-friendly.
Family-focused facilities include themed rooms designed for younger guests, such as the Junk Bay Kids’ Den with an ocean-inspired concept and a Family Fortress Room with interactive elements. Shared spaces include the Garden Lounge, which combines indoor seating with an outdoor barbecue area and children’s play zone, positioned as a casual gathering space for families and groups.
Food and beverage offerings will include the Fine Foods Lounge in the lobby, serving pastries, cakes and coffee, alongside a new Italian dining concept. Ponentino, inspired by the brand’s long-standing Italian restaurant Sabatini, is scheduled to open in July 2026 as a rooftop venue offering all-day Italian dining and outdoor terrace seating overlooking Tseung Kwan O.
Wellness and leisure amenities at the hotel include a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a children’s club named Giggle Hill, and several communal areas designed for informal use. The property will also feature event and wedding facilities, including the Diamond Room 8, which accommodates up to 180 guests and connects directly to an outdoor garden area.
Designed by LAAB Architects, the hotel incorporates eco-conscious elements and a colour palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. The opening will take place in phases throughout 2026, with guest rooms launching in January, villas and family amenities by March, and the final phase completed in July with the opening of Ponentino.
“It’s a true urban resort, an elegant, relaxed haven of tranquillity, wellness and curated experiences from the bustle of Hong Kong,” says Otto Ng, Design Director from LAAB.
“This contemporary urban resort offers a redefined hospitality experience that caters to the evolving needs of modern travellers while retaining the essence of The Royal Garden legacy,” adds General Manager Johnny Cheung.“The Royal Garden Kowloon East represents an exciting milestone for Sun Hung Kai Properties and will be an exciting new addition to Hong Kong’s hospitality scene.”
The Royal Garden Kowloon East is now “redefined for a new generation of discerning travellers”, says Area General Manager Jenny Chan. Nature-inspired design, family-friendly innovation, pet-friendly hospitality and a vibrant mix of dining and lifestyle experiences define a “bold evolution of the brand”, she says. “This new destination promises to be a vibrant and distinctive addition to Hong Kong’s hospitality landscape.”
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