8 September, 2025 (Hong Kong SAR) – Regent Hong Kong mourns the passing of Mr. Robert H. Burns, the visionary founder of Regent International Hotels, whose pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication redefined luxury hospitality and indelibly shaped Regent Hong Kong into a global icon of elegance and sophistication. 

In 1970, Mr. Burns embarked on a transformative journey, establishing Regent International Hotels in partnership with Japan’s Tokyu Group. The unveiling of the first Regent property in Honolulu marked the dawn of a new era, blending Asian warmth with unparalleled global refinement. A decade later, in 1980, Mr. Burns realized his most ambitious vision with the opening of Regent Hong Kong. This landmark moment introduced groundbreaking amenities and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, earning the hotel worldwide acclaim and the esteemed title of “Best Hotel in the World.” 

Throughout his remarkable career, Mr. Burns guided the creation of 18 distinctive luxury hotels in just 22 years, with Regent Hong Kong, celebrated for its breathtaking Victoria Harbour location and timeless elegance, serving as the flagship of his vision. His influence extended far beyond operations, quietly fostering industry growth through education and ardent advocacy. 

The return of Regent Hong Kong in 2023 to its iconic Victoria Harbour address marked a new, illustrious chapter for this legendary property—a testament to the enduring influence of Mr. Burns’ vision for refined, guest-centered luxury. Michel Chertouh, Managing Director of Regent Hong Kong, said, “Mr. Burns’ extraordinary vision and dedication to excellence transformed Regent Hong Kong into a beacon of unmatched luxury, inspiring our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, highly personalized service and culturally meaningful experiences today. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those touched by his remarkable legacy.” 

Regent Hong Kong remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring Mr. Burns’ legacy by upholding the exceptional standards he established, ensuring his visionary spirit continues to elevate the guest experience and inspire the world of luxury hospitality for generations to come. 

About Regent Hong Kong    

Following its reimagining as a majestic haven of discreet luxury on Victoria Harbour, Regent Hong Kong has been named the #1 City Hotel in Asia, as well as the #1 City Hotel in Hong Kong for the second consecutive year, and #14 among the 100 Hotels Voted Best in the World in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025 readers’ survey. It was also named the #1 Hotel in Hong Kong for the second consecutive year at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025.  Amidst breathtaking harbourviews and a serene aesthetic by Hong Kong-born design visionary Chi Wing Lo, discover refined hospitality, timeless allure and sophistication. Each of the 497 rooms and suites are crafted as Personal Havens of tranquillity with gracious, intuitive service by Regent Experience Agents, while suite guests also enjoy the exclusivity of Regent Club, a luxury residential retreat with service on your terms. The vibrant Dining Destination entices with a collection of six celebrated restaurants and bars with immersive culinary journeys and mesmerising views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline. An iconic white marble staircase leads to the large pillarless ballroom, where glamorous galas and Regent weddings are curated for everlasting memories, while bespoke events in ten versatile function rooms showcase unrivalled harbourviews. With its unrivalled Kowloon harbourfront location, the supremely convenient urban retreat offers easy access to the city’s top attractions, including M+, Hong Kong Palace Museum and Kai Tak Sports Park. Discover more at https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/    

About Regent Hotels & Resorts   

Guests have made grand entrances through the doors of Regent Hotels & Resorts for more than a century. Born in 1970 and now, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, Regent’s collection of modern hotels and resorts are home to stays both serene and sensational. The type of experiences that spark stories and charm even the most seasoned of travellers.   

An invitation to life’s most scenic moments, Regent hotels are amongst the most well-known luxury hotels in the world, with 11 open hotels and 9 in the pipeline. The current portfolio includes Regent Phu Quoc, Regent Chongqing, Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, Regent Shanghai Pudong and Regent Hong Kong. In 2024, Regent Shanghai on the Bund and Regent Bali Canggu opened and the brand marked its momentous return to the Americas with Regent Santa Monica Beach. The coming years will see Regent arrive in Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, Kyoto, Sanya, Shenzhen, and Riyadh. For more information and to book, visit www.regenthotels.com.