The Hari Hotel Hong Kong
Brand Strategy & Design
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Photos Courtesy: Guy Bertrand
From London to Hong Kong!
Following the huge success of The Hari Hotel London, which opened in Belgravia a few years prior, The Harilela Group decided to open up a new boutique hotel right here at home, in the heart of Hong Kong. We were once again invited collaborate with our good friends, this time to create a distinctly Hong Kong version of The Hari. The Hari Hong Kong opened in October 2019.
The Hari is coming home
Having already established a tone of voice for The Hari London, we now faced a new challenge: how to maintain a warm and friendly attitude while being unmistakably Hong Kong. We spent two years working with the Harilela Group to create what would become their flagship hotel, bringing in characteristics of their home and their long-lasting family history in Hong Kong.
The importance of the Hari Hotel in Hong Kong was twofold: not only would it be their new home base, but it meant that within a city with an established quality of hospitality, we had to exceed that. We therefore created a handbook for the Hari staff, which explains the history of the Harilela family, to how they might want to wear silk scarves, to suggestions of gin and whiskies that they may want to recommend to guests.
Our contribution
From the first hotel in Belgravia to the hotel in Wanchai, we worked closely with the team to create a full brand from top to bottom. We devoted time to creating the perfect name, along with the perfect logo, as well as touchpoints within each hotel to make them a little more personal. From staff books to stationery to coasters, to the collaterals, to even the website design and tone of voice, this project was truly a project of love.
A new take to brand crafting
In curating the brand for the Hari, our biggest inspiration was Aron Harilela himself, whose charm and affability inspired his familial brand. The brand is deeply infused with the values of Harilela family, who have been an integral presence in Hong Kong for generations. We took aspects from the Harilela’s home and Aron Harilela‘s personality to create a brand that would feel like home.
A tall passion project
Perhaps one of our favourite endeavours with the hotel in Hong Kong is the six metre tall façade. Situated right above the terrace of Zoku, the Japanese restaurant, and also visible from the street, we worked on the façade concept and design, even choosing the specific plants that would go onto the wall. The spot of green in amongst concrete and glass truly makes the Hari a standout. As the sun sets, the name of the hotel lights up and streaks of light travel between the wooden slats; a fine sight at day or night.
A brand with character
For a bit of personality, we once again approached illustrator Carmen Ng to create some pieces for this hotel. Based in Hong Kong, with artworks that are vividly inspired by cities, her style is a perfect fit to show a taste of Hong Kong. Can you find the Hari character on the Sogo crosswalk?
This time we animated our Hari character and brought him to life. We also developed our tiny Hari brand ambassador in the Hong Kong setting, to let the Hari's guests discover the city through this little guy’s adventures.
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Our team also worked on the two restaurants: Lucciola, traditional Italian food with a modern twist, and Zoku, a tribute to Japanese cuisine with the highest quality of ingredients. Be sure to check out those projects too!
