Review: Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Located within the coronary heart of Hong Kong’s monetary district, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is among the many most sought-after luxurious lodges within the metropolis.

This might be my first-ever keep at a Mandarin Oriental lodge, and it was solely becoming for it to happen on the model’s first and flagship lodge. What’s extra, I used to be delighted to share the expertise with my mother and father, who joined me for the evening on a visit coming down from Beijing.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Reserving

On common, the room charges for the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong fall round 4,000–5,000 HKD ($680–850 CAD) for the standard room. Nonetheless, I used to be lucky to safe a beneficial journey agent price for my keep.

In the event you’re contemplating a keep on the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, you need to find out about Mandarin Oriental Fan Membership, a most popular companion program that gives a set of additional advantages on your keep at no extra price.

A few of the advantages embrace $100 (USD) meals & beverage or spa credit score per room per keep, every day full breakfast for 2, complimentary high-speed web entry, personalised welcome facilities and be aware, and a one-category room improve, topic to availability on the time of check-in.

All in all, you’ll pay the identical as the general public versatile price, however you get extra advantages by reserving by way of Mandarin Oriental Fan Membership.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Location

The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is smack dab in the course of the bustling Central district, proper on the coronary heart of Hong Kong’s monetary centre. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t be confused with The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, which lies just some minutes to the south and is a more moderen “boutique designer” lodge.

When the lodge opened in 1963, it was once proper up in opposition to the harbour of Hong Kong Island, and it was the tallest constructing within the space on the time. Nonetheless, through the years, the island has expanded with reclaimed land, and new skyscrapers have popped up throughout the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong.

Regardless of this, the lodge nonetheless holds a particular place in Hong Kong’s historical past, regardless of its extra comparatively subdued presence at present in comparison with 60 years in the past.

In the event you’re eager to discover a few of the metropolis’s high sights, the Mandarin Oriental is right for meandering round. Metropolis Corridor and the Hong Kong Statement Wheel are only a fast 10-minute stroll away, whereas the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre is inside a leisurely 25-minute stroll.

Furthermore, you may hop on over to the Star Ferry, which is only a 10-minute journey north. From right here, it’s a fast experience to the Hong Kong Museum of Artwork throughout the harbour.

Getting round the remainder of Hong Kong can be a breeze, due to the lodge’s prime location proper exterior the exit of the Central MTR station.

In the event you’re coming from Hong Kong Worldwide Airport, taking the Airport Specific practice to Hong Kong Station is your greatest wager, after which it’s a fast journey of lower than 10 minutes to get to the lodge.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Verify-in

Upon arriving on the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, the lodge has a relatively modest glass and cement façade, which blends in among the many different buildings within the space.

The lodge’s fundamental entrance faces Connaught Street on the north facet of the constructing, though there’s one other pedestrian entrance on the south facet on Chater Street as effectively. 

As I entered the lodge, the employees warmly greeted me and promptly escorted me to the spacious and grandiose foyer.

With hovering ceilings, dazzling chandeliers, and a harmonious mix of deep reds and golds, the foyer pays homage to Mandarin Oriental’s Chinese language roots. Nonetheless, a intelligent interaction of daring ground patterns, wealthy colors, and textures imbues the house with a recent, eclectic really feel.

I took be aware of the flowery fan show right here, which is a staple of each Mandarin Oriental property around the globe. 

Vibrant plush couches and armchairs have been dotted round, and an expensive piano was being actively performed, not like many high-end lodge pianos that solely function decorative centrepieces.

To the proper of the foyer, the check-in desks have been positioned in a separate room. Right here, an affiliate confirmed my keep within the Harbour View Room, one of many lodge’s entry-level rooms with a beneficial view.

After offering extra details about the lodge’s eating venues and amenities, the affiliate handed me my keys, and I proceeded to make my approach over to the elevators and as much as my room.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Harbour View Room

Upon getting into the room, I used to be greeted with a well-defined lobby that results in the bed room.

The aesthetic has delicate trendy touches however was largely understated, with subdued beige partitions, carpeting, and wood accents.

Persevering with additional into the bed room, I stumbled on a set of dual beds positioned instantly facet by facet. The beds are dressed up with two stuffed bunnies, which added a playful contact.

On the alternative wall of the mattress is a big armoire with a flat-screen TV. Set atop was a beneficiant and considerate welcome amenity that included pastries, chocolate, and contemporary juice.

In direction of the far finish of the room, our Harbour View Room had a pleasant little nook, the place the daybed might be changed into a settee mattress. Since we have been staying as a household of three, the couch mattress had been ready beforehand in time for our arrival.

Moreover, the curtains right here might be drawn, separating the 2 areas. This was significantly helpful on this keep, as I might get some work performed within the evening whereas my mother and father rested.

The desk served effectively as a workspace, with ample pure gentle filtering by way of the home windows.

To the left of the lobby, there’s a closet that gives ample cupboard space; in the meantime, to the proper is the toilet, a standout function of the room.

The toilet had a singular structure, with the sink and self-importance positioned within the centre of the room, with the bath to 1 facet and the bathe and bathroom to the opposite. The self-importance mirror might then be rotated for use from both facet.

There’s an opulent white marble bathtub, the place a blind may be opened or closed for privateness, contrasting properly in opposition to the darkish marble that adorned the remainder of the toilet.

The black and white distinction of the toilet creates a putting visible impact. What’s extra, the bathtub facilities on the lodge are equipped by Diptyque, including to the high-end expertise.

It’s value noting that the usual rooms on the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong can be found with both twin beds or a king mattress, and is in any other case similar in structure. 

The lodge is a square-shaped constructing that boasts 4 views for its entry-level room kind: south, west (Metropolis View), east (Statue Sq. view), and north (Harbour View), in rising order.

Right here within the Harbour View Room, we loved sweeping northerly views throughout Victoria Harbour and a direct view of the Hong Kong Statement Wheel, although not fairly from as excessive of a vantage level as a few of the newer lodges on Hong Kong Island.

This specific room was one of many newer ones within the lodge, whereas different rooms might function a extra conventional design.

Nonetheless, it’s evident that even the comparatively newer rooms at the moment are showing barely dated and may benefit from a refresh, which I hear is prone to happen within the close to future. 

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Superior Room

The Superior Room is the lodge’s south-facing base-level room class. Right here, you’ll discover a conventional type, comparable to floral carpets and the usage of wealthy, darkish pink woods.

There’s a comfortable armchair nestled within the nook, whereas the spacious desk space options each an ergonomic and common chair.

Reverse the beds, an armoire homes a wall-mounted tv.

The toilet enhances the bed room, incorporating basic components comparable to darkish pink wooden and black granite counter tops. Right here, a spacious marble bathtub and bathe are positioned inside a single moist room.

As for views, the Superior Room doesn’t have an excessive amount of to supply because the lowest room kind, overlooking the bustling streets of Central and the Prince’s Constructing throughout the road.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Harbour View Suite

The Harbour View Suite, spanning a formidable 775 sq. toes, retains the lodge’s old-school allure with a conventional jade-green end and pink lacquer and copper touches.

The suite presents a spacious separate dwelling space, furnished with a big sofa, armchair, and a flat-screen TV. Positioned by the window, a desk with a daily chair and an ergonomic desk present a snug workspace.

The bed room is refined, with a conventional deep pink accent wall and darkish wooden highlights. Moreover, the king mattress is ready with quite a few ornamental pillows.

The toilet can be fairly spectacular, boasting a big freestanding bathtub located in the course of the house, which presents breathtaking views of the town as you unwind.

In fact, you’ll additionally be capable to take within the Victoria Harbour and metropolis skyline from the Harbour View Suite.

Lastly, the suites on the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong include Membership Lounge entry, offering complimentary refreshments and snacks all through the day.

Whereas the lodge’s historical past and iconic standing are definitely spectacular, I’d say that the rooms’ inside décor isn’t presently on the forefront of the lodge’s attraction, and will positively profit from any upcoming refurbishments that could be deliberate.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – The Mandarin Membership

As a part of my keep, I loved entry to The Mandarin Membership, the lodge’s govt lounge on the twenty third ground.

The newly renovated house boasts an beautiful modern design, full with a surprising shattered ground impact.

Upon entry is a reception space, the place an affiliate will affirm entry to the lounge. Visitors who e book a membership room or suite have entry to The Mandarin Membership; in any other case, entry can also be bought as a complement to a daily room price, based mostly on availability. 

The eating space is spectacular, and options plush furnishings in shades of pink, purple, and magenta. The separate seating areas are thoughtfully organized by the home windows, providing panoramic views.

Hopefully, this newly renovated type is a tasteful preview of what we would count on to see from the lodge’s rooms in the course of the subsequent spherical of renovations. 

The Mandarin Membership presents quite a lot of eating choices, together with a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, and night hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Throughout our go to, the breakfast buffet was laid out properly on a center island.

You probably have a candy tooth, there are ample sweets and pastries to take pleasure in.

For individuals who choose one thing savoury, there are potato truffles, grilled tomatoes, bacon, and sausage.

In the event you’re on the lookout for a more healthy choice, yogurt and cereal are additionally accessible.

Lastly, for one thing a bit extra filling, you may head to the made-to-order noodle bar. In any other case, scorching gadgets embrace stir fry inexperienced beans and stir-fry noodles.

We additionally stopped by in a while to take a look at the night unfold. Macarons, sweets, and pastries have been on provide, together with the standard suspects of chilly cuts and cheese and smoked salmon.

Then there was a collection of Asian scorching gadgets, in addition to some wholesome tidbits consisting of dried fruits, dips, and a salad bar.

By way of beverage choices, the bar cart boasted a well-stocked assortment of libations, and a fridge featured premium choices comparable to Moët & Chandon Champagne.

We entertained a visitor for breakfast at The Mandarin Membership, and though the extra entry was chargeable at 338 HKD ($58 CAD) + 10% service cost per individual, it was effectively value the associated fee given the various unfold on provide.

The identical worth applies for afternoon tea, whereas a night seating prices 698 HKD ($120 CAD) +10% service cost per individual.

Past The Mandarin Membership Lounge, breakfast is served in two venues. The Café Causette serves an à la carte menu, whereas Clipper Lounge has a breakfast buffet.

Regrettably, I didn’t have an opportunity to partake in these breakfast choices throughout this keep, however I do sit up for the potential for returning sooner or later to pattern them.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Eating

Regardless of the lodge’s relatively modest exterior look, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong boasts a really complete vary of eating venues inside.

Of be aware is the lodge’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Man Wah, located on the twenty fifth ground. Right here, visitors can get pleasure from a refined Cantonese eating expertise full with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.

The restaurant’s stylish Artwork Deco vibe, that includes deep blue partitions and a gold and blue accent carpet, creates a contemporary and stylish luxurious look.

We had dinner at Man Wah on the night of our keep, and located the meals to be fairly tasty. It was maybe not fairly as dazzling because the two-Michelin-starred ranking would possibly counsel, although it was positively priced accordingly. 

On the identical ground, The Aubrey is a super-trendy Japanese izakaya with a full of life bar that has been acknowledged as one in all Asia’s 50 Greatest Bars. The venue exudes fashionable glamour, with an excellent trendy eating room, plush furnishings, giant chandeliers, and plenty of greenery.

I didn’t have an opportunity to spend a lot time in The Aubrey, however the vibes have been assuredly buzzing once I poked my head in for a glance, and I completely intend to return right here for a drink sooner or later even when I’m not staying on the property.

In the event you enterprise right down to the bottom ground, you’ll discover the Mandarin Grill + Bar, a swanky eatery with a menu full of contemporary European dishes. Its beautiful inside design options modern and trendy décor and creates the proper setting for a romantic dinner or enterprise lunch.

Additionally positioned on the bottom degree is The Chinnery, a comfortable British-style pub that gives a relaxed environment and basic pub fare.

The colonial-inspired décor options darkish wooden panelling and classic memorabilia, offering the proper backdrop for an informal meal or night drink.

Located on the bottom degree is Café Causette, an all-day eating restaurant with a relaxed and modern environment.

The massive open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling home windows present views of the bustling metropolis, whereas the outside terrace presents alfresco eating throughout hotter months.

The enduring Captain’s Bar, positioned on the bottom ground, is a well-known after-work watering gap that has been fashionable amongst Hong Kong residents and guests for over 50 years.

Furthermore, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is dwelling to the Krug Room, a high quality eating restaurant created in partnership with the well-known Home of Krug. The house presents the most important assortment of Krug Champagne exterior of France.

Lastly, the elegant colonial-style Clipper Lounge gives conventional afternoon tea with a Hong Kong twist, gentle meals, cocktails, and quite a lot of premium teas and coffees.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Different Services

The lodge’s health centre is top-notch, with an intensive array of kit.

Along with ample cardio machines, the gymnasium has a complete collection of weight coaching gear, together with free weights, a Smith machine, a punching bag, and cable machines.

Moreover, there’s a refreshment station and towels supplied.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong presents a variety of therapies and providers in a trendy modern setting. The Spa has acquired quite a few awards and accolades and is very rated as one of many high decisions in Asia.

Among the many therapies, the amenities on the spa embrace a sauna, steam room, leisure room, and water air beds.

In the meantime, there’s additionally a swimming pool on the uppermost ground, which is housed in a really small house and isn’t actually befitting of the lodge’s total stature.

An LED display mimics the harbour view within the absence of any actual view, which I discovered relatively comical – though the lodge is in the end restricted by its constructing by way of what it may well provide right here.

Lastly, the lodge presents no scarcity of grooming amenities, with each The Mandarin Salon and The Mandarin Barber accessible for visitors to scrub up their look with out having to go away the property.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Service

Going into my first-ever Mandarin Oriental keep, I had heard nice issues concerning the excellent service I might count on when staying with the model. How did the service examine in opposition to my expectations?

I’m happy to say that service on the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong was certainly very a lot above and past, and I wasn’t disillusioned within the slightest.

Remarkably, there have been a number of service components that I’d by no means have considered myself. As an example, when my mother and father had arrived on the property earlier than me, the employees welcomed them upstairs to The Mandarin Membership and ensured their consolation within the again space of the lounge.

As quickly as I arrived to the check-in desk downstairs, the lounge employees supplied to maneuver my mother and father to a main spot close to the doorway in order that they might extra simply greet me upon my arrival. Moreover, the employees supplied to relocate us to a desk with a greater view as quickly as one turned accessible, and even supplied to fetch gadgets from the afternoon tea buffet in order that we might absolutely chill out and revel in our time collectively.

For me, such a anticipatory service type – efficiently assembly our wants earlier than we’ve even recognized them – is a shining instance of top-tier hospitality. The eye to element and thoughtfulness displayed by the employees on the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong really left a long-lasting impression, and I’ll be looking to see if it’s a continued sample at different Mandarin Orientals.

Conclusion

I used to be very happy to have had the chance to take a look at the Mandarin Oriental’s authentic location from its founding in 1963 as my very first stick with the model.

Regardless of being removed from the flashiest lodge nowadays and considerably restricted by way of its bodily options, the Mandarin Oriental continues to function a really impressed selection as a luxurious property within the coronary heart of Hong Kong Island, largely right down to the lodge’s historic stature, leading to a palpable “see and be seen” issue of taking on residence inside its halls.

The lodge’s very spectacular lineup of food and drinks retailers is one other issue, together with two-Michelin-starred Cantonese fare at Man Wah and an incredible vibe at The Aubrey. The employees’s anticipatory and considerate method to their service was one other standout. 

Nonetheless, I positively hope to see the rooms introduced as much as larger requirements with future refurbishments, aligning with the attractive visuals of the spectacular Mandarin Membership on the twenty third ground. In a extremely aggressive market like Hong Kong the place it looks like all of the top-tier properties are continuously refurbishing, it’s important for the Mandarin Oriental to surpass expectations on this entrance to be able to stay a high contender.