Evaluate: 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 inns 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 night time 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 charge for my keep.

In the event you’re contemplating a keep on the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, it’s best to learn about Mandarin Oriental Fan Membership, a most popular companion program that gives a collection of additional advantages on your keep at no further value.

A number of the advantages embrace $100 (USD) meals & beverage or spa credit score per room per keep, each day full breakfast for 2, complimentary high-speed web entry, customized welcome facilities and notice, 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 charge, however you get extra advantages by reserving by 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, over time, 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 right this moment in comparison with 60 years in the past.

In the event you’re eager to discover a number of the metropolis’s prime sights, the Mandarin Oriental is good 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 journey to the Hong Kong Museum of Artwork throughout the harbour.

Getting round the remainder of Hong Kong can also be a breeze, because of the lodge’s prime location proper outdoors 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 guess, 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 foremost 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 properly. 

As I entered the lodge, the workers 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 notice of the flowery fan show right here, which is a staple of each Mandarin Oriental property all over the world. 

Vibrant plush couches and armchairs had been dotted round, and an opulent piano was being actively performed, in contrast to many high-end lodge pianos that solely function decorative centrepieces.

To the appropriate of the foyer, the check-in desks had 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 further details about the lodge’s eating venues and amenities, the affiliate handed me my keys, and I proceeded to make my method 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 refined 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 immediately 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 recent juice.

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

Moreover, the curtains right here could possibly be drawn, separating the 2 areas. This was significantly helpful on this keep, as I may get some work finished within the night time whereas my mother and father rested.

The desk served properly as a workspace, with ample pure mild filtering by the home windows.

To the left of the lobby, there’s a closet that gives ample space for storing; in the meantime, to the appropriate is the lavatory, a standout function of the room.

The toilet had a novel format, with the sink and self-importance positioned within the centre of the room, with the bath to at least one facet and the bathe and bathroom to the opposite. The self-importance mirror may then be rotated for use from both facet.

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

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

It’s price 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 an identical in format. 

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 number of the newer inns on Hong Kong Island.

This explicit 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 more likely 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, corresponding to floral carpets and using 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 traditional components corresponding 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 powerful 775 sq. ft, retains the lodge’s old-school attraction with a conventional jade-green end and pink lacquer and copper touches.

The suite provides a spacious separate residing 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 cushty workspace.

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

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

In fact, you’ll additionally be capable of 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 at the moment on the forefront of the lodge’s attraction, and will undoubtedly profit from any upcoming refurbishments which may 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 smooth design, full with a shocking shattered ground impact.

Upon entry is a reception space, the place an affiliate will verify entry to the lounge. Friends who e-book a membership room or suite have entry to The Mandarin Membership; in any other case, entry may be bought as a complement to a daily room charge, primarily based 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 anticipate to see from the lodge’s rooms through the subsequent spherical of renovations. 

The Mandarin Membership provides 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.

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

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

In the event you’re searching for a more healthy choice, yogurt and cereal are additionally obtainable.

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

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

Then there was a number of Asian sizzling objects, in addition to some wholesome tidbits consisting of dried fruits, dips, and a salad bar.

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By way of beverage choices, the bar cart boasted a well-stocked assortment of libations, and a fridge featured premium choices corresponding 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 properly price the price given the various unfold on supply.

The identical value 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 stay 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 notice is the lodge’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Man Wah, located on the twenty fifth ground. Right here, visitors can take pleasure in 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 may recommend, although it was undoubtedly priced accordingly. 

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Dinner at Man Wah

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On the identical ground, The Aubrey is a super-trendy Japanese izakaya with a full of life bar that has been acknowledged as one among Asia’s 50 Finest Bars. The venue exudes fashionable glamour, with a brilliant 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 had 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 smooth and trendy décor and creates the right 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 traditional pub fare.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Different Amenities

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

Along with ample cardio machines, the gymnasium has a complete number 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 offered.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong provides a variety of therapies and providers in a classy modern setting. The Spa has obtained quite a few awards and accolades and is extremely rated as one of many prime decisions in Asia.

Among the many therapies, the amenities on the spa embrace a sauna, steam room, rest 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 screen mimics the harbour view within the absence of any actual view, which I discovered relatively comical – though the lodge is finally restricted by its constructing by way of what it could supply right here.

Lastly, the lodge provides no scarcity of grooming amenities, with each The Mandarin Salon and The Mandarin Barber obtainable for visitors to wash up their look with out having to depart 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 may anticipate when staying with the model. How did the service evaluate 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 disenchanted within the slightest.

Remarkably, there have been just a few service components that I might by no means have considered myself. As an illustration, when my mother and father had arrived on the property earlier than me, the workers 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 workers supplied to maneuver my mother and father to a primary spot close to the doorway in order that they might extra simply greet me upon my arrival. Moreover, the workers supplied to relocate us to a desk with a greater view as quickly as one grew to become obtainable, and even supplied to fetch objects from the afternoon tea buffet in order that we may totally chill out and revel in our time collectively.

For me, this sort of 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 workers on the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong really left a long-lasting impression, and I’ll be searching 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 as of late 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 foods and drinks retailers is one other issue, together with two-Michelin-starred Cantonese fare at Man Wah and a tremendous vibe at The Aubrey. The workers’s anticipatory and considerate method to their service was one other standout. 

Nonetheless, I undoubtedly hope to see the rooms introduced as much as greater requirements with future refurbishments, aligning with the gorgeous 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 always refurbishing, it’s important for the Mandarin Oriental to surpass expectations on this entrance with a view to stay a prime contender.