The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
I’ve arrived back from a city has given me some of my happiest memories to date. From frequent visits during my expat years to moving there briefly for work, my connection with Hong Kong has been transient, but also deeply emotional. While others romanticise Paris or New York, for me, it’s Hong Kong.
To truly grasp the essence of Hong Kong, it's essential to delve into its history. After being under British rule for a 99-year lease, the city was returned to China in 1997. Although British colonial influence has faded, Hong Kong's unique charm remains rooted in the blend of East and West.
Image courtesy of The New Zealand Herald
Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental marked its 60th anniversary in September 2024, and the hotel continues to be regarded as one of the world’s finest. Since its opening in 1963 when it was known simply as ‘The Mandarin’, this elegant landmark has welcomed thousands of guests and holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Many visit its renowned bars and restaurants regularly, with the iconic Clipper Lounge being a favorite spot for indulging in afternoon tea. Looking back, it’s remarkable to consider that when the idea of constructing a ‘first-class hotel’ on the site of the soon-to-be-demolished Queen’s Building was first introduced in July 1960, many viewed it as a far-fetched notion.
Hugh Barton, then Chairman of Hongkong Land, was a passionate supporter, driving the project forward with contagious enthusiasm. However, hindsight shows the timing was impeccable. Over the next two decades, Hong Kong’s economy surged, and visitor numbers soared—from 315,000 in 1963 to 2.8 million by 1983—cementing the city’s status as a global commercial hub.
Image courtesy of The Mandarin Oriental
A favorite among the rich and famous, The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong serves the affluent elite, business travelers and international celebrities. Located in the heart of Central—opposite the iconic Bank of China Building, just steps from the Star Ferry terminal, and surrounded by renowned attractions and shopping districts—the location is unmatched. Forever remaining number one of my favourite hotel groups, the Mandarin Oriental is truly my pied-à-terre in every city.
Step past the doormen, caps raised, through that brilliant black and gold door, and into a lobby where gold gilt mirrors beam at you as you walk past, chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, and an utterly dreamy opulence hangs in the air. There are 447 rooms, the whole place brimming with a sense of place.
The Rooms
The room design blends colonial-era luxury with modern sophistication. The aesthetic is timeless, featuring wood-paneled walls, elegant classic furniture, and stunning Jim Thompson silk textiles. In the Harbour View rooms, the standout feature are the window seats, perfect for unwinding with a cup of tea or a glass of wine while gazing at the iconic waterway as the sun sets or rises. The design and attention to detail ensure every corner exudes understated opulence, from the quality furnishings to the expansive all-marble bathrooms stocked with Diptyque amenities.
I stayed in the City View Suite, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels offer breathtaking views of the glittering cityscape below. The suite’s walls are lined with Chinese Elm and Jim Thompson silk panels. The spacious bathroom is a haven of relaxation, featuring a walk-in Grohe rain shower and a sleek oval vintage bathtub. As a guest, you’ll also enjoy exclusive access to The Mandarin Club.
The king-size beds are dressed with Egyptian cotton linens designed to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night, complemented by an array of pillows in various shapes and sizes. For those with more specific preferences, the extensive pillow menu caters to every need, offering options such as buckwheat, down, foam, maternity support, and even a NASA-engineered pillow created for astronauts experiencing neck or back discomfort.
Dining
You could spend a lifetime within the Mandarin Oriental and never grow weary of its exceptional restaurants and bars. At Michelin-starred Man Wah, a favorite for social gatherings over dim sum, the wagyu beef puffs are a must-try. For a more formal affair, impress clients with a seven-course sake-paired feast featuring dishes like honey-roasted Iberico pork, braised beef ribs with preserved vegetables, and Chiu Chow fried rice.
1* Man Wah at The Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Grill + Bar captivates with its airy ambiance, crisp white tablecloths and a menu that reimagines timeless classics. Round off the evening with drinks and live jazz or blues at the Captain’s Bar—a cozy retreat with burgundy leather seating, perfect for intimate late-night conversations.
The Clipper Lounge, perched on the mezzanine floor with a view of the lobby below, offers an international breakfast buffet featuring Hong Kong culinary favorites like siu mai, har gao, and char siu bao, alongside the afternoon tea experience. Other dining options include The Chinnery, renowned for its classic curry tiffins; the relaxed yet chic Café Causette; the indulgent Mandarin Cake Shop; and The Aubrey, a sophisticated Japanese izakaya and cocktail bar.
One of the highlights of staying at the Mandarin Oriental is the exclusive access to the MO Lounge. This versatile space seamlessly combines indulgence and productivity. Start your day with a breakfast buffet, savour an elegant afternoon tea between 2 and 4 PM, and unwind with free-flowing cocktails and Ruinart Champagne from 5 to 7 PM. Whether you’re looking for an office-away-from-home or just a private watering hole, the MO Lounge offers the perfect setting in the heart of the city.
Other facilities
The spa is the perfect place to tuck yourself away for a few blissful hours, away from the scorching summer or cooler winter depending on the time of year. Located on the top floor of the property, the spa features a stunning indoor pool, steam and sauna rooms, and multiple fully-kitted massage rooms. I experienced the Oriental Essence massage post-flight which was sensational - the perfect jetlag remedy. The same floor also houses the hotel’s state of the art gym.
And so?
Worth it? Dear God, yes. Every Hong Kong dollar of it. This is a hotel so good it will colour your perceptions of an entire city. A negroni, in the Clipper Lounge served with some spiced nuts, will give those perceptions a still more lustrous and rosy tint.
Thank you very much to the lovely Yammy for a sensational stay.
Address: 5 Connaught Road Central Hong Kong