Hong Kong landmark still shines as city's favourite hotel

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  Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

The Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong has been one of the city’s most traditional hotels since it opened in the early 1960s, soon becoming the bastion for international bankers, businessmen and expats.

Three years ago, it closed down to undergo a complete makeover and has re-opened as a modern 21st-century hotel – but still very much “The Mandarin”.

The most noticeable external alteration is the disappearance of the old balconies, which long ago ceased to be as attractive as when the hotel was perched on the waterfront next to the Star Ferry.

Instead, all that substantial extra space has been brought inside a glazed exterior and added to the rooms, creating outstanding, large bathrooms which match the modernity of the new style Mandarin.



The large flatscreen TVs with dozens of international channels, plus the ready internet connectivity and high-tech phone system are further evidence that the grand old lady has been spruced up to be more relevant to modern-day luxury travellers.



The much-loved traditional Hong Kong watering holes – the Captain’s and Chinnery Bars, Man Wah Chinese restaurant and Mandarin Grill – are all very much still a part of the hotel but all now glowingly refurbished.

The most noteworthy improvement is the Grill, which now has windows where it had no natural light before, and lighter colours, so has a much more welcoming feel than its stuffier predecessor.

These outlets have been joined by the new Pierre restaurant – a “modern French” restaurant from progressive chef Pierre Gangaire – on the 25th floor with great views across Victoria Harbour.



While the building has been undoubtedly improved substantially during the refurbishment, one aspect of the hotel has pleasingly remained unchanged – the outstanding service. Constant name recognition and the feeling the staff are treating you as an individual and not just another guest permeate the experience at the hotel.

When I ate in the Cafe Causette a few days after my first meal there, I was instantly welcomed by name and my meal and preferences on my first visit were accurately recalled.



Constant little touches – such as the careful daily arrangement of your toiletries – are what make the Mandarin Oriental more than just a carefully-refurbished Hong Kong landmark. It is still one of the world’s great hotels.

By Nick Perry

Location: Hong Kong