Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong: Hotel Review
Hong Kong Island is a magical onslaught on the senses: the sun, the sea, the shimmering skyscrapers stretching endlessly upward, add in the waft of street food, the hubbub of traffic and market stalls and the city can quickly exhaust even the most seasoned traveller.
The place you stay must offer a little sanctuary from it all. Look no further than the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, which has been a haven of tranquillity in the heart of the action for more than 60 years. When it opened, it was right on the water, but time and land reclamation mean that skyscrapers have popped up around – though the sea views remain.
The iconic façade is now a HK landmark in its own right, one of the city’s heritage pieces, but inside the hotel has been thoughtfully modernised, blending East and West, old world and new.
Mandarin-Oriental Hong Kong Entrance Connaught Road
Located in the Central district, the Mandarin Oriental is within easy reach of the city’s striking harbourfront, the shopping district, and the financial hub. Simply take a stroll along the matrix-like elevated walkways (which give you a bird’s eye view and keep you out of the throng below).
But it’s also an escape in itself, many of the city’s residents opt to staycation here, and you can see why. Service is exemplary, staff are genuinely warm and eager to help, but what I love are the attentive little details: welcome drinks and hand-made chocolates, binoculars in the harbour-view rooms, and toys for the children.
Step into the elegant lobby and feel instantly soothed – you’re welcomed by warm smiles, an expanse of polished marble, gilded decor, and the scent of the hotel’s signature ginger flower fragrance. It feels luxurious from the get go.
Who for:
It’s long been a favourite of business travellers for its central location, its excellent whisky bar The Chinnery and its famous barbers, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular with the TikTok generation wooed in by ultra-trendy late-night hotspot The Aubrey.
The hotel is also stepping up its family-friendly offerings – children are genuinely welcomed – and there are thoughtful touches such as in-room teepees, dedicated toiletries and games, there’s even a playroom and special themed events and activities depending on the time of year.
Every Sunday, the Mandarin Barber offers ‘My First Haircut’ slots where children are pampered with drinks, TV and parents can leave with the ultimate keepsakes – a certificate and lock of hair or even a calligraphy brush made with the shorn locks.
Accommodation
Tamar Suite Bedroom
There are 387 rooms and 60 suites. Think plush linens, spacious marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. The rooms marry classic Hong Kong luxury, beautiful woods, silks, and vintage Chinese artwork with modern Asia – mood lighting, bathroom televisions and many rooms offer views over Victoria Harbour or Statue Square which dazzle at night. With the dark wood and beige finishes, the rooms still have a business traveller vibe, but personal touches tailored to your stay bring warmth.
We stayed in interconnecting Club Rooms. As parents of younger children (all under 10), this was a real treat. It means while the littles are close at hand, there is also space to have a proper evening once they are tucked up in bed. Our three loved the teepee and cuddly toys. They also loved sitting with the binoculars and people-watching across the harbour.
I loved the cosy window snug chair, a dream seat for relaxing with a good book and a glass of fizz.
Food & Drink
Dining is a major highlight at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and there’s a restaurant for all moods from the Michelin-starred Man Wah, serving up Cantonese flavours with flair, to the Mandarin Grill which offers fine meats and seafood.
Japanese izakaya The Aubrey has been named one of Asia’s best bars and its After Dark weekend sessions are a huge hit with the city’s hip, young things.
Breakfast is served at Clipper Lounge, where you can order everything from congee and dim sum to eggs Benedict and flaky croissants. The extensive buffet feels like a culinary world tour and is excellent value.. Afternoon tea here is also legendary, with seasonal menus and beautiful pastries.
Mandarin Oriental Clipper Lounge
Those with Club rooms can have breakfast in the dedicated Mandarin Club Lounge on the 23rd floor. There is a buffet with highlights of what is available downstairs, but also an excellent a la carte menu. The lounge also serves up sweet treats for afternoon tea and has an excellent cocktail hour (well, two hours actually). The excellent margaritas here pack a punch so be sure to fill up on all the canapes and light bites available alongside.
Facilities
Mandarins Oriental – Swimming Pool
Despite being in the city centre, the hotel offers a full wellness experience. The Mandarin Spa, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, is a serene space with private treatment rooms, a steam room, and expert therapists. There’s an excellent relaxation lounge and saunas, as well as a well-equipped fitness centre and a stylish 18 metre indoor pool.
The Mandarin Barber’s wet shave is a must for aficionados of this traditional art – the place itself is more gentleman’s club than any hairdresser I’ve ever known. There is also a salon geared more towards the ladies. Expect to be spoiled.
How much:
Standard Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong start from around HK$4,200 (£425) per night in low season, rising to HK$6,800 (£690) or more in peak periods. Club rooms range from between HKD5,200 (£560) per night in low season to high season peak of around HKD8,800 (£950) exclusive of taxes.
What’s Nearby?
The location couldn’t be better. You’re a short walk from the Star Ferry and the harbourfront promenade, IFC Mall, Lan Kwai Fong nightlife, and within easy access of the MTR for trains to further flung corners of the city. For culture lovers, Tai Kwun, a restored heritage and arts centre, is just around the corner. The Peak Tram is also nearby if you fancy taking in the best view in town. And if you want to escape the urban jungle altogether, the hotel concierge can arrange boat trips, hiking tours or a day out on the outlying islands.
5 Connaught Road Central
Hong Kong
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