Hong Kong - Mandarin Oriental
Winter 07/08
Frank's view 
' go for a corner suite '
Hong Kong has two of the world’s most famous and prestigious hotels.
One in Kowloon, the other on Hong Kong Island, they sit almost opposite, separated by the endless cargo ships which crowd Hong Kong Harbour.
The Peninsula, in Kowloon is the old boy, established in 1928 and raised to 30 floors in 1994. The Mandarin Oriental is the young upstart, having been around since the early 1960s. It too has undergone redevelopment.
The Mandarin closed just after Christmas 2005 for a $140m renovation which reduced the number of rooms but increased the suites. It reopened approximately eight months later.
We booked a superior suite via American Express and were upgraded to a Harbour view deluxe corner suite.
The separate living room and bedroom were divided by a large double sided natural wood structure which housed a mini bar, a very sophisticated audio visual system, two large Sharp Aquos television screens and a writing desk. An increasing number of hotel rooms cater for guests' ipods. This room had a very clever interface which enabled me to plug my ipod in to the Denon AV system.
Internet connection was simple but charged at HK$150 per 24 hours.
The bathroom was large, intelligently designed, and packed with Hermes toiletries. The two headed adjustable shower structure added interest to an otherwise simple and good sized shower room.
The walk in wardrobe rounded off a well thought out room set up. The view towards the harbour, one way, and the Bank of China Tower, the other, added the finishing touch to one of the most pleasant ‘city’ hotel rooms in the world.
On balance, I would say that the Mandarin has edged ahead of The Peninsula on the room and suite stakes, although, only just. But how does the Mandarin score on bars, restaurants and other amenities?
The Mandarin has two principal bars, The Captain’s Bar, by the hotel entrance, and the M Bar on the 25th Floor. When we ventured into the Captain’s Bar for a pre dinner drink, at 7pm, it was packed, likewise the M Bar. Both seem to be very popular with local business people who take delight in competing to smoke the most obscenely fat cigars, a body shock to Brits and Americans who have become acclimatised to smoke free environments.
Our Amex package included a $100 Spa credit which we weren’t able to use because the Spa was fully booked. I do think it’s a clever ploy on the part of these hotels to offer a Spa credit when they used to offer a food credit. Guests will always use the food allowance, but whereas the hotel will claim that they are simply promoting the Spa, the reality is that they know most guests will not visit it.
Breakfast on the Mezzanine Level was adequate. The buffet, as one would expect was comprehensive, but the dining area was very crowded. I’ve enjoyed better breakfast experiences.
Despite my little gripes, The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is an exceptional hotel. Whether you choose The Mandarin or The Peninsula, or indeed a hotel in Kowloon or Central, depends on where you wish to be. The dodgy electronic shops of Kowloon are disappearing faster than a Taiwan warranty, and being replaced by designer label stores. Shopping is no longer a reason to go to ‘the island’.
Probably the best reason to stay Kowloon side, is the view back across the harbour.
And The Pen is conveniently next door to Aqua, the coolest bar in Kowloon.
Mandarin Oriental
5 Connaught Road
Central Hong Kong
+852 2522 0111
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
