I've been lucky enough to stay in some very nice hotels in the past, and the Mandarin Oriental ranks up there with my favorites (The Plaza NYC, Waldorf Astoria NYC, St. Regis Monarch Beach, and Ritz-Carlton New Orleans). Top to bottom, everything about the hotel is fantastic.
LOCATION:
- Located in the heart of Central, the MO provides easy foot access to the various Landmark buildings via air-conditioned walkways (from the Mezzanine level), and from there to the IFC, ferry piers, and the Central and Hong Kong MTR stations through elevated walkways without being exposed to the sun or rain.
- The MO is a brief walk (or very quick cab ride) to tourist attractions like the Star Ferry, HK Observation Wheel, Peak Tram, SoHo, and Lan Kwai Fong.
HOTEL SERVICE:
- The service here really sets it apart from your typical high-end hotel. The doormen practically run to greet you, pick up your bags, open doors, or get you a taxi.
- The front desk, concierge, and bell desk are always fully staffed so you are never left waiting.
- I arrived early in the morning, was offered access to the spa to shower/change, was able to use the business center, and was provided with a complimentary breakfast.
- Once my room was ready, the clerk escorted me to my room and provided me with a tour of the room, and answered all my questions.
- If you get a "Fan Club" rate you are entitled to breakfast for two, free internet, and a $100 food/beverage credit.
ROOM:
- Room 1020 faced north toward Kowloon and had a beautiful view of the harbor, HK Observation Wheel, the Kowloon skyline, and down to the Hong Kong Convention Centre. The east-facing rooms have views over Statue Square, the HSBC building, and the Bank of China Tower (by I.M. Pei).
- My room was truly in a western-style but other rooms have different setups. The decor itself isn't super fancy, but everything is very comfortable and functional.
- Rooms come with a valet box for deliveries of newspapers and packages. As you enter the room you'll see the valet box light on. Remove your delivery and the valet box light goes off. Brilliant!
- Lights can be turned on/off/adjusted at the room entrance, next to the bed, and with a remote control.
- My bathroom had a shower and tub all in one room. The shower had two heads as well as a handheld head if you prefer. A portion of the mirror must have been heated as it never fogged up allowing you to shave or preen whilst in the shower.
- All outlets accept both US and UK/Hong Kong-style plugs so no need for you to pack a converter.
IN-ROOM SERVICE:
- Turn down service includes filling your ice bucket with ice, leaving slippers out next to the bed, dimming the lights, and turning the TV on to mellow music. Best of all your bed is turned down and a tray is set on the bed including the remote, the in-room breakfast menu, and a seemingly different amenity every day - lavender pillow spray, salt scrub, eye mask, foot spray, etc.
- If you leave dirty clothes on the floor they'll fold them for you (so I've been told).
- If you leave cords dangling around your room they'll wind them up and velcro them together for you, keeping things organized. read more