Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Opened in 1963, this is the original Mandarin Oriental in a portfolio that now includes some of the world's most iconic luxury properties. Despite its historic status, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong still retains plenty of style. This is a buzzing city hotel, with common areas that see a constant shuffle of hotel guests, business men and women meeting for afterwork cocktails, and tourists passing through to spoil themselves on a gourmet meal. That lively, upbeat atmosphere does a lot to keep this hotel feeling very much in the now. However, the style here matches one's expectations for one of Hong Kong's most famous luxury hotels. All around, surfaces are covered in gorgeous hardwood, sexy black marble, and beautiful silks. Antique statuary and sculptural details all speak to the property's history within the city, drawing influences from ancient Cantonese and Buddhist traditions. This is an exclusive hotel that draws well-heeled tourists and business guests, though it remains one of the least stuffy and most bustling of those to be found in the city. That's particularly true when compared to boutique properties like The Upper House, and more ostentatious properties like the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong - Kowloon.

When it comes to a prized location, it's hard to find fault with the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. The hotel sits at the eastern end of the Central district, right next to the Central MTR station and only a quick skybridge walk from Hong Kong Station. Neighbors include some of the biggest corporate headquarters in Hong Kong as well as numerous luxury malls and boutiques. Historic Statue Square also sits next door, and the Hong Kong Wheel is a 13-minute walk toward the harbor. Heading west from the hotel, you'll enter the buzzier parts of Central, which is home to the city's most famous galleries -- like White Cube -- as well as the bulk of its expat community. The Central-Mid-Levels Escalators are a 10-minute walk from the property, which lead up to lively Soho, where numerous trendy, artisanal, and Western-style restaurants and bars can be found on every block. This area is also home to a number of cool boutiques, plus PMQ, a converted policemen's quarters that's now an indie designer incubator. Lan Kwai Fong, the nightlife hub of Hong Kong, is only 10 minutes away on foot as well. Tsim Sha Tsui, on Kowloon Island, is only two stops away by MTR, while neon-lit Causeway Bay is three stops away. The airport is most easily accessed by Airport Express trains from Hong Kong Station, a 10-minute walk away by skybridge. Travel time is about 40 minutes all in. Alternatively, a taxi will take 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.

Rooms here come in two styles, though both draw on classic design details to create warm, handsome spaces that retain the hotel's overall classic vibe. Taipan rooms are the more traditional of the two, with spaces that are intimate and utilize deep brown hues and hardwood to create a parlor effect. Verandah rooms are more modern, with open-plan bathrooms, and pops of soft blue that add a cooling effect. In either case, the posh, homelike atmosphere couldn't be more convincing. There are also five signature suites that include the Tamar Suite, with jewel-tone velvet furnishings, a separate bedroom, and spa-worthy bathroom. The suites include in-room check-in and butler's pantries, and two have balconies overlooking the city. They're the definition of private and posh.
Style isn't the only high-end offering, though, as the features stack up quite nicely. Expect Nespresso machines, entertainment systems, extensive minibars, business-ready desks, comfy windowside seating areas, tons of closet space, and turndown service that's beyond attentive -- your errant charging cords are likely to be organized and neatly bundled up in Mandarin Oriental straps. Wi-Fi is free and the hotel offers a customized newspaper delivery service with your international paper of choice. Views are exceptional from higher floors, particularly in those units facing Victoria Harbor. However, lower floors won't enjoy those same vantages. Bathrooms are also a highlight, with all but entry-level rooms featuring dual-head rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs. All bathrooms are tricked out with marble surfaces, plush linens, and premium bath products (Bottega Venetta as of 2018).

Hong Kong isn't hurting for luxury hotel options, though during our 2018 trip we found plenty that seem to offer luxury services in name only. That's not true at this Mandarin Oriental, where a deceptively small footprint holds almost too many features to count. The star of the show is the food and beverage program, with 10 dining outlets calling the hotel home. Among those, three have been given Michelin stars: Pierre (two stars), Man Wah, and the Mandarin Grill. In addition, the hotel's exclusive Krug Room is a hidden stunner modeled on an antique train car that serves as something of a chef's table. Here, communal diners or full-table buyouts are served seasonally changing menus alongside the largest collection of Krug Champagne outside of France. Other popular outlets on-site include The Chinnery, which is the oldest hotel bar on Hong Kong Island and has one of the city's largest collections of single-malt whiskey. Room service is available around the clock.
Indulgence of a different kind is found at The Mandarin Spa, where nine treatment rooms offer a tranquil escape from the city below. Treatments are based on ancient Chinese traditions (including a steam room perfumed by Chinese herbs). The hotel is also known to book traditional Chinese herbalists and acupuncturists through their spa, which includes an indoor pool as well. An proper vintage barber shop and a sleek salon are also available. If you'd prefer a more active way to unwind, the hotel's gym has a massive array of cardio and resistance equipment as well as free weights, plus personal trainers.
Plenty of business travelers pass through the hotel, and the secretarial services and 24-hour business center -- as well as the shoeshines on offer in the lobby -- all make this a convenient corporate travel option. Wi-Fi is free. Several luxury retailers call the hotel home as well. For families with children, game consoles can be provided, and free welcome gifts for kids are offered.