The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental occupies one of several towers that emerge from behind the impressive zigzagging glass facade of the high-end Landmark shopping mall. Opened in 2005 as the second of two Mandarin Oriental properties in Hong Kong, The Landmark is the lesser-known and smaller -- though no less luxurious -- of the pair. A doorman ushers guests through glass doors and to a small marble staircase that leads to the reception area. There, velvet seating, lacquered wood paneling, and Dior and Valentino designer displays combine for a polished and seriously opulent vibe. A trio of brushed steel elevators services the hotel's 15 floors, including the destination spa spread over two levels. Like most of the chain, the hotel attracts big-budget business travelers, well-heeled tourists, and the occasional VIP or celebrity -- though the hotel prides itself on extending impeccable service to everyone who walks through its doors. 

The Landmark is located in the Central district, the business and financial hub of Hong Kong that overlooks the water from the north shore of the island. Home not only to upscale shopping centers and top-notch restaurants, the Central district also contains several beautiful parks and gardens. For example, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is an eight-minute walk away, while Hong Kong Park is 11 minutes on foot. It's also just a three-minute walk to the MTR Central Station, giving easy train access to most of the main tourist attractions, including bustling Victoria Harbour two stops away. While Hong Kong doesn't have an especially rowdy nightlife, Central and neighboring Lan Kwai Fong are the exceptions, featuring plenty of bars and clubs. The Airport Express Station is a 10- to 15-minute walk away, for service to the airport in about 45 minutes. Alternatively, Hong Kong International Airport is around half an hour by road -- traffic permitting.

All 113 guest rooms and suites received a total makeover in 2015, just 10 years after the opening of the hotel. As well as being some of the largest rooms in Hong Kong (most are 600 square feet) the finish, too, is unmistakably posh. They have a stylish combination of glitzy golds and greens with elegant quilted leather furnishings, hardwood floors, and Asian-inspired accents typical of the Mandarin brand. Art-Deco-inspired lighting is low and moody, though surrounding buildings can block natural sunlight and views are less than impressive.In-room tech is, however, offering widescreen HD TVs, Bose Bluetooth speakers, and mobile-device-compatible entertainment systems. Other amenities include Nespresso machines, free bottled water, and particularly well-stocked minibars, plus mini-fridges providing free welcome treats. Bathrooms also impress with integrated TVs, designer bathrobes and toiletries, hairdryers, and separate walk-in showers and tubs -- some are large, circular ones. Walk-in wardrobes and high-end goose down bedding complete these utterly luxury-level rooms.

Both dining and spa facilities at The Landmark are particularly outstanding. As well as earning two Michelin stars for its contemporary French cooking, the Amber restaurant provides stylish interiors topped with a striking bronze chandelier. Although not always included in the rate, the buffet breakfast is excellent and includes a wide range of Chinese and Western dishes. The marble-lined MO Bar also offers all-day drinking and dining, as well as live music that has even featured stars such as Annie Lennox. The hotel's two-floor, 25,000-square-foot spa also shines, featuring a range of therapy pools, sauna and steam rooms, and numerous massage and beauty treatments. A VIP Sanctuary Suite provides treatments for couples and a fifth-floor studio providing holistic pedicures and manicures -- the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Other wellness-centric facilities include a yoga and Pilates studio, large heated indoor pool, and modern fitness center. Two fully equipped meeting spaces for up to 80 guests are available as well. Wi-Fi is also fast, though there's a fee unless guests create a profile on the hotel website.