This was my first stay at a Mandarin Oriental, and I chose their historic birthplace. The hotel's location is excellent, right outside Central Station. Just find Harry Winston, and you've found the Mandarin Oriental.
The standard rooms are already luxurious and elegant. Outside the window is Chater Road, bustling with luxury boutiques. The warm yellow reflections off the wooden furniture made me feel like I'd stepped back into the golden age of the last century – a beautiful reflection of economic prosperity, yet never loud or ostentatious.
Even with evening turndown service, a good hotel is incredibly thoughtful. They prepared bookmarks, bedtime tea, and essential oils, and all amenities were replenished. The room also came with small items branded with the Mandarin Oriental HK logo, such as leather coasters, cable organizers, luggage stickers, and lens cleaning cloths. I asked the front desk, and they confirmed I could take them all (currently, Mandarin Oriental doesn't offer small-sized toiletries, only a small body lotion, which I loved the scent of, so I requested extra).
The hotel's 'hidden drawer' is very practical. You just write your request on a piece of paper, place it in the tray in the drawer, and ring the bell. Whether it's for laundry or amenity replenishment, you don't even need to make a phone call – perfect for introverts!
Every detail of my stay here was meticulously taken care of. Despite being on a busy street, the soundproofing was excellent, and the temperature and humidity were maintained at a very comfortable level, allowing me to get refreshing sleep during a busy trip.
The breakfast selection is quite rich, with semi-buffet and full-buffet options available at different restaurants. For tourists, I'd recommend the full buffet as it offers a wider variety of dishes, including both hot and cold options, and you can also order à la carte desserts like pancakes.
Before leaving, I bought some rose jam and a fan, officially becoming a fan of MO.
- M328290****
Let's start with the unpleasant parts: The bakery on the second floor has an overall snobbish vibe. A white male staff member was overly friendly with a white customer at the entrance who wasn't with him, while completely ignoring Asian customers asking about seating. When checking out and retrieving my luggage, all the smiling staff members suddenly disappeared. And yes, I did strain my neck and shoulder going down the steps because the entrance was crowded with people.
The good aspects are that the overall staff, when entering and exiting, were smiling and welcoming, creating a good atmosphere. At check-in, I received a small toy and dessert, and at check-out, I got a small fan. The breakfast, for a five-star hotel, was exquisite, offering à la carte Eggs Benedict, cold brew coffee, and asparagus with avocado. The lobster bisque at Cafe Causette on the second floor was also good.
The room had a 1990s mahogany style and offered turn-down service. Fruit and drinks were delivered through a butler's pantry, ensuring no disturbance. The indoor pool on the top floor, though small, was exquisite and clean, and the lifeguard/attendant Michael was very attentive.
Overall, the value for money is okay. It's about a ten-minute walk to IFC and Mid-Levels Central. The main entrance can be a bit noisy and inconvenient for temporary stops. After all, the room rate isn't super extravagant, so one can't expect everything.
- stellay
