Xiaobaidexiaolan
February 15, 2026
The Mandarin Oriental, though not ostentatious, is perfectly nestled in the bustling city center, making access incredibly convenient. While the facilities show their age slightly, they are meticulously maintained – floors gleam, handrails feel smooth, exuding an old-world elegance throughout.
The doormen and most restaurant staff speak Mandarin, offering a warm and friendly service. At the front desk, while some Hong Kong-native staff might not be as proficient, English works just fine if you speak slowly. My favorite was the elderly gentleman at the baggage counter; every time he saw us, he greeted us like a kind uncle from next door, his warmth always a comfort.
The welcome towel and drink were perfect for unwinding. Though the chocolate amenity was replaced by an orange this time, it was refreshing. The fruit knife, probably meant for butter, was too dull to cut anything, so I just peeled the orange by hand – it was actually quite amusing. The breakfast buffet was excellent, with authentic dishes and attentive service. The only slight issue was that the seating staff were a bit busy, so we had to wait a little. Also, the billing process was a bit odd; sometimes they asked for a signature, sometimes not, but I just let it be.
I heard this was Leslie Cheung's last stop before he passed away. I wonder if he also used this same dull knife that couldn't cut an orange when he stayed here? Now that we've come, all I feel is a sense of peaceful serenity, with many others also coming to seek a connection to his memory.
Original TextTranslation provided by Google