Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is a five-star hotel, located on Connaught Road in Central, Hong Kong, owned and managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. The hotel opened its doors in 1963 as “The Mandarin,” and quickly drew recognition for its service and elegance. In 1967, after only four years of operation, The Mandarin was listed by Fortune magazine alongside the Ritz in Paris, the Grand in Rome and the Connaught in London as one of the eleven great hotels in the world. In 2005, the hotel spent USD 150 million to renovate its 501 guestrooms, 10 restaurants, and numerous public spaces, as well as to construct the three-story Mandarin Spa, one of only three Forbes Five-Star spas in Hong Kong.
History
"The Mandarin"
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, originally called The Mandarin, was built on the former site of the colonial Queen’s Building on the waterfront in Central Hong Kong. From the onset, the concept was to create a hotel firmly rooted in Eastern culture, providing gracious service to a standard generally only experienced in Asia. The original cost of construction totaled HKD 42 million, while the interior design amounted to even 50% more at HKD 66 million, sparing no luxury or detail. John Howarth of Leigh & Orange architectural firm was hired to design the building while the interior was entrusted to Don Ashton, a Hollywood Art Director for such films as The Bridge on the River Kwai, Indiscreet and Billy Budd. The Mandarin officially opened for business in October 1963, and at 25 stories it was the tallest building in Hong Kong. In addition to its record-setting height, the hotel was the first in Hong Kong to have direct dial phones and the first in Asia to include a bath in every guestroom. The hotel quickly drew recognition for its service and elegance, and in 1967 was listed by Fortune magazine alongside the Ritz in Paris, the Grand in Rome and the Connaught in London as one of the eleven great hotels in the world.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
In 1974, the owners of The Mandarin established a hotel management company, Mandarin International Hotels Limited. The Group's intention was to expand into Asia and operate hotels that would reflect the standard of service synonymous with their property in Hong Kong.
In 1974 the company's hotel interests grew further through the acquisition of a 49% interest in The Oriental, Bangkok. The Oriental, built in 1876, was already a legendary property and acknowledged as one of the world's great hotels. Through the management of both The Mandarin in Hong Kong and The Oriental, Bangkok, the Group was in an unusual position of having two "flagship" hotels whose names were among the best in hospitality. In 1985, the Company rationalized its corporate structure by combining these two renowned properties under a common name, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
2005 Renovation
Over the span of four decades, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has become a local institution and near historic landmark. In 2005, authorization was given for a total renovation of the hotel, and when its doors closed in December of that year the trading floor of the stock exchange held a two-minute silence in memory of a hotel that had become a part of their every day lives. Nonetheless, after a USD 150 million renovation, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong re-opened its doors on September 28, 2006, celebrating the event with a black-tie gala hosted by Dame Edna Everage with a performance by Bryan Ferry. The renowned lobby, Captain’s Bar, The Clipper Lounge and Chinnery Bar remained recognizable after the renovation, but the remaining restaurants, bars, public spaces and rooms were entirely new.
The Hotel
The hotel contains 501 guestrooms, of which 67 are suites, overlooking Victoria Harbour and the surrounding cityscape. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong operates ten unique restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-starred Pierre, Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s first restaurant in Hong Kong. Additional facilities include the three-story Mandarin Spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, Mandarin Salon and event space to accommodate functions of up to 600 people.
The Mandarin Spa
The Mandarin Spa, opened in 2007, encompasses 2,100 m 2 (23,000 sq ft) across three stories and incorporates an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, holistic spa, Mandarin Salon and Mandarin Barber. The Forbes Five-Star spa, one of only three in Hong Kong, draws on the established Asian healing philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, offering a Vichy Shower, Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations and Hong Kong’s first authentic Ayurvedic sanctuary. Additional features include an ice fountain, Chinese herb steam rooms, hydrotherapy and the Kneipp pool.
Restaurants & Bars
- Pierre: a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern French cuisine overlooking Victoria Harbour
- The Mandarin Grill + Bar: contemporary European cuisine with a Crustacea bar
- Man Wah: Cantonese cuisine on the 25th floor with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong cityscape
- Café Causette: informal, all-day dining serving Asian and international cuisines
- The Krug Room: private dining overlooking the kitchens serving between ten and fourteen
- The Chinnery: named for British artist, George Chinnery, this restaurant serves traditional British cuisine and houses one of the largest collections of single-malt whiskeys in the region
- The Clipper Lounge: serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and an afternoon tea
- M bar: contemporary bar serving cocktails and Cantonese tapas from Man Wah restaurant
- The Captain’s Bar: lobby bar serving coffee in the afternoon, beer and cocktails with live music in the evening
- The Mandarin Cake Shop: retail bakery selling homemade chocolates, cakes, breads and afternoon coffee
Awards
- Gold List (Condé Nast Traveler USA, 2009)
- Gold List - Top 25 Best Overseas Hotel (Luxury Travel, Australia, 2009)
- Gold List - Best Overseas Spa (Luxury Travel, Australia, 2009)
- 500 The World’s Best Hotels (Travel + Leisure USA, 2009)
- Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and The Mandarin Spa received the Five-Star Award (Forbes Travel Guide, 2010)
- Pierre restaurant awarded 1 Michelin Star (Michelin Guide, 2009)
Hotel Trivia
- In 1967, only four years after opening, Fortune magazine listed The Mandarin as one of the eleven great hotels in the world
- When completed in 1963, the hotel was the tallest building in Hong Kong
- The hotel was the first in Hong Kong to have direct dial phones
- The hotel was the first in Asia to offer a bath in every guestroom
Photo Gallery
See also
- Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
- Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
- Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
- Mandarin Oriental, New York
External links
- Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
- Dining at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
- The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
References
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/hong_kong/story.aspx
- ^ http://static.howstuffworks.com/pdf/2010FTGAnnouncement.Final.Revised.2.pdf
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/hong_kong/story.aspx
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/hong_kong/information.aspx
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/hong_kong/story.aspx
- ^ http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/up-in-the-old-hotel/1/
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/hong_kong/story.aspx
- ^ http://mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/corporate/mohg.aspx
- ^ http://mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/corporate/mohg.aspx
- ^ http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/up-in-the-old-hotel/1/
- ^ http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/up-in-the-old-hotel/1/
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/hong_kong/story.aspx
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/corporate/hotels.aspx
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong/dining/restaurants/pierre/
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/hong_kong/information.aspx
- ^ http://static.howstuffworks.com/pdf/2010FTGAnnouncement.Final.Revised.2.pdf
- ^ http://www.mandarinoriental.com/about_mo/media/press_kits/hong_kong/spa_beauty.aspx
- ^ http://www.mandarinorienta
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group - Luxury 5 Star Hotels and Resorts ...
Award-winning luxury hotels and resorts throughout the world. World class spa, dining and service. Visit us to see our tempting seasonal offers.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Hong Kong, Hotel Jobs
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Human Resources, Sales Coordinator, Director of Purchasing, Reception Manager, Executive Housekeeper, Executive Chef Job.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is a five-star hotel, located on Connaught Road in Central, Hong Kong, owned and managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hong Kong - A Luxury 5 Star Hotel in Central ...
Mandarin Oriental Hotel is a legendary, 5 Star hotel in Central Hong Kong. Features world class rooms & suites, spa, dining and meeting facilities perfect for any occasion.
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China) - Hotel Reviews ...
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Hong Kong: See 158 traveler reviews, 75 candid photos, and great deals for Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, ranked #6 of 229 hotels in Hong Kong and rated ...
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong - Hotels - Travel + Leisure
A Complete Guide to the Best Hotels for the Finest Vacation Experiences. Browse and Review Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong today.
Category:Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong - Wikimedia Commons
Media in category "Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong" The following 18 files are ... Categories: Hotels in Hong Kong | Mandarin Oriental | Central, Hong Kong | Shopping malls in Central, Hong ...
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Hotel - HotelTravel.com HOTEL DISCOUNTS ...
GUARANTEED LOWEST RATES at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Hotel. REVIEW - The Mandarin Oriental Hotel with its superb location, excellent facilities and elegant ambience have made it ...
Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hong Kong - HotelTravel.com HOTEL ...
GUARANTEED LOWEST RATES at Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel. REVIEW - Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel has set new standards in Asia for luxury accommodation and state of the art ...
Misa Travel - Hotels - Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Hotel
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Hotel 5 Connaught Road, Central Hong Kong: Mandarin Oriental hotel are as familiar with the city as the city is familiar with them, and Mandarin ...