Hong Kong is magic.
Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann
The city stimulates your senses: the shimmering skyscrapers stretching endlessly upward, the air, the sun, the street food, the market stalls.
A big wow.
I love to be here.
But Hong Kong can exhaust even experienced travellers like us.
So lets find the right hideaway.
Everyone knows that I am a Mandarin fan.
The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is amazing, it offers tranquillity in the heart of the city for more than 70 years.
A perfect comfort zone to enjoy and relax.
When it opened, it was right on the water, but time and land reclamation mean that skyscrapers have popped up around.
The iconic façade is now a HK landmark in its own right, one of the city’s heritage pieces, but inside the hotel has been thoughtfully modernised, blending East and West, old world and new.
Located in the Central district, the Mandarin Oriental is within easy reach of the city’s striking harbourfront, the shopping district, and the financial hub.
Simply take a stroll along the matrix-like elevated walkways every mind.
But it’s also an escape in itself, many of the city’s residents opt to staycation here, and you can see why.
Service is exemplary, staff are genuinely warm and eager to help, but what I love are the attentive little details: welcome drinks and hand-made chocolates, binoculars in the harbour-view rooms.
Step into the elegant lobby and feel instantly like 007.
Polished marble, gilded decor, and the scent of the hotel’s signature ginger flower fragrance. It feels luxurious from the get go.
It’s long been a favourite of business travellers for its central location, its famous barbers, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular with the next generation wooed in by ultra-trendy late-night hotspot The Aubrey.
The hotel is also stepping up its family-friendly offerings, eg. with kids areasa.
Accommodation
There are 387 rooms and 60 suites.
Think plush linens, spacious marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. The rooms marry classic Hong Kong luxury, beautiful woods, silks, and vintage Chinese artwork with modern Asia – mood lighting, bathroom televisions and many rooms offer views over Victoria Harbour or Statue Square which dazzle at night. With the dark wood and beige finishes, the rooms still have a business traveller vibe, but personal touches tailored to your stay bring warmth.
I loved the cosy window snug chair, a dream seat for relaxing with a good book and a Pornstar cocktail.
Fine dining is a highlight at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and there’s a restaurant for all moods from the Michelin-starred Man Wah, serving up Cantonese flavours with flair, to the Mandarin Grill which offers fine meats and seafood.
Japanese izakaya The Aubrey has been named one of Asia’s best bars and its After Dark weekend sessions are a huge hit with the city’s hip, young things.
Breakfast is served at Clipper Lounge, where you can order everything from congee and dim sum to eggs Benedict and flaky croissants.
The extensive buffet feels like a culinary world tour and is excellent value.. Afternoon tea here is also legendary, with seasonal menus and beautiful pastries.
Mandarin Oriental Clipper Lounge
Despite being in the city centre, the hotel offers a full wellness experience. The Mandarin Spa, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, steam room, and expert therapists.
There’s an excellent relaxation lounge and saunas, as well as a well-equipped fitness centre and a big (18 m) indoor pool.
The location couldn’t be better. You’re a short walk from the Star Ferry and the harbourfront promenade.
Nearby is Lan Kwai Fong nightlife, and within easy access of the MTR for trains to further flung corners of the city. For culture lovers, Tai Kwun, a restored heritage and arts centre, is just around the corner.
The Peak Tram is also nearby if you fancy taking in the best view in town and watch out for eagles
And if you want to escape the urban jungle altogether, the hotel concierge can arrange boat trips, hiking tours or a day out on the outlying islands.
We enjoyed it….very much.
If you are a bit on budget fly to Macao and come to Hong Kong by ferry.
