Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

"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 the Asia Pacific region. The original cost of construction totalled 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 26 storeys, 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 back in 1967 was listed by Fortune magazine as one of eleven great hotels in the world. In 2009 Conde Naste ranked the hotel as number 88. Famous singer, actor and film producer Leslie Cheung committed suicide by jumping off the 24th floor in 2003. He left behind a suicide note claiming he had suffered from depression.

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. That same year, 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 well-known property and acknowledged as one of the Far East'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 rationalised its corporate structure by combining these two renowned properties under a common name, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

2005 renovation

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has been noted for its interior decoration. In 2005, authorisation 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 mock two-minute silence in memory of the hotel. After a USD 150 million renovation, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong re-opened its doors on 28 September 2006, marking 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 recognisable after the renovation, but the remaining restaurants, bars, public spaces, and rooms were entirely new.

The hotel

The hotel contains 501 guestrooms, 67 of which are suites, overlooking Victoria Harbour and the surrounding cityscape. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong operates ten 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 m² (23,000 sq ft) across three stories and incorporates an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, holistic spa, Mandarin Salon, and Mandarin Barber. The spa draws on the established Asian healing philosophies of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Additional features include an ice fountain, Chinese herb steam rooms, hydrotherapy, and the Kneipp pool.

Restaurants & bars