The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
"How did it strike you on arrival?Located inside the high-end Landmark Mall, the Mandarin Oriental’s little sister is easy to miss. The serene reception area and library-like lounge lie up a flight of steps; all-day dining and drinks happen at the MO Bar, at street level below the lobby. The overall feel is small and sleek, with a wellness bent. Nice. What’s the crowd like?This is the kind of hotel where the spa and gym are actually used—expect to see fashion and design professionals, trim yogis, and maybe even a celebrity frequenting the 25,000 square foot spa and wellness zone. (It’s a wealth of pilates, TRX suspension straps, yoga, steam rooms, and swimming; or just opt for the spa’s sought-after no-polish pedicure.) The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The entry-level L600 Deluxe feels more like a suite than a room. Done up by prolific Hong Kong designer Joyce Wang, the champagne-colored space—metallic accents, soft green accents, modern art—has a dedicated living space with a leather sofa and a wraparound wall that encloses a spacious bathroom. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?A striking leather headboard appears to cradle the bed, creating the feeling of a cocoon—one lined with silken, 480-thread-count linens. In the upper room categories, the beds become even more luxurious (see: The Entertainment Suite and its temperature-adjustable bed.) How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The most memorable touches at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental are all the little surprises you'll experience throughout the stay. Every time you return to the room, there seems to be a new sip or snack (all prepared by Amber kitchen) waiting for you in a glass vitrine that's built into the living room wall. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.If you never leave the bathroom, we wouldn’t blame you—this very well could be the sexiest setup in Hong Kong. The L600 series bathrooms include a massive seven-foot-round bathtub, two vanities, a walk-in rain shower and top-notch amenities from Sodashi. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The complimentary Wi-Fi is excellent and we had no trouble performing heavy-duty tasks, such as streaming podcasts and video. Room service: Worth it?If you’re not ready to splash out on dinner at Amber, the Landmark’s two-Michelin-starred French restaurant, consider booking a package that includes a complimentary breakfast there. House-made granola, Tasmanian salmon, celestial eggs, just-baked croissants, and flawless service make it a standout in the canon of hotel breakfasts. Designed by Amber’s culinary director, the in-room dining menu is no slouch. Try wagyu beef burgers, Chinese fried noodles or one of the many lighter “vitality” dishes. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?It’s tough to single out just one staff member, since the service is flawless from start to finish. We are told that’s because the hotel has the highest staff-to-guest ratio in Hong Kong, with three staff members for every guest. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The 25,000-square foot Oriental Spa and wellness zone is a destination for the fitness inclined. In addition to the spacious gym, there's a water-treatment zone (Jacuzzis, steam rooms and the like), and an indoor heated swimming pool. This is also the only spa in Hong Kong where you can sample a famous no-polish pedicure from celebrity podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Depending on the package you book, you may have the option to enjoy complimentary breakfast Amber. We could not have been more impressed with the personalized service and high-quality menu. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Wellness travelers, style mavens and creative types, will love the hotel’s spa-like vibe, contemporary design and attention to detail. The central location—with shops and corporate offices at your doorstep—is just icing on the cake." - Kate Springer
