Cordis, Hong Kong

"How did it strike you on arrival?Arriving by metro, we found the trek to Cordis a little overwhelming. It involved winding our way up through the frenetic Langham Place Mall, which can be elbow to elbow during peak hours. If you're arriving by car, it's much more straightforward: you’ll be dropped at the lift lobby and it's a straight shot up the elevator. Upstairs in reception, the atmosphere was calm with a notable citrus scent. Shades of beige and champagne, contemporary Chinese sculptures, and a lightning-fast check-in process eased the stress of the journey. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Cordis draws a mix of travelers from the U.S., Europe and China—the Mong Kok location is a prime spot for shopping and local food. During the week the hotel seems packed with suits, but we noticed more young families on weekends. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Clean-cut and contemporary, the 665 rooms and suites make a great first impression with fresh white linens, wooden headboards, and sumptuous leather. We booked a Club Deluxe on an upper floor and were immediately drawn to the windows. The view overlooks the incredibly densely packed cityscape There’s a working desk right next to the window, which means you’ll have natural light all day should you be stuck answering emails. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?All Cordis hotels tout a signature Dream Bed, and it is indeed dreamy. The down comforter and fluffed pillows (with optional pillow menu) add to the experience. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?A tech-savvy hotel, Cordis equips rooms with a free-to-use smartphone which can be used as Wi-fi hotspot for your own mobile, an electric safe, and 40-inch Samsung LED TV. Even more exciting? The mini bar. Instead of the usual, this little fridge was stocked with premium snacks like Cambodian dried mangoes and black truffle chips. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Well-lit bathrooms are decked out with marble floors and glass walls, which make the space seem larger. There’s a bathtub in addition to a separate rain shower, and refreshing sparkling-mint bathroom amenities (the hotel’s own brand). The only detail we weren’t wild about was the green-glass vanity, which felt retro and out of place amid the classic marble design. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The free Wi-Fi was fast—we had no trouble connecting. Making it even more convenient, the hotel provides a data-enabled smartphone to borrow during your trip. Room service: Worth it?Don't order room service: Cordis is home to several worthwhile restaurants. For a casual night out, we’d recommend the Asian-inspired tapas and craft cocktails at Alibi - Wine Dine Be Social (you get the gist from the name). A massive buffet, The Place is great for families, while Ming Court serves up Michelin-recommended Cantonese cuisine. If the weather plays nice, you may also want to stop into The Garage Bar, an outdoor terrace bar inspired by American food truck culture that specializes in craft beer and tacos. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?We splurged on a Club room so we’d have access to the recently renovated Club floor. The club team was attentive and intuitive, greeting us by name each visit. When we asked for a converter to charge our laptop, it appeared within minutes. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The hotel is a popular choice among families because of a few dedicated family rooms with versatile configurations to accommodate little ones. Babysitters are available upon request and there’s a kids’ program that delivers panda-themed backpacks, kid-size amenities, healthy snacks, a toy library and educational activities. Beyond the eclectic Chinese artwork that gives the hotel a sense of culture, another highlight at Cordis is the health club, which has a spa, gym, exercise studios, and a rooftop pool. The award-winning Chuan Spa revolves around the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Treatments have been designed according to Wu Xing principles, which essentially aim to balance the five natural elements (water, wood, earth, fire, metal) within your body and mind. If you’re keen to explore the neighborhood, ask about the complimentary tours which will take you to the Mong Kok markets, up to the wellness center for a tai chi class, or out for a wine tasting at Ming Court. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Cordis has a lot going for it: The location (surrounded by markets, local food, and mega malls), an award-winning Cantonese restaurant, an enormous wellness center and a convenient Club floor." - Kate Springer