The Mira

"How did it strike you on arrival?Walking into The Mira’s minimalist lobby feels like entering another galaxy—one light years away from the crowded Tsim Sha Tsui streets outside. Wavy white walls and reflective space-black ceilings give the place a club feel. Nice. What’s the crowd like?As one of Hong Kong’s only luxury design hotels, The Mira attracts cross-generational fashion and creative professionals. In other words, hip young Scandinavian couples share space with middle-aged CEOs dress in Diesel jeans. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Designed by US celebrity party planner and lifestyle guru, Colin Cowie, The Mira is home to four room color themes: silver, purple, red and green. In the standard rooms, which start at about 290 square feet, guests will find an Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair, Bose speakers and Bluetooth docking station, a spacious desk (with Herman Miller desk chairs on the Club Floor), convenient “Wi-Fi Buddy" (a free-to-use 4G dongle that you can take with you around the city) and courtyard, city, or Kowloon Park views. We’d recommend the park views—this is one of Hong Kong’s precious green lungs and a beautiful sight to wake up to. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?In every room, king-size beds with a comfy Sealy mattress promise a good night's rest. Plus, there is a complimentary pillow menu to ensure you're comfy-cozy. Seven options range from buckwheat to lavender aromatic rose, memory foam, hypoallergenic latex, and even special eye pillows. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The mini bar’s underwhelming, but we love the super soft bathrobes. We’re not the first guests to take note, apparently, as there’s a note suggesting we purchase one to take home from the spa. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down."You’ll find fluffy, spa-worthy bathrobes in each room, as well as a spacious all-glass bathroom. Every room comes with a bathtub and a powerful rain shower, as well as electronic blinds should you want some privacy. All suites feature delicious-smelling spa toiletries from Aromatherapy Associates, but the Spa Suites take it to the next level. These special apartments are dedicated to self-care: There's an open-plan vanity, en suite Jacuzzi, and a steam bath to help you relax and unwind." Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The free Wi-Fi seemed strong enough to us for daily needs. In addition, the complimentary Wi-Fi dongle means you have a backup plan if the hotel’s internets are ever overwhelmed. Room service: Worth it?You might not even have to order room service to enjoy an in-room treat at The Mira. Guests who are regulars, or celebrating a special occasion, are often greeted with welcome surprises, such as macarons and bubbly. But if you’re dying to enjoy a meal in your bathrobe, the versatile east-meets-west menu includes, all-day breakfast choices, “Wellness Light Bites” with choices like kale, orange, and quinoa salad. Meanwhile, the “Local Discoveries” menu covers dishes such as fried rice with barbecue pork and ho fun (rice noodle) soup with fish balls. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The club floor has its own dedicated concierge and check-in staff, who go above and beyond to ensure you have everything you need, whether that means special dietary needs, sought-after reservations, or a jogging route through Kowloon Park. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The Mira is home to a few standout bars and restaurants, including Michelin-recommended Cuisine Cuisine. A testament to the high-quality ingredients and time-honored dishes, the Cantonese dim sum spot fills up quickly with local diners during lunch hour. Favorites include the truffle mushroom dumplings, golden har gow (topped with gold leaf), palate-cleansing cucumbers with garlic and vinegar sauce, and the shimmering egg custard and purple sweet potato buns (topped with edible shimmer dust). To feed a bigger party, go all out with a signature char siu (barbecue pork belly) or a Peking duck, which is roasted with lychee wood and served with colorful pancakes. In addition to excellent dim sum, The Mira also counts a few more must-visit F&B spots under its roof including alfresco Vibes, a secret garden-esque lounge-bar, Whisk for contemporary western cuisine, and massive Yamm buffet. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?We love a beautiful swimming pool and The Mira’s 25-meter-long indoor infinity pool is among our favorites in Hong Kong. Not only do fiber-optic lights dance across the ceiling, but there’s also an underwater soundtrack to accompany your morning laps. Inside the wellness section of MiraSpa on the same floor, you’ll find a spacious 24/7 gym as well as a heavenly “Heat Zone,” equipped with waterbeds, steam rooms, a Jacuzzi and even aromatherapy showers. Nine dedicated treatment rooms and even a Nail Lounge for a glamorous makeover. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Design lovers and creative types will love The Mira hotel, which promises a relaxing sanctuary in the heart of bustling Tsim Sha Tsui." - Kate Springer