Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

"How did it strike you on arrival?Recalling its roots as one of Hong Kong’s first luxury hotels (est. in 1963), the entrance to this Mandarin is all glossy black marble. A famous afternoon tea is served in the Clipper Lounge off one side of the lobby and cocktails and live music in the mahogany-colored Captain’s Bar off the other. The old-school glamour comes with a prime location, steps from Hong Kong’s preeminent business and shopping district. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The majority of travelers in the tearoom and the bar look as if they’ve come from a board meeting or a fashion show—Hermes, Chanel, custom tailoring and wing-tips. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Unless you’ve booked a suite, the rooms might feel on the small side, starting at about 334 square feet, which is typical in Central. If you’re counting on a harbor view, be sure to choose a Statue Square or Harbor View room, otherwise you’ll peer into a neighboring office tower. Colonial-era luxe is the aesthetic—wood-paneled walls, classic furniture, and gorgeous Jim Thompson silk textiles. Our favorite aspect of the Harbor View rooms is the comfy window seat, where you can cozy up with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and watch the famous waterway at sunset. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The king-size beds are dressed with Egyptian cotton linens that wick away moisture in the night and a mountain of pillows in different shapes. For the pillow particular, there’s a menu that includes buckwheat, down, foam, maternity—even a NASA pillow developed for astronauts suffering from neck or back pain. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The mini bar comes stocked with a few upscale offerings—Champagne, New Zealand sauvignon blanc, fresh juices, coconut water, and a few snacks. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathrooms are visions of black-and-white marble and black tile, appointed with dual-head showers and a brilliant stand-alone mirror that swivels to catch you at every angle. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The Wi-Fi is free. The catch? You must create an online profile and book stays directly on the hotel’s website. Room service: Worth it?Much of what’s on the vast in-room menu is prepared in the hotel’s top-notch kitchens—Pierre, The Chinnery, and Man Wah Chinese among them. Favorite among the regulars here: Hainanese chicken rice. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The Mandarin Oriental is home to an incredible array of restaurants, bars and the notable Cake Shop, where you can sample ornate cakes, fluffy scones and flaky croissants any time of day. We’d also recommend reserving a table at The Chinnery for Indian, followed by Captain’s Bar for a pint of Young Master Ale and a bit of live music. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the elusive and experimental Krug Room—a private chef’s table behind The Chinnery—can be booked for twosomes on Thursdays and Saturdays (otherwise you’ll have to book out the whole room to dine here). What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?With an MTR station just outside, the Mandarin Oriental promises an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers. But as avid swimmers, we were disappointed with the puny indoor pool, which couldn’t have been more than 10 meters long. The hotel makes up for this with an impressive spa, a hair salon, well-equipped gym, and barber shop (where ladies and gents alike can try the famous Shanghainese pedicure). Bottom line: worth it, and why?The location alone is reason enough to book this historic Hong Kong hotel, but the luxurious spa, excellent restaurants, and cool Captain’s Bar keep guests coming back." - Kate Springer