Mandarin Oriental

Description:

• Opened in 1963, this 25-story landmark recently underwent complete renovation, making it a new yet familiar property in the middle of Central (newer properties can only drool over its fabled location). Although updates include a spa with a 1930s Shanghai atmosphere, new dining ventures, and remodeled rooms, many features are back by popular demand, including its retro-gilded lobby, the Captain's Bar, the Chinnery, and Mandarin Grill. Gone from the rooms are the small balconies (I doubt many people spent much time on them anyway), replaced by comfortable sitting areas perfect for that first morning coffee while you peruse the newspaper and gaze out the window. Rooms face either the harbor or inland (those facing the harbor even come with binoculars) and feature such standouts as mood lighting, a cupboard beside the front door for receiving newspapers, laundry or messages so you don't have to open the door, and lighted anti-fog mirrors in the shower. In short, the Mandarin Oriental is again in the running as one of Hong Kong's top hotels. And whatever you do, don't miss a stroll past the cake shop; its fantastic chocolate creations are displayed in glass cases like crown jewels.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2008
•  Best Hotel 2009

Conde Nast Traveler

•  Readers' Travel Award Winner 2008

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2009
•  Very Highly Recommended 2010