Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Mandarin Oriental is an example of perfect blend of east and west elegance and has absolute first class service. While the hotel maybe a bit older than most of the 5 star hotels in Hong Kong, the rooms and other offerings are mostly in perfect condition. For those who are doing buisiness in Hong Kong, the hotel is located in the heart of Central District. Look for hotel's website for internet specials. And a meal in Vongs restaurant on the 25th floor is not to be missed.

This is a comparison review of how the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong ranks out of the six existing 5-Star Hotels in Central/Admiralty, the heart of Hong Kong. In terms of service, I believe the best hotels are the Island Shangri-La, then the Conrad and Ritz-Carlton, then the JW Marriott, and finally the Mandarin Oriental. The Mandarin, while marketed heavily for their good service quality, is actually the weakest in this area. During my numerous stays there, I had repeated service problems with the faucet and bathtub in the bathroom (took them many many repeated visits to fix, and they would tell me they fixed it when they didn't). The staff was generally unresponsive, and at times rude (perhaps this was due to the fact they were understaffed). There were two staffers - Danny Lai and Chris Knothe - that I had to continually avoid because they were simply unpleasant (and, from what I hear, to other guests as well). They also have this general reputation in Hong Kong (to locals) to always want to maximize the rate they are charging the customer (after staying for over 3 weeks there on a visit, and wanting to book a subsequent 2-week visit a few days later, they wanted to charge me 3X the room rate I was being charged on my first visit on the grounds that 'it was high season'. In terms of fitness facilities, the best is, hands-down, the Island Shangri-La. Next would be the JW Marriott and Conrad, and then the Ritz-Carlton. Last would come the Mandarin. The Mandarin's gym and pool are not really a 'gym' and 'pool'; the gym is like a backroom attic that was hastily converted, and they stuck in a few treadmills. There is a constant stench/odor in the facilities perhaps due to poor ventilation, and there were times I had to cut my workout short because of the odor. The pool is not really a pool, but more of an extra-large bathtub. In terms of rooms, the best rooms are probably found in the Conrad and Shangri-La. Next would come the JW Marriott and Ritz, which have smaller rooms and acceptable decor. Finally, it would be the Mandarin Oriental, with a somewhat outdated decor, and very boxy/restrictive layout within the rooms. The room amenities are average. There are no irons in the rooms, and the daily internet charges are probably the most expensive in all of Asia (about US$25/day). There are no movie channels (HBO/Cinemax). In terms of cost of services (room service, laundry, etc.), this is hands-down the most expensive in Hong Kong (and probably Asia). A simple bowl of wonton noodles is about US$30 including service/tax. If it is room service, tack on an extra 15%. PATIO HAZARD The one thing about every single room at the Mandarin is there is a narrow personal patio in every room. I personally was slightly freaked out by the patio, because the wall is very very low, and I felt it was very easy for a child (or teenager, or inebriated adult) to accidentally fall over the patio to the ground far far below. There is NO barrier or protection at all. The rooms go quite high (24 floors), so I found it quite dangerous. When I first went in, I actually asked to change to a patio-less room, but none exist. If you stay at the Mandarin, this will be a hazard you will have to accept (you can ask to stay on the lowest floor available, which I think is 6th). I would highly advise you prohibit children from entering the room, or at least keep them heavily monitored at all times. If you can get into the Conrad, Shangri-La, Marriott, or Ritz, I would highly recommend them.

This hotel must have the most gracious service in the world!

If you can't afford to stay at the Mandarin, I highly recommend dropping in for High Tea in the lobby. It's a calm oasis in the hustle bustle of Hong Kong. Service is impeccable.