Located in Hong Kong’s renowned financial and shopping district, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is a favorite of those who want to experience the dynamism and energy of the city in style.
by Yongmin Shon
When most people think about a holiday destination, they imagine a beautiful resort on an island or by the beach. What they don’t realize is that their vacation does not always have to be by the water or sand. In fact, it can be situated in the middle of a busy street where a lot of things are happening.
At the heart of Hong Kong stands The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong (15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong; +852 2132 0188; www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark), a smart destination for an urban getaway. Centrally situated in Hong Kong’s renowned financial and shopping district, surrounded by vast commercial buildings and several skyscrapers that make the list of the world’s 15 tallest, this hotel offers an ideal stay for businesspeople, leisure travelers, and shopaholics.
One of the standouts of the hotel is the design, especially the interior. The finesse and balance come from the hands of Peter Remedios, a world-renowned designer who decorated all 113 guest rooms. There are five different types of guest room, including L450 Superior, L450 Deluxe, L600 Deluxe, L600 Premier, and L600 Executive. For guests who want to indulge in an elevated level of luxury, the L900 Landmark Suite and Presidential Suite are also available. Each room features glass-walled bathrooms, DVD players, wireless Internet, LCD televisions, as well as high-definition TV channels.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental has made a name for itself with the two Michelin-starred restaurant Amber, expedited by talented Richard Ekkebus. The chef was trained by big names in the culinary world, such as Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Passard, and Guy Savoy, before transferring his knowledge to his own contemporary French restaurant. Signature dishes such as “Hokkaido sea urchin in a lobster Jell-O with cauliflower, caviar and crispy seaweed waffles” and “frog legs in crispy kataifi with ‘quatre épices’” are popular among diners.
Mo Bar, the all-day dining restaurant and bar, is ideal for a cup of fragrant afternoon tea and late-night chitchat. Mo Bar is also famed for its Unplugged concerts, having previously featured superstars such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Annie Lennox. Mo Bar also hosts an annual Masters of Mixology event, welcoming gifted mixologists from all over the world. A five-course meal including four cocktails is priced at HKD 1,588 per person, and an eight-course meal including six cocktails is available at HKD 2,188 per person. It is highly recommended for guests to make advanced bookings, since only one table for 12 visitors is available per seating.
One of the advantages of being located in the city center is easily accessible transportation. Visitors can conveniently explore Hong Kong using the Central MTR station, which is located adjacent to the hotel. The Star Ferry is also walking distance, as it takes just 10 minutes to get there by walking. It is a 40-minute drive to Hong Kong International Airport, although the Hong Kong Airport Express station is located near the hotel. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is just a three-minute walk from air conditioned walkways that connect to key commercial buildings, including Standard Chartered Bank, Exchange Square, Gloucester Tower, and more, making it perfect for a quick business trip or tour.
Thanks to the convenient transportation system, touring the city is never a problem. Here is the list of places that guests may want to visit when staying at this hotel:
- The Peak: An attraction where tourists can enjoy the stunning cityscape from 400 meters above sea level.
- Po Lin Monastery: Houses the monumental statue of Big Buddha, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- Disneyland: Located on Lantau Island, Disneyland is a go-to destination for kids, as well as adults.
- Ocean Park: One of Southeast Asia’s biggest aquariums and themed parks, Ocean Park offers exciting activities such as rides, dolphin shows, and great shopping.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental stands amidst a collection of luxury international brands. Walking out the hotel, you will see the largest Armani store in Asia, the first-ever Harvey Nichols on foreign soil, and many other well-known shops. The hotel’s own shopping center, The Landmark Atrium, also houses major fashion brands. For bargain hunters, Stanley Market offers various products, including traditional silk garments, art, jewelry, and more.
A quality spa treatment completes a comfortable stay. The Oriental Spa, situated on the second floor of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, offers treatments that combine the knowledge of renowned French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez and the famous chemical-free skincare products of Sodashi. The therapists aim to offer guests the “ultimate experience for body, mind, and spirit,” and are ready to provide high-end service. A collaborative treatment, “Bastien Gonzalez–Sodashi Pedi: Facial: Synergy” (75 minutes) is priced at HKD 2,490 on weekdays and HKD 2,620 on the weekends. The Oriental Spa also features versatile facilities, including a fitness center, Pilates and yoga studios, and an indoor swimming pool.
