A Timeless Stay in the Harbour View Suite at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong: Elegance from a Bygone Era, Perfected for Today
Celebrating over sixty years of hospitality, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong remains a cornerstone of timeless luxury in the city’s bustling Central district. Opened in 1963, the hotel has long been synonymous with classic hospitality, discreet opulence, and a deep connection to the fabric of Hong Kong itself. Today, that legacy is stronger than ever.
The Room.
The Victoria Harbour View Suite we stayed in felt like a portal to the Hong Kong of old, blending rich heritage with contemporary comfort. The suite’s decor reflects the hotel’s storied past, featuring traditional Asian-colonial detailing, moody tones, and low ceilings that create a sense of cocooned retreat. While the aesthetic is not particularly modern, the finishes are of high quality and well maintained. It’s less about chasing trends and more about embracing a deeply rooted sense of place. The bed was comfortably medium-soft, dressed in luxurious linens and generously piled with feather-down pillows in a variety of firmnesses. Lighting throughout the room leaned to the atmospheric, although a magnifying mirror with ring light at one vanity made it possible to apply makeup despite the dark ambience.
The bathroom was a standout feature of the suite. A large soaking tub sat proudly in the centre, offering views across Victoria Harbour – so grand, in fact, that we felt we simply had to take it for a spin, a rarity for us when travelling. The walk-in shower was one of the best we’ve experienced anywhere in the world, with powerful pressure and two independently adjustable shower heads that delivered a perfectly tailored shower experience. Toiletries were by Diptyque (a fabulous choice), presented in full-sized tubes in addition to pump bottles in the shower, a detail we always appreciate. The amenity kit, one positioned on each side of the his-and-hers bathroom, was as complete as it was eco-conscious, including everything from biodegradable toothbrushes and paper shower caps to a high-quality bamboo handle razor. The suite is equipped with two types of robes, both equally indulgent: a thick, waffle-weave option and an elegant black oriental silk version, adding to the the sense of indulgence and thoughtfulness throughout the suite. You’ll also find an umbrella and branded yoga mat in the closet.
Technologically, the suite reflects the age of the building, but the hotel has made impressive efforts to bring things up to speed while they await a full renovation, commencing later in 2025. While there are no USB-C ports in the fixed furnishings, each bedside has been retrofitted with an international socket and two USB-A ports. The bedside drawer helpfully held a multi-port charger with two USB-C sockets, and charging cables were also provided (be prepared to see a charge added to your bill, however, if you decide to pocket them as a souvenir). British-style power outlets were fitted throughout, and the bathroom included a built-in drawer with an international socket and a Dyson Nural hairdryer, a detail that will not go unnoticed by frequent travellers. This made it particularly convenient to plug in any hair tools you may use, while being in front of a mirror.
The flat panel televisions were of generous size, though it is worth noting there is no built-in streaming functionality or casting options, which may be disappointing to some and meant that we really had no use for the TVs. However, with such extraordinary views, that felt like a forgivable omission – and there is a nice Bluetooth speaker at least, for some atmosphere. We’re hoping this connectivity will be improved when the hotel undergoes renovation in the future.
One of the details we loved most was the inclusion of binoculars in the suite, accompanied by a beautifully designed postcard map pointing out and naming each of the prominent buildings in the view. It satisfied our curiosity about the surrounding buildings – there are some particularly unique ones – and encourages guests to truly engage with the unique geography of the harbour. Housekeeping was faultless, with exceptional attention to detail. Wardrobe and luggage space was ample, slippers were custom embroidered with the MO fan logo, and a daily tea-inspired treat was delivered to the suite, a thoughtful and entirely on-brand gesture.
The Club Lounge.
Staying in a suite grants access to The Mandarin Club on the twenty-third floor, a private lounge with sweeping views and all-day service. Suite guests check in here as well, bypassing the main lobby, and are invited to enjoy a rotating array of beautifully prepared offerings throughout the day. Breakfast is available from seven to eleven, followed by afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Service here is seamless, and the culinary options are refined without being ostentatious. The cocktail list is extensive and thoughtfully curated, with offerings like the Oriental Sour, featuring amaretto and apple juice, or the Strawberry Wonderland, which leans toward dessert with Irish cream and cocoa notes. Wines are equally well selected, and the champagne of choice, “R” de Ruinart, is a top pick. The tea menu is just as impressive, ranging from Moroccan Mint to Eternal Summer, a caffeine-free red tea with rose blossoms and hints of Tuscan peach. Suite guests are also entitled to two pieces of pressing per guest, per stay.
The Service.
One of the greatest joys of staying at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is the exceptional service. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by staff who clearly take pride in their work and have likely served the hotel for decades. Their care and attention feels genuine and effortless. The doormen, receptionists, lounge staff, and housekeepers all contribute to a sense of being not just welcomed, but truly cared for. This is a level of service that can only come from long experience and institutional pride, and it is absolutely central to the hotel’s enduring reputation. Additionally, assistance is only a WhatsApp message away, accessible via QR code given at check-in – something we love to see.
The Dining.
When it comes to dining and drinking, the hotel and its connected properties offer plenty to explore. A short walk through the Landmark complex takes you to the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, home to the three Michelin-starred Amber by Richard Ekkebus. In the original building, Aubrey awaits, a glamorous and theatrical cocktail bar that ranked number ten on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024. The cocktail program here is world class, and they offer an omakase experience unlike any other, featuring three bespoke cocktails, three snacks, and three shochu pairings for 888 HKD per person. It’s available from Monday to Saturday and is firmly on our list for next time. The cocktails we sampled during our stay were beautifully constructed, inventive, and finely balanced, making this an essential stop for any cocktail aficionado. Also within the hotel, Man Wah serves refined, Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine where we sampled delicious traditional dishes and barbequed meats, and is well worth booking for a high quality and highly convenient meal – especially when the weather isn’t playing ball. Man Wah and Aubrey are both located on the 23rd floor, making a double stop an easy option. One note, however – from 9pm on weekends Aubrey changes to more club than bar – so if that’s not your thing, plan your visit accordingly.
The Verdict.
Ultimately, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is a grand dame that has aged with remarkable grace. It understands its own identity and doesn’t feel the need to chase modernity – and we imagine the upcoming renovation will continue to pay respect to this classic style. Instead, it offers something far rarer: an experience rooted in place, history, and heartfelt service. Quality is delivered in every detail, and that is what keeps discerning guests coming back year after year. We’re already looking forward to our return.