A wonderful iconic 5 star hotel still going strong after 60 + years

**Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 - I know the place.**

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Then and Now Hong Kong - The Mandarin Oriental Hotel 1963

A wonderful iconic 5 star hotel still going strong after 60 + years

Foreword

If you had not already guessed I am going to tell you about my introduction to the Mandarin Hotel (as it was known then) in early January 1972, the day after we arrived.

We visited quite a few places and after some time in Kowloon we took the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island, in those days you had no choice but to take a ferry across the harbour as the first road tunnel under the harbour did not open until later in 1972

Back in those days the Mandarin Hotel was literally less than a 5 minute walk from the Star Ferry Pier, unlike today when it is more like 15 minutes, so we stopped in the Hotel (a treat from our parents) , I can tell you, wow - I was born in the Industrial North East of Yorkshire and life was hard, that all changed when my father took this assignment in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Telephone Company and coincidentally his major assigment was comms work for the new cross harbour road tunnel.

So here we are, my parents, my sisters and my brother marching through the lobby and I still remember how nicely we were treated, sir this madam that and we had a lovely hour or so in the coffee shop which in those days was at street level (in 2025 it is luxury jewellery boutiques), we all had milkshakes and gourmet burgers and fries, I can tell you that one visit changed everyhing for me, it introduced me to the 5 star lifestyle and I was just amazed at how they treated their guests, no airs or graces, just a passion for looking after you, that is still in evidence even today.

As a private tour guide since 2010 I can state that the Peninsula Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel are the two hotels I have been to the most many, many hundreds of times) to pick up and meet guests and not just that, I try when possible to take guests there, the hotels are in such a convenient location, it is an easy detour and the Mandarin’s lobby is perfect for chilling out in supreme comfort.

I have had a couple of moments in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong.

a few years ago, I entered the lobby through the front entrance with some guests and I bumped into someone (I was too busy chatting and not looking where I was going,) lo and behold the person I bumped into was Russell Crowe the actor, he had an entourage of about 20 people who thought it was pretty funny, all I could say, was “oh s**t ypur Russell Crowe” not my finest moment but he took it well and I got to shake his hand. top that!
The second moment was when I was physically sick in the lobby, they took it with good grace and the minimum of fuss!-

Giovanni Valenti legendary Concierge for 38 years at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

The famous Italian concierge at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong was Giovanni Valenti, known for his charm, warmth, and dedication for nearly four decades until his passing in May 2023. Valenti served for 38 years at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, building a reputation for making guests feel like friends. He hosted many famous individuals, such as Princess Diana and Richard Nixon, during his tenure.

I would love to tell you that I got on famously with this chap (and I was very sad to learn he had passed away) but I did not, I was and and still am a very frequent visitor to the Hotel and back in 2011 we had our first encounter. Unlike everyone else in the Hotel he was as snooty as you can get, saving his grovelling niceties for Hotel Guests, I was waiting for a guest in the lobby and he left his post and walked over to me and asked my why I was hanging around in the lobby, it was his tone… I politely explained that I was a private tour guide waiting for a guest, he gave me a theatrical tut and asked me to stand somewhere else! I was a little take aback, ok I do not wear a suit, but I dress presentably and all of the staff in the lobby knew who I was and my occupation.

So from that moment on, I made sure when I went to pick up guests I would stand for 10 minutes in front of the Concierges desk in the main lobby, simply to annoy him, naturally he could not say anything but he was never best pleased.

Just before he retired I had a 5 minute chat with him and I never learnt why I was such an issue, maybe he just did not like people who knew more about Hong Kong than he did? or he thougt that talking with a tour guide was beneath him we shook hands and that was that.

I have absolutely no doubt he was a first class concierge but he did not like me and that was that, I guess I was just not as charming as Richard Nixon.

,,, and to be perfectly honest I do not get along with most Hotel Concierges in Hong Kong, I still do not get why most of them if you ask for tour options will give you a leaflet for the Big Bus Tour Co or try and get you to take an appalling coach tour, so much for the 5 star experience, but what do you expect, most of the concierge staff these days are young “kids”

I and quite a dew of my friends have met concierges in Hong Kong whose only interest is “whats in it for them” if you get my drift,

These days I quite often pop into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel just to look at their amazing cake creations and do a bit of window shopping at Ronald Abram Jewellers (next to the cake shop) honestly I have never seen diamonds glitter like theirs do, quite astonishing and they do not sell little diamonds and yes, I have had guests who have bought jewellery there.

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The Mandarin Oriental Hotel | Central District | Hong Kong - late 1960’s

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The Mandarin Oriental Hotel | Central District | Hong Kong - 2025

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong: Timeline and History

Timeline and History

July 1960: The idea to build a first-class hotel on the site of the colonial Queen's Building in Central, Hong Kong, was introduced. Hugh Barton, Chairman of Hongkong Land, championed the project despite initial skepticism.

9 July 1960: Construction of the hotel, initially named Queen's Hotel, was announced.

24 August 1962: The South China Morning Post reported the hotel's name changed to "The Mandarin" after a U.S. survey indicated American tourists preferred the name for its exotic appeal.

28 March 1963: The topping-off ceremony was held, marking the completion of the building's structure.

1 September 1963: The Mandarin opened to the public, becoming the tallest building in Hong Kong at 26 storeys. It was the first hotel in Hong Kong with direct-dial phones and the first in Asia to include a bathtub in every guestroom.

24 October 1963: The hotel celebrated its grand opening. It was managed by Intercontinental Hotels until 1974.

1974: Mandarin International Hotels Limited acquired a 49% stake in The Oriental, Bangkok, laying the foundation for the Mandarin Oriental brand.

1985: The hotel was renamed Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, following the merger of The Mandarin and The Oriental into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

1988: The hotel's name was officially updated to Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

2003: The hotel was the site of the tragic suicide of singer Leslie Cheung, who jumped from the 24th floor. Annual fan-organized memorial events are held outside the hotel.

2005–2006: A comprehensive USD 150 million renovation was completed, enhancing guestrooms, public spaces, and dining venues, with a grand reopening featuring celebrities like Bryan Ferry.

2013: The hotel celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala attended by celebrities featured in its “Fan Campaign.”

September 2024: The hotel marked its 60th anniversary, solidifying its status as a global luxury icon.

Q2 2025–Q4 2026: A transformative renovation with an investment of over USD 100 million is planned, focusing on public spaces, guestrooms, and new dining concepts, designed by Hubert de Malherbe, Jeffrey Wilkes, and Thierry Lemaire. The hotel will remain operational during most of the renovation.

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The Mandarin Oriental Hotel | Central District | Hong Kong - 1962 | 1963

Building Details

Height and Structure: The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, is a 26-storey building, designed by John Howarth of Leigh & Orange architects. At its opening in 1963, it was the tallest building in Hong Kong. Originally adjacent to Victoria Harbour, extensive land reclamation has moved the waterfront several blocks away.

Construction Costs: The construction cost was HKD 42 million (approximately USD 5.4 million in 1963), with an additional HKD 66 million (approximately USD 8.5 million) spent on interior decoration.

Location Choice: Located at 5 Connaught Road Central, the site was chosen for its prime position in Central, Hong Kong’s financial and business hub, opposite the iconic Bank of China Building and near the Star Ferry terminal. The former Queen’s Building site offered proximity to key attractions, shopping districts, and transport links, making it ideal for luxury travelers and business guests. The vibrant economic growth of Hong Kong in the 1960s further justified the location.

Typical Guest Profile

The hotel attracts affluent elites, international business travelers, and celebrities seeking luxury and discretion. Guests include high-profile individuals such as royalty, dignitaries, and notable figures like Baron Arndt Krupp von Bohlen & Halbach, Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran, and Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. The hotel’s central location and world-class amenities appeal to those valuing convenience, sophistication, and personalized service.

Number of Rooms

The hotel currently offers 447 rooms, including 67 suites, all with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour or the city skyline. Room designs blend colonial-era luxury with modern sophistication, featuring wood-paneled walls, Jim Thompson silk textiles, and Egyptian cotton linens.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Lobby

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The Mandarin Oriental Hotel | Central District | Hong Kong - 2025

Restaurants and Bars

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, is renowned for its dining, with nine venues, including Michelin-starred restaurants and Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Notable outlets include:

Mandarin Grill + Bar: Michelin-starred, offering seafood and Western dishes with a modern touch.

Man Wah: Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, famous for dim sum and a Signature Menu paired with wine or Chinese tea.

The Krug Room: The world’s only Krug Room, offering creative cuisine with prestigious champagne.

Café Causette: All-day dining with a contemporary menu.

Clipper Lounge: Popular for Sunday brunch, afternoon tea, and themed buffets.

The Chinnery: A traditional pub with over 120 whiskeys.

Captain’s Bar: Known for cold beer in chilled silver mugs.

The Aubrey: An omakase cocktail experience and Asia’s 50 Best Bar.

MO Lounge: Offers breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails for Club and Suite guests.

The hotel holds three Michelin stars across its restaurants, contributing to the group’s total of 27 Michelin stars globally.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Chocolate Cakes

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Cake Shop

The Ronald Abram Diamond Store

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The Mandarin Oriental Hotel | Central District | Hong Kong - 2025

Typical Room Rates

Room rates vary based on season, room type, and demand. As of 2025, approximate rates for Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, based on booking platforms and reviews, are:

Standard Rooms: HKD 3,500–5,000 (USD 450–640) per night.

Suites: HKD 8,000–20,000 (USD 1,025–2,560) per night, with premium suites like the City View Suite commanding higher rates.

Rates may include access to The Mandarin Club, offering breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails. Additional fees apply for Wi-Fi (HKD 100–190/day for browsing or streaming).

Rates are subject to change, and special offers may be available via the hotel’s website.

Famous Guests

The hotel has hosted numerous high-profile guests, including:

Royalty and Dignitaries: Baron Arndt Krupp von Bohlen & Halbach, Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran, Prince Hans Adam von Liechtenstein, Prince Henrik of Denmark, Prince Henri d’Orleans, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.

Celebrities: Participants in the “Fan Campaign,” such as Vivienne Tam (designed spa uniforms), Vanessa-Mae (performed at the Las Vegas hotel opening), Dame Edna (compered the 2006 reopening), and Bryan Ferry (sang at the 2006 reopening).

Authors and Artists: The hotel’s legacy attracts cultural figures, though specific names are less documented.

Major Renovations

2005–2006: A USD 150 million renovation revamped guestrooms, suites, public spaces, and dining venues, reinforcing the hotel’s luxury status. The reopening featured performances by celebrities like Bryan Ferry.

Q2 2025–Q4 2026: A USD 100 million+ renovation is planned, focusing on:

Redesign of public spaces, including the lobby and an all-day lounge.

Guestroom and suite refresh with luxury fabrics and crafted details.

Introduction of 11 new residential-style apartments for long stays.

New dining concepts, including a rooftop venue by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud at LANDMARK PRINCE’S, connected via an enclosed walkway.

The renovation will occur in four phases, with the hotel operational for most of the period, ensuring minimal disruption.

Upcoming Renovations

The 2025–2026 renovation is the primary upcoming project, aiming to preserve the hotel’s elegance while introducing contemporary design and new dining experiences. Local artists and craftsmen will collaborate with designers to maintain cultural authenticity.

Interesting Stories and Notable Events

Leslie Cheung’s Suicide (2003): The tragic death of singer Leslie Cheung, who jumped from the 24th floor, remains a significant event. Annual memorials by fans highlight his cultural impact.

Fan Campaign: Since 2006, the hotel’s advertising campaign featured celebrities like Mary McCartney (photographer) and Patrick Lichfield, with donations made to their chosen charities. Vivienne Tam and Vanessa-Mae also contributed to the brand’s legacy.

60th Anniversary (2024): Celebrated in September 2024, marking the hotel’s enduring status as a Hong Kong landmark.

Firsts in Hospitality: The hotel pioneered direct-dial phones in Hong Kong and bathtubs in every room in Asia, setting new standards for luxury.

Clipper Lounge Popularity: A favorite for locals and guests, known for its afternoon tea and Sunday brunch, reflecting the hotel’s role as a social hub.

Corporate Ownership

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, is owned and managed by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a subsidiary of Mandarin Oriental International Limited, which is part of the publicly traded Jardine Matheson Group, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate with deep historical ties to the region.

Famous Accidents or Deaths

Leslie Cheung (2003): The most notable incident, where the beloved Hong Kong singer and actor took his life, deeply affecting the local and international community.

No other widely reported accidents or deaths are documented in the provided sources, though minor incidents like the 2015 point-of-sale security breach affected multiple Mandarin Oriental properties.

Rationale for The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel 5 minutes walk away

Opening (2005): The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, located at 15 Queen’s Road Central, was launched to offer a boutique, contemporary alternative to the flagship Mandarin Oriental, just a 5-minute walk away.

Rationale:

Complementary Offering: The Landmark, with 111 spacious rooms and suites designed by Joyce Wang, targets guests seeking modern, intimate luxury compared to the flagship’s classic elegance. Its smaller size (98 rooms, 13 suites) ensures personalized service.

Prime Location: Situated in the LANDMARK complex, a high-end shopping and business hub, it caters to fashion-conscious travelers and professionals, with direct access to luxury retail and corporate offices.

Culinary Excellence: The Landmark hosts eight Michelin stars, including Amber (two stars), Sushi Shikon (three stars), and Kappo Rin (one star), positioning it as a dining destination.

Urban Oasis: Its wellness focus, with a 25,000-square-foot spa and fitness facilities, appeals to guests prioritizing relaxation in Central’s bustling environment.

Strategic Expansion: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group aimed to diversify its Hong Kong portfolio, leveraging the city’s economic growth and demand for varied luxury experiences.

Renovation (2024–2025): The Landmark is undergoing a renovation as part of the “Tomorrow’s CENTRAL” initiative, enhancing its rooms, wellness spaces, and dining venues, further differentiating it from the flagship.

Additional Notes

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, remains a symbol of luxury hospitality, blending Asian heritage with modern sophistication. Its strategic location, exceptional dining, and commitment to guest satisfaction have solidified its status as a global icon.

The hotel’s spa, inspired by 1930s Shanghai, offers treatments like the Oriental Essence massage and features an indoor pool, sauna, and gym.

The ongoing “Tomorrow’s CENTRAL” initiative by Hongkong Land, with a USD 1 billion investment, underscores the group’s confidence in Hong Kong’s future, aligning with the renovations of both Mandarin Oriental properties.

So there you go

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