Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Encyclopedia
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is a five-star
Star (classification)
Stars are often used as symbols for classification purposes. They are used by reviewers for ranking things such as movies, TV shows, restaurants, and hotels. For example, one to five stars is commonly employed to categorize hotels.-Restaurant ratings:...

 hotel
Hotel
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms...

, located on Connaught Road
Connaught Road
Connaught Road refers to one major road and its western extension on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, Hong KongConnaught Road Central is a main thoroughfare that runs the length of Central, parallel to the north shore...

 in Central
Central, Hong Kong
Central is the central business district of Hong Kong. It is located in Central and Western District, on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui, the southernmost point of Kowloon Peninsula...

, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...

, owned and managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. The hotel opened its doors in 1963 as “The Mandarin”, and quickly drew recognition for its service and elegance. In 1967, after four years of operation, The Mandarin was listed by Fortune magazine alongside the Ritz in Paris, the Grand in Rome and the Connaught in London as one of the eleven great hotels in the world. In 2005, the hotel spent USD 150 million to renovate its 501 guestrooms, 10 restaurants, and numerous public spaces, as well as to construct the three-story Mandarin Spa, one of only three Forbes Five-Star
Mobil Guide
Forbes Travel Guide is a star rating service and series of travel guides for hotels, restaurants and spas. In 2011, Forbes Travel Guide published its last set of guidebooks and as of November 15, 2011, launched its new web 3.0 platform and online home, , which covers 72 U.S...

 spas in Hong Kong.

"The Mandarin"

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, originally called The Mandarin, was built on the former site of the colonial Queen’s Building on the waterfront in Central Hong Kong. From the onset, the concept was to create a hotel firmly rooted in Eastern culture, providing gracious service to a standard generally only experienced in Asia. The original cost of construction totaled HKD 42 million, while the interior design amounted to even 50% more at HKD 66 million, sparing no luxury or detail. John Howarth of Leigh & Orange architectural firm was hired to design the building while the interior was entrusted to Don Ashton, a Hollywood Art Director for such films as The Bridge on the River Kwai
The Bridge on the River Kwai
The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1957 British World War II film by David Lean based on The Bridge over the River Kwai by French writer Pierre Boulle. The film is a work of fiction but borrows the construction of the Burma Railway in 1942–43 for its historical setting. It stars William...

, Indiscreet, and Billy Budd
Billy Budd (film)
Billy Budd is a 1962 film produced, directed, and co-written by Peter Ustinov. Adapted from the stage play version of Herman Melville's short novel Billy Budd, it starred Terence Stamp as Billy Budd, Robert Ryan as John Claggart, and Ustinov as Captain Vere...

.
The Mandarin officially opened for business in October 1963, and at 26 storeys, it was the tallest building in Hong Kong. In addition to its record-setting height, the hotel was the first in Hong Kong to have direct dial phones and the first in Asia to include a bath in every guestroom. The hotel quickly drew recognition for its service and elegance, and back in 1967 was listed by Fortune magazine alongside the Ritz
Hôtel Ritz Paris
The Hôtel Ritz is a grand palatial hotel in the heart of Paris, the 1st arrondissement. It overlooks the octagonal border of the Place Vendôme at number 15...

 in Paris, the Grand in Rome, and the Connaught
The Connaught (hotel)
The Connaught in Carlos Place, Mayfair, central London, is a five star luxury hotel.The hotel first opened in 1815 as the Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel, an offshoot of a hotel opened by Alexander Grillon in Albemarle Street, Mayfair, and was originally a pair of Georgian houses in Charles Street,...

 in London as one of the eleven great hotels in the world. In 2009 Conde Naste rated the hotel as number 88 .

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

In 1974, the owners of The Mandarin established a hotel management company, Mandarin International Hotels Limited. The Group's intention was to expand into Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...

 and operate hotels that would reflect the standard of service synonymous with their property in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...

. That same year, the company's hotel interests grew further through the acquisition of a 49% interest in The Oriental, Bangkok. The Oriental, built in 1876, was already a well-known property and acknowledged as one of the Far East's great hotels. Through the management of both The Mandarin in Hong Kong and The Oriental, Bangkok, the Group was in an unusual position of having two "flagship" hotels whose names were among the best in hospitality. In 1985, the Company rationalized its corporate structure by combining these two renowned properties under a common name, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

2005 renovation

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has been noted for its interior decoration, once teased by Dame Edna Everage for its 'ridiculous chandeliers' . In 2005, authorization was given for a total renovation of the hotel, and when its doors closed in December of that year the trading floor of the stock exchange held a mock two-minute silence in memory of the hotel. Nonetheless, after a USD 150 million renovation, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong re-opened its doors on September 28, 2006, marking the event with a black-tie gala hosted by Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna Everage
Dame Edna is a character created and played by Australian dadaist performer and comedian, Barry Humphries, famous for her lilac-coloured or "wisteria hue" hair and cat eye glasses or "face furniture," her favorite flower, the gladiola and her boisterous greeting: "Hello Possums!" As Dame Edna,...

 with a performance by Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry, CBE is an English singer, musician, and songwriter. Ferry came to public prominence in the early 1970s as lead vocalist and principal songwriter with the band Roxy Music, who enjoyed a highly successful career with three number one albums and ten singles entering the top ten charts in...

. The renowned lobby, Captain’s Bar, The Clipper Lounge, and Chinnery Bar remained recognisable after the renovation, but the remaining restaurants, bars, public spaces, and rooms were entirely new.

The hotel

The hotel contains 501 guestrooms, 67 of which are suites, overlooking Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...

 and the surrounding cityscape. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong operates ten restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-starred
Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is a series of annual guide books published by Michelin for over a dozen countries. The term normally refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide, which awards the Michelin stars...

 Pierre
Pierre (restaurant)
Pierre is a French cuisine restaurant situated on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong which opened in October 2006 after a major renovation to the hotel. It is owned by Chef Pierre Gagnaire...

, Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s
Pierre Gagnaire
Pierre Gagnaire is a well known French chef, and is the Head Chef and owner of the eponymous Pierre Gagnaire restaurant at 6 rue Balzac in Paris . Gagnaire is an iconoclastic chef at the forefront of the fusion cuisine movement. Beginning his career in St...

 first restaurant in Hong Kong. Additional facilities include the three-story Mandarin Spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, Mandarin Salon, and event space to accommodate functions of up to 600 people.

The Mandarin Spa

The Mandarin Spa, opened in 2007, encompasses 2100 m² (22,604.2 sq ft) across three stories and incorporates an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, holistic spa, Mandarin Salon, and Mandarin Barber. The Forbes Five-Star
Mobil Guide
Forbes Travel Guide is a star rating service and series of travel guides for hotels, restaurants and spas. In 2011, Forbes Travel Guide published its last set of guidebooks and as of November 15, 2011, launched its new web 3.0 platform and online home, , which covers 72 U.S...

 spa, one of only three in Hong Kong, draws on the established Asian healing philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage , exercise , and dietary therapy...

 and Ayurveda
Ayurveda
Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...

, offering a Vichy Shower, Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations, and Hong Kong’s first authentic Ayurvedic sanctuary. Additional features include an ice fountain, Chinese herb steam rooms, hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy, involves the use of water for pain-relief and treating illness. The term hydrotherapy itself is synonymous with the term water cure as it was originally marketed by practitioners and promoters in the 19th century...

, and the Kneipp pool.

Restaurants & bars

  • Pierre
    Pierre (restaurant)
    Pierre is a French cuisine restaurant situated on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong which opened in October 2006 after a major renovation to the hotel. It is owned by Chef Pierre Gagnaire...

    : a Michelin-starred
    Michelin Guide
    The Michelin Guide is a series of annual guide books published by Michelin for over a dozen countries. The term normally refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide, which awards the Michelin stars...

     restaurant serving modern French cuisine overlooking Victoria Harbour
    Victoria Harbour
    Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...

  • The Mandarin Grill + Bar: a Michelin-starred
    Michelin Guide
    The Michelin Guide is a series of annual guide books published by Michelin for over a dozen countries. The term normally refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide, which awards the Michelin stars...

     restaurant contemporary European cuisine with a Crustacea bar
  • Man Wah: Cantonese
    Cantonese
    Cantonese is a dialect spoken primarily in south China.Cantonese may also refer to:* Yue Chinese, the Chinese language that includes Cantonese* Cantonese cuisine, the cuisine of Guangdong province...

     cuisine on the 25th floor with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong cityscape
  • Café Causette: informal, all-day dining serving Asian and international cuisines
  • The Krug
    Champagne Krug
    Champagne Krug—a "négociant-manipulateur" with offices in Reims, the main city in Champagne—was one of the famous Champagne houses who formed part of the membership of the Grande Marques. Krug Grande Cuvée is one of the crown jewels in the LVMH wine division, placed alongside the Moët et Chandon's...

     Room: private dining overlooking the kitchens serving between ten and fourteen
  • The Chinnery: named for British artist, George Chinnery
    George Chinnery
    George Chinnery was an English painter who spent most of his life in Asia, especially India and southern China.- Early life :Chinnery was born in London, where he studied at the Royal Academy Schools...

    , this restaurant serves traditional British cuisine
    British cuisine
    English cuisine encompasses the cooking styles, traditions and recipes associated with England. It has distinctive attributes of its own, but also shares much with wider British cuisine, largely due to the importation of ingredients and ideas from places such as North America, China, and India...

     and houses one of the largest collections of single-malt whiskeys
    Single malt whisky
    Single malt whisky is a whisky made at one particular distillery from a mash that uses one particular malted grain, which is ordinarily barley.Single malts are typically associated with Scotland, though they are also produced in various other countries...

     in the region
  • The Clipper Lounge: serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets and an afternoon tea
  • M bar: contemporary bar serving cocktails and Cantonese
    Cantonese
    Cantonese is a dialect spoken primarily in south China.Cantonese may also refer to:* Yue Chinese, the Chinese language that includes Cantonese* Cantonese cuisine, the cuisine of Guangdong province...

     tapas from Man Wah restaurant
  • The Captain’s Bar: lobby bar serving coffee in the afternoon, beer and cocktails with live music in the evening
  • The Mandarin Cake Shop: retail bakery selling chocolates, cakes, breads, and afternoon coffee

Awards

  • Gold List (Condé Nast Traveler
    Condé Nast Traveler
    Condé Nast Traveler is a US magazine published by Condé Nast. It has its origins in a mailing sent out by the Diners Club club beginning in 1953, listing locations that would take the card. It began taking advertising in 1955. In order to attract more advertisers, it became a full-fledged magazine,...

     USA, 2009)
  • Gold List - Top 25 Best Overseas Hotel (Luxury Travel, Australia, 2009)
  • Gold List - Best Overseas Spa (Luxury Travel, Australia, 2009)
  • 500 The World’s Best Hotels (Travel + Leisure
    Travel + Leisure
    Travel + Leisure is a travel magazine based in New York City, New York. Published 12 times a year, it has 4.8 million readers, according to its corporate media kit. It is put out by American Express Publishing Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company led by...

     USA, 2009)
  • Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and The Mandarin Spa received the Five-Star Award (Forbes Travel Guide
    Mobil Guide
    Forbes Travel Guide is a star rating service and series of travel guides for hotels, restaurants and spas. In 2011, Forbes Travel Guide published its last set of guidebooks and as of November 15, 2011, launched its new web 3.0 platform and online home, , which covers 72 U.S...

    , 2010)
  • Pierre restaurant awarded 2 Michelin Stars (Michelin Guide, 2010) and Mandarin Grill awarded 1 Michelin star.

Rankings

  • In 2009 Conde Naste rated the hotel as number 88 in the world.
  • In 1967, only four years after opening, Fortune magazine listed The Mandarin as one of the eleven great hotels in the world
  • When completed in 1963, the hotel was the tallest building in Hong Kong
  • The hotel was the first in Hong Kong to have direct dial phones
  • The hotel was the first in Asia to offer a bath in every guestroom

Leslie Cheung suicide

Prominent Hong Kong actor Leslie Cheung
Leslie Cheung
Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing , nicknamed elder brother , was a film actor and musician from Hong Kong. Cheung was considered as "one of the founding fathers of Cantopop", and "combining a hugely successful film and music career".In 2000, Cheung was named Asian Biggest Superstar by China Central...

 committed suicide at the hotel. On April 1, 2003 Cheung jumped from the hotel's 24th floor. Evidence suggests he suffered from depression.

See also

  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
  • Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
  • Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
    Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
    Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is a five-star hotel, located in the exclusive Knightsbridge district of London, owned and managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Housed in a historic, Edwardian-style building, the hotel originally opened its doors to the public as the Hyde Park Hotel in 1902...

  • Mandarin Oriental, New York
    Mandarin Oriental, New York
    Mandarin Oriental, New York is a five-star hotel located in Manhattan's Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. A part of the multi-use Time Warner Center development, the hotel opened its doors in December 2003...

  • Mandarin Oriental, Miami
    Mandarin Oriental, Miami
    Mandarin Oriental, Miami is a hotel located on Brickell Key in Miami, Florida, overlooking Biscayne Bay. The 326-room waterfront hotel opened in November 2000 and is managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. In addition to the 295 guestrooms and 31 suites, the hotel operates the restaurants Azul...


External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
x
OK