Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

The Mandarin Oriental is a hotel in Hong Kong, the first and flagship hotel of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. It opened in September 1963 as The Mandarin, located at 5 Connaught Road Central in , Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong's financial and banking district. The hotel is the first in Hong Kong to feature in-hotel business facilities, catering to traveling business people.

History

The hotel, completed in 1963, was built on the site of the pre-war Queen's Building.

Although the hotel was criticised by Hong Kong and Macau residents during the early days of operation as it bore an extravagant character and identity, it quickly established itself as an award winning hotel. It has been rated the best hotel in Asia and it has been used by diplomats, politicians and celebrities such as Kate Moss, Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise, The Sultan of Brunei, the late Princess Diana, former , and George H. W. Bush.

After an extensive 9-month renovation, the Mandarin Oriental re-opened on 28 September, 2006. The renovated hotel features 502 guestrooms and suites, with guest-centred technology, nine restaurants and bars, a holistic spa, traditional barber, hair salon, sky-lit fitness facility with pool and banqueting facilities.

Restaurants and Bars

*M Bar
Stylish Bar on the top floor of the Hotel, serves Chinese Tapas from ''Man Wah'' alongside champagne and specialty .

*Mandarin Grill & Bar
One of the most famous steakhouses in Hong Kong. Originally named ''The Saddle & Sirloin''. During the renovation a new seafood serving Crustacean bar has been added.

*
A concept by 3-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire. Replacing ''Vong's'' , which replaced ''Pierrot'' , a classic .

*Man Wah
The hotel steeped with history. The new chef de cuisine, Ooi Soon Lok. Replaced ''The Button Supper Club'' in 1968.

*Clipper Lounge
A favorite place for high tea amongst local celebrities and socialites. Also known as "Hong Kong's Sitting Room".

*café causette
A relaxing café with open kitchens alongside The Mandarin Cake Shop. Formerly known as ''The Café''.

*The Chinnery Bar
The Chinnery Bar was originally opened as a in 1963 and was not opened to both men and women until 1990. Serves traditional colonial cuisine and whiskey.

*Krug Room
Hidden behind the Chinnery Bar, this bar serves Krug champagne and also serves dinner cooked by the hotel's executive chef.

*The Mandarin Cake Shop
Serves homemade chocolate, cakes and breads along with delicious hot chocolate and coffee.

*Captain's Bar
One of the favorite bars in for business professionals. Serves casual lunch during the day and cocktails at night with lively music provided by the Tony DeSare trio.

Incidents

Leslie Cheung, a famous movie star in Asian cinemas committed suicide by jumping off the hotel building on 1 April 2003. The hotel site has now become a place where his fans pay their respects every year on 1 April.

Gallery

Image:HK Connaught Garden Mandarin Oriental hotel.JPG|30 April, 2007
Image:HK Central Jackson Road n Charter Road.jpg|23 June, 2007
Image:HK Chater Road Mandarin Oriental hotel.JPG|A street level view of the Mandarin Oriental hotel from Chater Road, 6 July, 2007
Image:Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong 1.jpg|12 January, 2008