The idea of The Mandarin (that was to become Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong) was conceived in the early 1960s and was the inspiration of the then Chairman of the Hong Kong Land Investment and Agency Company Limited, Hugh Barton.  “The island needed one great hotel with the individuality that only the leaders of Hong Kong could give it …” said Mr Barton at the time.

The hotel replaced the colonial Queen’s Building on the waterfront and was destined to be not only the city’s finest hotel, but also a living edifice that Hong Kong could be proud of in the decades to come.  The cost of construction came to HKD42 million, while the interior design amounted to HKD66 million.  John Howarth of Leigh & Orange architectural firm was appointed architect, while the interior design fell to Don Ashton, Art Director for such films as “Bridge Over the River Kwai”, “Indiscreet” and “Billy Budd”.

The Mandarin was the first hotel on Hong Kong Island, opening progressively in 1963 by several floors a week; by the end of October 1963, it was fully open for business.  The Mandarin soon became a byword for impeccable service and elegance, and was known even then for having its own identity and distinctive style.  By 1967, Fortune magazine listed it as one of the 11 great hotels in the world.  Since then, it has been awarded numerous accolades and is now widely considered one of the best hotels in the world.

In 1967, the then General Manager maintained that, “Every guest is special and we want to welcome him or her as if he or she were returning home.  A great hotel should be able to anticipate guests’ needs and make an extraordinary task seem routine.”  The same philosophy still applies at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong today.

Developing a Legend

A living hotel requires constant additions, redecoration and refurbishment, and Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has undergone a number of changes since its opening.  The following are just some of the significant milestones in the hotel’s history.

1963 – The Saddle & Sirloin opens on the 1st floor and is destined to become Hong Kong’s best-loved grill room – the Mandarin Grill.  The Captain’s Bar is described in the South China Morning Post then as the city’s “fashionable new rendezvous” and The Chinnery Bar opens as a gentlemen-only club.

1965 – The Prince’s Building shopping arcade opens, connecting to the mezzanine of the hotel by covered bridge, making it the most comprehensive shopping complex on Hong Kong Island.

1968 – The top floor, the 25th floor, of the hotel is redecorated, creating a new restaurant and bar, and the Button Supper Club is replaced by Man Wah restaurant.

1969 – The Connaught Rooms meeting and banqueting area is created to take advantage of the growing needs of the Hong Kong business community.  Some of the city’s best receptions and business meetings are still held here.

1973 – The Harbour Restaurant is renamed the Harbour Room and given a glowing, new golden look and a stage for cabaret performances.  Eartha Kitt opens the season, coinciding with the first Hong Kong Arts Festival. This area is now the M bar.

1974 – Mandarin International Hotels Limited is established for the development and operation of deluxe hotels worldwide.

1980 – The Lobby is restyled and a Business Centre is opened, the first in Hong Kong.

1985 – Through the management of The Mandarin in Hong Kong and The Oriental in Bangkok, the company rationalises its corporate structure to form the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

1987 – The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is floated on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.  The well-recognised fan logo that is the symbol of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is launched.

1990 – The Chinnery Bar is redesigned, and opened to both men and women.   The Health Centre emerges with a brand new design, a 1,500-square-foot gymnasium and spa facilities.

2005 – The hotel closes for nine months for a comprehensive USD150-million renovation.

2006 – On 28 September, the hotel re-opens having undergone a complete refurbishment.  Fewer rooms and suites are offered and balconies are enclosed, providing guests with larger and more luxurious rooms and suites.  State-of-the-art technology is integrated throughout the property. 

The Mandarin Grill + Bar is redesigned by Sir Terence Conran and the windows are reopened for the first time in 40 years to offer views over Statue Square.  Vong is replaced by Pierre – Michelin-star chef Pierre Gagnaire’s first Hong Kong venture – and M bar replaces Vong bar on the 25th floor.

The Mandarin Cake Shop moves to a new location on the Mezzanine floor and The Café becomes Café Causette.  The Krug Room, located in the hotel’s kitchen, opens as Hong Kong’s most exclusive dining room.
 
2007 – The Mandarin Spa spread over three floors is unveiled and incorporates a holistic Spa offering Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda-inspired treatments, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre including a Kinesis Studio, an enlarged 2nd floor Mandarin Barber and the contemporary Mandarin Salon on the 24th floor overlooking Victoria Harbour. 

The Lichfield Suite, inspired by the world-renowned photographer, is unveiled on the 20th floor, designed by Nicky Haslam, and featuring an array of iconic photography and mementos from Lord Litchfield’s London studio.

About Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
The iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is the epitome of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage.  Having delighted guests with award-winning service and impressive facilities since 1963, it is the much-loved address for those seeking an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of this exciting city.  The spacious rooms and suites offer magnificent views of the famous Victoria Harbour and city skyline.  A collection of ten popular restaurants and bars, and a Shanghainese-inspired holistic Oriental Spa complemented by state-of-the-art fitness facilities and a pool make Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong the recognised home away from home for discerning leisure and business travellers alike.