Luxury Hotels - Peninsula or Mandarin Oriental in HKG

I know there are plenty of threads on the merits of the various HKG hotels so bear with me, trying to get a feel of the merits of these two hotels specifically against each other. I spent about two days reading the other threads, but could only piece together bits and pieces on these two specifically. I usually stay at the Hyatt TST in Kowloon (which is not a bad hotel at all) but I am taking the missus and another couple, and we are looking for something a little more, and also to do something more classically HKG. We are looking for more refinement than tourist kitsch, so currently leaing away from Pen, but we will prob pop in for tea there either way.

Thanks for any and all input.

Cheers,
Graham

Which Mandarin Oriental and do you care about location?
The Pennisula I believe is a historical landmark and my experience at the Peninsula was good but not great. (avoid the afternoon tea, it is really bad).

Personally, the one I want to try out is The Landmark Mandarin Oriental (I have seen the hotel but never stayed there yet). There is also the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong which is suppose to be nice but I have yet to stay there.





I know there are plenty of threads on the merits of the various HKG hotels so bear with me, trying to get a feel of the merits of these two hotels specifically against each other. I spent about two days reading the other threads, but could only piece together bits and pieces on these two specifically. I usually stay at the Hyatt TST in Kowloon (which is not a bad hotel at all) but I am taking the missus and another couple, and we are looking for something a little more, and also to do something more classically HKG. We are looking for more refinement than tourist kitsch, so currently leaing away from Pen, but we will prob pop in for tea there either way.

Thanks for any and all input.

Cheers,
Graham

Good point, should have been more specific. I am looking at the Mandarin Oriental HK, not the Landmark.

Good point, should have been more specific. I am looking at the Mandarin Oriental HK, not the Landmark.

^

Was in MOHK again last week, my ' home ' in HK ;)
Best be in harbour view room above 16 floor for better view.

Great restaurants to try , wonderful breakfasts too .. yum..
Spa :-:

It's definitely not touristy like the Pen , sadly , is now.

Enjoy & have a wonderful time in HK - just hope not in the heat & humidity of summer!

I prefer the Mandarin Oriental as I prefer to be on Hong Kong island for restaurants, shopping, etc. The Peninsula has great views back toward Hong Kong island but I find it too touristy and I don't care to stay in Kowloon. The in hotel restaurants are also better at the Mandarin, not to mention great places all around. Service is top notch IMO at both, but I would give the Mandarin the edge. I stayed for years there but must admit in the last 5 years have switched to the Four Seasons which is now my favorite. It has wonderful views, excellent service, good restaurants in the hotel and adjacent. Although I love the Mandarin I like the four seasons better today. I would skip the Pen, but that is me and due to location.

Great, thanks for the input, sort of backs up my feelings a bit. I do like Kowloon myself, but when traveling solo, I think being on the island will be better for my companions. Plus I'm sure we will hop a ferry over a few times.

I know there are plenty of threads on the merits of the various HKG hotels so bear with me, trying to get a feel of the merits of these two hotels specifically against each other. I spent about two days reading the other threads, but could only piece together bits and pieces on these two specifically. I usually stay at the Hyatt TST in Kowloon (which is not a bad hotel at all) but I am taking the missus and another couple, and we are looking for something a little more, and also to do something more classically HKG. We are looking for more refinement than tourist kitsch, so currently leaing away from Pen, but we will prob pop in for tea there either way.

Thanks for any and all input.

Cheers,
Graham

The Pen is currently under refurbishment, at long last, so probably not a good choice. It is also very touristy these days - Kowloon having become the second best leisure option now that Hk island is so rich with opportunities. The MO Hong Kong is a great hotel. I'm not keen on the design of the lobby, but everything else is superb, with some of the best restaurants in HK.

In March the renovations resulted in the newer tower being completely closed (except for elevator access to the pool and spa) with limited availability of room types in the main building. IIRC they said that sometime in the summer the work would switch with the tower being reopened and the main building rooms closed for renovation, which would continue through most of 2012. I believe they are also going to re-do some of the restaurants and public areas, which so far are untouched, but I didn't hear any details on this.

Thank everyone for input. Booking a pair of Harbour View rooms at the MO.

MO is more business oriented. With my wife, I would choose the FS or The Upper House. Another choice in Kowloon would be The Intercontinental.

MO is more business oriented. With my wife, I would choose the FS or The Upper House. Another choice ok Kowloon would be The Intercontinental.

Thanks for input. We are going to do two nights at the MO. I am honestly not a huge FS fan, nothing I can really put my finger on, but it just doesn't do it for me. We plan on a couple nights in Kowloon, will check out the IC. Any idea on how it compares to the Hyatt appreciated! I find the Hyatt to be a very consistently good place to stay, but wouldn't mind checking the IC out.

IC in Kowloon has spectacular harbor views. Used to be the regent and since switch service has gone down, but the views are up close and personal incredible views. You must gt harbor view room if you stay here. I would take over Hyatt due to views. Not high up and far away, but in your face gorgeous views.

Another amazing view is from the new RC near the Kowloon airport express train station. It's a long walk to most of the Kowloon attractions, but it's an amazing hotel.

Thanks guys! The RC is a bit farther away than I would like, want to be in the action. Will look at the IC.

Thanks guys! The RC is a bit farther away than I would like, want to be in the action. Will look at the IC.

RC and the W are in the same complex which, while convenient for the Airport Express and the Morgan Stanley/Credit Suisse offices, is in the middle of nowhere for anything else.

IC is a good choice however I don't know about the noise with the nearby huge construction project going on at the moment.

I would choose the Upper House as others have suggested.

I'd go for the RC, its a phenomenal hotel and for me it's pretty incredible waking up on the 116th floor but YMMV. Never stayed at either Mandarin but I'd probably go for the MOHK over the Landmark. FS also has very good reviews and apparently does have an Executive Lounge which I've never seen or heard of at other FS properties.

Executive Lounge which I've never seen or heard of at other FS properties

maui (asian guests? or another thing theyll close for VIPs?) and buenos aires have clubs with limited rooms

club (for fee) is "standard" for FS in asia pacific

yes >
bangkok
guangzhou
sydney
jakarta
macau
hong kong
shanghai
pudong
beijing

no >
marunouchi (only 57 rooms)
singapore (closed, like chinzan-so, which is losing FS mgmt)
mumbai (india)

Glad I found this thread (though my question is off topic). I'm planning on a 2 night stay at the Four Seasons Hong Kong through the AMEX FHR program. I can't get the Executive Club package via FHR, but is it possible to buy the package at check-in?

Glad I found this thread (though my question is off topic). I'm planning on a 2 night stay at the Four Seasons Hong Kong through the AMEX FHR program. I can't get the Executive Club package via FHR, but is it possible to buy the package at check-in?

Yes, you can buy it at check in. Also, with FS you can take Airport Express. Call as you board the train at the airport and they will be waiting for you. A 3 minute ride to the hotel.

I really liked the Mandarin Oriental. I posted a review with pics here (http://flymefunky.com/2012/05/05/review-mandarin-oriental-hong-kong/).

I had previously stayed the Intercontinental but preferred the central location of the MO, though I prefer the island to Kowloon.

I really liked the Mandarin Oriental....I had to make this choice today, thought I was booking the Pen but wound up at .... Langham Place in their top suite. Swayed by a current "pay 2 stay 3" promotion plus the suite comes with ipad and iphone. Much cheaper than MO or Pen and comparable quality in most respects, including immaculate service but then that is expected in HKG.

I had to make this choice today, thought I was booking the Pen but wound up at .... Langham Place in their top suite. Swayed by a current "pay 2 stay 3" promotion plus the suite comes with ipad and iphone. Much cheaper than MO or Pen and comparable quality in most respects, including immaculate service but then that is expected in HKG.

Is Langham Place the nice hotel in Mongkok??

I think it is- indeed nice place however the location is a tad out of the way???

I wouldn't discount the hotel- comaring it with the MO and PEN seems a bit of a stretch however IMHO.

The point is that suite at Langham Place costs less than room at Pen or MO plus comes with more technology. LP is indeed in Mong Kok, over the MTR station so fast transit. Plus with 2 Michelin star chinese restaurant, so quite competitive. Not comparable to MO or Pen, but a worthy alternative and the Pen's construction woes make it an easy choice.

The point is that suite at Langham Place costs less than room at Pen or MO plus comes with more technology. LP is indeed in Mong Kok, over the MTR station so fast transit. Plus with 2 Michelin star chinese restaurant, so quite competitive. Not comparable to MO or Pen, but a worthy alternative and the Pen's construction woes make it an easy choice.

I am sure a suite costs less- just don't know if it is a fair comparison with some of the hotels discussed here.

I guess it really depends where you want to be in Hong Kong. If Langham Place works for your agenda it is a good deal I suppose.

I really liked the Mandarin Oriental. I posted a review with pics here (http://flymefunky.com/2012/05/05/review-mandarin-oriental-hong-kong/).

I had previously stayed the Intercontinental but preferred the central location of the MO, though I prefer the island to Kowloon.

Excellent, thanks!

I had to make this choice today, thought I was booking the Pen but wound up at .... Langham Place in their top suite. Swayed by a current "pay 2 stay 3" promotion plus the suite comes with ipad and iphone. Much cheaper than MO or Pen and comparable quality in most respects, including immaculate service but then that is expected in HKG.

Would be keen on getting feedback after your stay. I was hesitating between this promotion for a Sweet Place Suite and the GH HKG in a Basic Suite (don't know which one since I booked a grand king room and am using a Suite certificate). Both would cost the same since I'm using a corp rate at the GH but I opted for the GH. Not sure whether the hotel is top quality though (of course can't be compared to MO, LMO and Pen but not the same price either).

Has anyone done the Toyota MPV pickup to the MO? I have a party of four, so the Mercedes isn't going to be able to do it. Curious as to how nice a van could actually be.

Has anyone done the Toyota MPV pickup to the MO? I have a party of four, so the Mercedes isn't going to be able to do it. Curious as to how nice a van could actually be.

It's fine, have done it with 4 of us .. With our parents' golf bags in tow too.

Not sure about the MO but when I was at the W Hong Kong I got Toyota MPV and it was surprisingly nice. It was fully loaded with leather interior and more than enough space for several people. I sat at the back and at 6' 4'' was fine.




Has anyone done the Toyota MPV pickup to the MO? I have a party of four, so the Mercedes isn't going to be able to do it. Curious as to how nice a van could actually be.

It's fine, have done it with 4 of us .. With our parents' golf bags in tow too.

Not sure about the MO but when I was at the W Hong Kong I got Toyota MPV and it was surprisingly nice. It was fully loaded with leather interior and more than enough space for several people. I sat at the back and at 6' 4'' was fine.

Needless to say, the MOHK will be very nice :cool:
Our MOHK MPVs were

Excellent, look forward to the luxury minivan. :cool:

I presume,you mean 3 mins from the station after the train ride from the airport and not 3 mins from the airport?
I'm there next month with executive club access and very much looking forward to it.
Can you explain a bit about the train,is it non stop,do you need a ticket etc Thanks

I presume,you mean 3 mins from the station after the train ride from the airport and not 3 mins from the airport?
I'm there next month with executive club access and very much looking forward to it.
Can you explain a bit about the train,is it non stop,do you need a ticket etc Thanks

It's been a couple of years, but the train runs about every 10 mins and you have to buy a ticket before you board.

IIRC it stops at an interchange not too far from the airport, then Kowloon and finally Central - It takes about 20 minutes to Kowloon (where i've travelled to and from) presumably it's only a couple of minutes further onto Central.

Once at Kowloon (and presumably Central) there is free transport laid on in minibuses to the main hotels (each mini bus going on a defined route dropping passengers off and picking passengers up to about 4-5 hotels)

It all seems to work very efficiently, and is very easy to use. IIRC at the airport it's all on the flat you walk from arrivals forward (up or down a slight ramp can't remember which) straight into the ticket hall with the train right in front of you with staff offering free help with your baggage. Much better IMO than the Begger's Muddle that is the Heathrow Express with its long walks, escalators, inefficient lifts, fast and not so fast services, first class / second class nonsense and expensive pricing.

Has anyone done the Toyota MPV pickup to the MO? I have a party of four, so the Mercedes isn't going to be able to do it. Curious as to how nice a van could actually be.

Same here as the previous responses. Did it a few weeks ago. It was very nice although I was surprised that the MO didnt opt for a more prestigious brand - just to avoid conversations like this. The MO is a very professional operation at HKG.

I must add my comments to anyone thinking of staying at the Intercontinental - DON'T. The service is of a level more akin to a Chinese operated hotel in China, than an international hotel in China. I'm exaggerating but not by much...

Same here as the previous responses. Did it a few weeks ago. It was very nice although I was surprised that the MO didnt opt for a more prestigious brand - just to avoid conversations like this. The MO is a very professional operation at HKG.

I must add my comments to anyone thinking of staying at the Intercontinental - DON'T. The service is of a level more akin to a Chinese operated hotel in China, than an international hotel in China. I'm exaggerating but not by much...

Some models of Toyota in Asia are actually considered luxury models, such as Alphard, Crown and Landcruiser. I think the APV in question here should be the Alphard which is certainly nice enough.

Agreed about the Intercontinental. Used to be one of my favorite but stop going there since 2 years ago.

It's been a couple of years, but the train runs about every 10 mins and you have to buy a ticket before you board.

IIRC it stops at an interchange not too far from the airport, then Kowloon and finally Central - It takes about 20 minutes to Kowloon (where i've travelled to and from) presumably it's only a couple of minutes further onto Central.

Once at Kowloon (and presumably Central) there is free transport laid on in minibuses to the main hotels (each mini bus going on a defined route dropping passengers off and picking passengers up to about 4-5 hotels)

It all seems to work very efficiently, and is very easy to use. IIRC at the airport it's all on the flat you walk from arrivals forward (up or down a slight ramp can't remember which) straight into the ticket hall with the train right in front of you with staff offering free help with your baggage. Much better IMO than the Begger's Muddle that is the Heathrow Express with its long walks, escalators, inefficient lifts, fast and not so fast services, first class / second class nonsense and expensive pricing.

You don't need a ticket to get on the train from the airport. You can get a ticket when you get off and before you exit the turnstiles. The train doesn't go to Central, it goes to Hong Kong Station. A small but subtle difference, involving 10 minutes walking between the two.

Langham Place uses LWB Mercedes S530s -- quite nice with the power rear seat. I had a Sweet Place suite reserved but switched to the Residence suite which is marginally cheaper as it is actually a nicer room (bigger kitchen area but lacking an extra half-bath in the lounge -- same total square footage though. Some excellent Feng Shui elements and high quality finishes, really on par with the Pen, MO and even FS but a lighter more modern and more residential style. Some great art work plus high quality electronics that works. I usually stay at Pen or Sheraton for 1 or 2 nights, but staying a week this time and much happier with the Langham Place.

Langham Place uses LWB Mercedes S530s -- quite nice with the power rear seat. I had a Sweet Place suite reserved but switched to the Residence suite which is marginally cheaper as it is actually a nicer room (bigger kitchen area but lacking an extra half-bath in the lounge -- same total square footage though. Some excellent Feng Shui elements and high quality finishes, really on par with the Pen, MO and even FS but a lighter more modern and more residential style. Some great art work plus high quality electronics that works. I usually stay at Pen or Sheraton for 1 or 2 nights, but staying a week this time and much happier with the Langham Place.

Hi there,

Thanks for reporting this as I'm still hesitating between the Langham Place Residence Suite and the GH Grand Suite King (basic suite with a suite upgrade certificate used). What woud your piece advice be in that situation (comparable prices)?

Hi there,

Thanks for reporting this as I'm still hesitating between the Langham Place Residence Suite and the GH Grand Suite King (basic suite with a suite upgrade certificate used). What woud your piece advice be in that situation (comparable prices)?The key difference is location and neighbourhood. Personally I love the LP location in Mong Kok, it is gritty, with character, fun and the best shopping in HKG. But definitely not for everyone. As a hotel (hard and soft product) the suites at LP are markedly better than the GH, also food is superior (had room service last night, and it was Michelin star quality lobster -- rare for hotels!). The kitchen is fabulous (the fridge is paneled in wood and mirrors, for example). Size is 600 sq. ft. which is on the small side, but well laid out so it feels bigger (also the bedroom is bigger than the lounge, which I like). For me the LP is far better (also Residence is a class up from their basic suite).

Hi there,

Thanks for reporting this as I'm still hesitating between the Langham Place Residence Suite and the GH Grand Suite King (basic suite with a suite upgrade certificate used). What woud your piece advice be in that situation (comparable prices)?
If you can use the Hyatt suite upgrade well elsewhere before it expires, definitely do LP for HKG. If you're undecided, get a suite from Hyatt on a stay someplace else.