The Mira Hong Kong, Design Hotel [Master Thread]
Nov 25, 2016, 10:40 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,256
The Mira Hong Kong, Design Hotel [Master Thread]
Anyone stayed in this hotel recently? Don't see any reviews at all on the SPG site.
In particular, I'm wondering if Plats get lounge access and they do upgrades.
thx
In particular, I'm wondering if Plats get lounge access and they do upgrades.
thx
Nov 25, 2016, 3:30 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
I don't believe most SPG benefits apply at the Design hotels so I wasn't expecting much. But, when I checked in they upgraded me to a larger corner room.
I was pleasantly surprised by the room. It was really nice, modern, and chic with a big bathroom. The room had a large entry/hallway as well which made it feel more roomy.
Overall I really enjoyed my stay there and will definitely consider it for my next HK stay.
As far as lounge access goes, I wasn't aware there was any lounge at these hotels, nor did I receive access if there was.
Jan 3, 2017, 7:35 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
One Night Stay at Mira Hong Kong
Just checked into the Mira Hong Kong tonight for a one-night stay. I booked the base Studio room at the rate of HKD 1,330/night.
Check in was handled very smoothly by the agent, but right from the start, the conversation went something like this, upon showing my SPG Platinum Card.
- "please note that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so we do not have to upgrade you. However, we have checked the situation, and this time is ok to upgrade you to a suite."
- "please note again that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so a lot of the Platinum benefits do not apply. However, we will still give you 500 points as the welcome gift."
- "we remind you that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so you will not get breakfast and checkout time is at noon."
I thought, wow, if three out of the 5-6 sentences the agent spoke during the entire check in conversation was about how the SPG benefits do NOT apply here, what's the point of being part of Starwood anyway? Sure, I know that Design Hotels have limited SPG benefits, but when the agent is there to continually remind the guest of such, it is a slight turnoff. Honestly speaking, I could care less if I got an upgraded room or any other entitled or courtesy benefit; I will be checking out at 7:00am the next morning anyway.
My very negative comment about the guest room floors is that the ceiling height is VERY low. I am six feet tall, and I would say that the ceilings in the hallways would extend another 10 inches only above my head. Very claustrophobic feeling walking to the rooms.
The ceiling height in the room is not much better.
Got upgrade to a suite. Not really a proper suite per se, but just a bigger-sized room with an L-shaped sofa. No carpeting in room except under the bed. The rest of the room is a light-color wood flooring. The sofa is of white leather (or synthetic leather), which is showing signs of stains and scratches (i.e. looks dirty). The rest of the room is starting to show its wear with scratch and dents in the wood and in the corners.
I would be hesitant to stay here again. If I need to stay in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, and for a similar (maybe slightly more expensive) price range, will probably go back to the Hyatt Regency.
Check in was handled very smoothly by the agent, but right from the start, the conversation went something like this, upon showing my SPG Platinum Card.
- "please note that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so we do not have to upgrade you. However, we have checked the situation, and this time is ok to upgrade you to a suite."
- "please note again that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so a lot of the Platinum benefits do not apply. However, we will still give you 500 points as the welcome gift."
- "we remind you that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so you will not get breakfast and checkout time is at noon."
I thought, wow, if three out of the 5-6 sentences the agent spoke during the entire check in conversation was about how the SPG benefits do NOT apply here, what's the point of being part of Starwood anyway? Sure, I know that Design Hotels have limited SPG benefits, but when the agent is there to continually remind the guest of such, it is a slight turnoff. Honestly speaking, I could care less if I got an upgraded room or any other entitled or courtesy benefit; I will be checking out at 7:00am the next morning anyway.
My very negative comment about the guest room floors is that the ceiling height is VERY low. I am six feet tall, and I would say that the ceilings in the hallways would extend another 10 inches only above my head. Very claustrophobic feeling walking to the rooms.
The ceiling height in the room is not much better.
Got upgrade to a suite. Not really a proper suite per se, but just a bigger-sized room with an L-shaped sofa. No carpeting in room except under the bed. The rest of the room is a light-color wood flooring. The sofa is of white leather (or synthetic leather), which is showing signs of stains and scratches (i.e. looks dirty). The rest of the room is starting to show its wear with scratch and dents in the wood and in the corners.
I would be hesitant to stay here again. If I need to stay in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, and for a similar (maybe slightly more expensive) price range, will probably go back to the Hyatt Regency.
Last edited by Fly Me To The Moon; Jan 4, 2017 at 5:32 am
Feb 16, 2017, 6:55 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
I think you misunderstood what they are trying to say due to english limitations. They were offering you benefits above and beyond what you are entitled to. But likely due to their english it came out sounding bad.
I'm considering this property... but the base rooms are terribly small. 21sqm for 5 nights would be a killer... if I knew they'd upgrade to the next size up, I'd do it. Hmmmm.
I'm considering this property... but the base rooms are terribly small. 21sqm for 5 nights would be a killer... if I knew they'd upgrade to the next size up, I'd do it. Hmmmm.
Feb 16, 2017, 7:41 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
I think you misunderstood what they are trying to say due to english limitations. They were offering you benefits above and beyond what you are entitled to. But likely due to their english it came out sounding bad.
I'm considering this property... but the base rooms are terribly small. 21sqm for 5 nights would be a killer... if I knew they'd upgrade to the next size up, I'd do it. Hmmmm.
I'm considering this property... but the base rooms are terribly small. 21sqm for 5 nights would be a killer... if I knew they'd upgrade to the next size up, I'd do it. Hmmmm.
Feb 16, 2017, 9:33 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: stl
Programs: AA LT Plat/8.1mm now with 1350 miles left in my account and proud of it.. SPG LT Titanium.
Posts: 3,079
I haven't stayed there but I have met people in the bar for drinks and enjoyed it. I like the location as it is across the street from Knutsford Terrace and the area has lot of interesting restaurants and shops.
Feb 16, 2017, 9:35 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2000
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Ambassador/Lifetime Titanium, Accor Silver, Club Carlson Gold, BW Diamond
Posts: 2,432
Feb 17, 2017, 12:11 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SIN
Programs: Marriott - Platinum/LTG | KF *G QPPS (working on TPPS) | OZ - Diamond Plus
Posts: 188
Just checked into the Mira Hong Kong tonight for a one-night stay. I booked the base Studio room at the rate of HKD 1,330/night.
Check in was handled very smoothly by the agent, but right from the start, the conversation went something like this, upon showing my SPG Platinum Card.
- "please note that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so we do not have to upgrade you. However, we have checked the situation, and this time is ok to upgrade you to a suite."
- "please note again that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so a lot of the Platinum benefits do not apply. However, we will still give you 500 points as the welcome gift."
- "we remind you that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so you will not get breakfast and checkout time is at noon."
I thought, wow, if three out of the 5-6 sentences the agent spoke during the entire check in conversation was about how the SPG benefits do NOT apply here, what's the point of being part of Starwood anyway? Sure, I know that Design Hotels have limited SPG benefits, but when the agent is there to continually remind the guest of such, it is a slight turnoff. Honestly speaking, I could care less if I got an upgraded room or any other entitled or courtesy benefit; I will be checking out at 7:00am the next morning anyway.
My very negative comment about the guest room floors is that the ceiling height is VERY low. I am six feet tall, and I would say that the ceilings in the hallways would extend another 10 inches only above my head. Very claustrophobic feeling walking to the rooms.
The ceiling height in the room is not much better.
Got upgrade to a suite. Not really a proper suite per se, but just a bigger-sized room with an L-shaped sofa. No carpeting in room except under the bed. The rest of the room is a light-color wood flooring. The sofa is of white leather (or synthetic leather), which is showing signs of stains and scratches (i.e. looks dirty). The rest of the room is starting to show its wear with scratch and dents in the wood and in the corners.
I would be hesitant to stay here again. If I need to stay in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, and for a similar (maybe slightly more expensive) price range, will probably go back to the Hyatt Regency.
Check in was handled very smoothly by the agent, but right from the start, the conversation went something like this, upon showing my SPG Platinum Card.
- "please note that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so we do not have to upgrade you. However, we have checked the situation, and this time is ok to upgrade you to a suite."
- "please note again that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so a lot of the Platinum benefits do not apply. However, we will still give you 500 points as the welcome gift."
- "we remind you that we are only an SPG partner hotel, so you will not get breakfast and checkout time is at noon."
I thought, wow, if three out of the 5-6 sentences the agent spoke during the entire check in conversation was about how the SPG benefits do NOT apply here, what's the point of being part of Starwood anyway? Sure, I know that Design Hotels have limited SPG benefits, but when the agent is there to continually remind the guest of such, it is a slight turnoff. Honestly speaking, I could care less if I got an upgraded room or any other entitled or courtesy benefit; I will be checking out at 7:00am the next morning anyway.
My very negative comment about the guest room floors is that the ceiling height is VERY low. I am six feet tall, and I would say that the ceilings in the hallways would extend another 10 inches only above my head. Very claustrophobic feeling walking to the rooms.
The ceiling height in the room is not much better.
Got upgrade to a suite. Not really a proper suite per se, but just a bigger-sized room with an L-shaped sofa. No carpeting in room except under the bed. The rest of the room is a light-color wood flooring. The sofa is of white leather (or synthetic leather), which is showing signs of stains and scratches (i.e. looks dirty). The rest of the room is starting to show its wear with scratch and dents in the wood and in the corners.
I would be hesitant to stay here again. If I need to stay in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, and for a similar (maybe slightly more expensive) price range, will probably go back to the Hyatt Regency.
To be honest, I think they were probably doing their best but in my experience the local service, room size, and English language proficiency standards frequently leave something to be desired...I've not stayed at the Mira myself, but my friends who have (including prior to it becoming a Design Hotel) have had good things to say. Evidently your mileage may vary....
Feb 17, 2017, 3:31 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
Feb 18, 2017, 3:36 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Feb 18, 2017, 7:20 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SIN
Programs: Marriott - Platinum/LTG | KF *G QPPS (working on TPPS) | OZ - Diamond Plus
Posts: 188
Apr 30, 2017, 1:40 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Staying here in a few days. Will report back. Booked a rate which includes an upgrade and breakfast; which should make up for the lack of SPG Plat benefits.
Apr 30, 2017, 3:37 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil and Porto, Portugal
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, LH FTL, FB Gold, LATAM Black Signature
Posts: 554
I have stayed there.
Did not like the size of the room and the overall location of the hotel.
Staff was really friendly and went above and beyond.
Did not like the size of the room and the overall location of the hotel.
Staff was really friendly and went above and beyond.
May 4, 2017, 6:37 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Stayed here, provided some thoughts on it as compared to the Mira Moon, and a full review of the Mira Moon.
Can answer any questions. Overall:
- Was impressed to be upgraded to a suite unprompted despite it being a design hotel. My room rate was a promo that included a one-level upgrade; but I received an upgrade from cheapest room to a full suite.
- Was given 2pm late checkout as a courtesy, and breakfast was included in my room rate.
- The price is incredibly good value for what you get.
- I was impressed by the breakfast; which I did not expect to be of that quality based on what I had read and what I paid. The comped breakfast would've cost close to 500HKD for two people.
- Right under the TST Wooloomooloo! Rooftop bars for life!
- Hotel was quite crowded and busy.
- I hate the elevators! Wow, they were frustrating, requiring the key card to be slid in on every use, and arriving so quietly that I never notice it when they arrive and missed it quite a few times.
- No views to speak of; I saw the dirty backyard of a residential tower.
- This is the hotel Edward Snowden stayed in after fleeing to HK.
Overall, great value and would happily stay here again.
The Mira is much larger which is both good and bad. On the good side, it has a very extensive breakfast offering, and more amenities. It's also easier to get a suite upgrade there—which I got unprompted as an SPG Plat despite it not being a guaranteed benefit. My suite was large and well appointed. But the view was nonexistant. The pool is indoors, which is a big downside for me (I value "hang-out" pools more than "exercise" pools; and by comparison the W has one of the best hotel pools in the world being on the rooftop of a 74-story tower and having a view of the ICC next door and of the skyline across the harbor; as well as an attached bar and even full-on pool parties on select summer weekend nights.) That said, at that price it's a no-brainer vs. the W; which is 25% nicer, but 100% more expensive.
The Mira Moon is about the same price; but has a very different feel. For me I see myself as equally likely to stay at either again. The main differentiators is whether you prefer a busy major hotel and all the amenities it provides, or a boutique feel with much more personal and attentive service. Also, whether you prefer to be in TST or Wan Chai—neither is preferable to the other; it just depends on what you're in HK for. Either way, getting across is easy with both hotels being walkable from the Star Ferry.
Both provide a super-fast portable wifi device.
The Mira Moon is about the same price; but has a very different feel. For me I see myself as equally likely to stay at either again. The main differentiators is whether you prefer a busy major hotel and all the amenities it provides, or a boutique feel with much more personal and attentive service. Also, whether you prefer to be in TST or Wan Chai—neither is preferable to the other; it just depends on what you're in HK for. Either way, getting across is easy with both hotels being walkable from the Star Ferry.
Both provide a super-fast portable wifi device.
- Was impressed to be upgraded to a suite unprompted despite it being a design hotel. My room rate was a promo that included a one-level upgrade; but I received an upgrade from cheapest room to a full suite.
- Was given 2pm late checkout as a courtesy, and breakfast was included in my room rate.
- The price is incredibly good value for what you get.
- I was impressed by the breakfast; which I did not expect to be of that quality based on what I had read and what I paid. The comped breakfast would've cost close to 500HKD for two people.
- Right under the TST Wooloomooloo! Rooftop bars for life!
- Hotel was quite crowded and busy.
- I hate the elevators! Wow, they were frustrating, requiring the key card to be slid in on every use, and arriving so quietly that I never notice it when they arrive and missed it quite a few times.
- No views to speak of; I saw the dirty backyard of a residential tower.
- This is the hotel Edward Snowden stayed in after fleeing to HK.
Overall, great value and would happily stay here again.