Mandarin Oriental versus The InterContinental

We%26#39;ve got a choice between these two great hotels in HKG for a weekend trip coming up in May. It will be our first time ever in HKG and really want the weekend to be special. We are looking for a great location with great harbour views. Trouble is, I just can%26#39;t decide between these two. We are in our 30s and would love if you all could provide the pros and cons of both properties. Huge thanks, Brian

Mandarin Oriental versus The InterContinental

Both are great hotels but Mandarin Oriental are more conventional, formal British style. It is located in the heart of the financial district in Hong Kong Island. The view, if your are given a harbour view room, is less spectacular than Inter-continental. It is close to Lan Kwai Fong, and some nice pretigious clubs.

Inter-continental is at Tsimshatsui of Kowloon Peninsula and is more casual. It has a spendid harbour view and the view from Kowloon to Hong Kong is much better than viewing Kowloon from Hong Kong. It is in a more tourist area, with lots of museums around. The shopping, dining and entertainment areas are just within walking distance and the choices are much bigger.

All in all, I would say for tourists, Inter-continental is a better choice.

Mandarin Oriental versus The InterContinental

You should take a look at the Peninsula, as well. Just across the street from the Intercontinental, and the view from the tall block high above the harbour is quite amazing.

I disagree slightly with Francis...that MO is more ';formal'; while IC is more casual.

First of all, there are TWO MO%26#39;s in HK central district. The one that has harbourview.... the refurbished one would be more catered to ';business'; clients, and luncheons... etc. Because of its location, a lot of businessmen/women in and out. Smaller rooms than the MO landmark.

Landmark MO- very hip and contemporary, with advanced tech gadgets and decor, rooms are slightly larger than the other MO in size..... a different ';feel'; from the typical MO.

Intercontinental- very formal. top of the class restaurants, very expensive, and good size rooms, with the most up close harbourview rooms..... if you can afford it, you will love it here. A LOT of weddings are held here.... and once you are there, you will see why. The grand, elegant atmosphere, the harbourview, and just the entrance makes the statement.

However, the Peninsula (Tower) rooms will also have a spectacular view of the harbour, it will be higher, and the location is slightly better than IC.

If you like nightlife, and something different, I would look into Landmark MO.

JUST wondering.... brian, have you considered the Langham Place. This hotel will give you a great location, excellent service, and very good value for rooms.

Hi Everyone,

Many thanks for your detailed replies and I guess Interconti versus MO is such a personal choice. The MO we are looking at is the one on Connaught Road and not the Landmark MO. We have booked a Harbour View room at The Interconti but also have the option of a Superior Suite at The MO for the same price, and hence the dilemma. I have no doubt the views from The Interconti are better, but can%26#39;t help but wonder if the rooms at The MO are superior. I suppose what puts me off The Mo is its formality which is one reason why we ruled out The Peninsula. However, I%26#39;ve also read that The InterConti rooms are starting to look worn or dated. It would be such a shame to spend all that money and not get what we%26#39;re expecting. I welcome all your comments, and again many thanks for all your help. Regards, Brian

Rooms at either MO will be more ';new'; than IC. Although, I thought IC renovated their rooms!

Maybe it%26#39;s just partial. However, if you are looking for ';new'; feeling.... it should be MO.

Brian, I agree with you that for holidays the kind of formaility in MO is unbearable. I remember in the old days they even asked customers to wear ties and jackets at their Captain%26#39;s Bar. If you put them off, the waiter would ';remind'; you to put on. Although this rule has now been abolished.

MO has recently undergone a big rennovation. But still the taste of ';business'; remains unchanged.

Intercontiential (HK at least) manages their hotels pretty well. I am sure the quality standard is still there. I have been to their lounge bars and restaurants a few times recently. It remains pretty good.

Peninsula is not the kind of hotel to enjoy, unless you want to show off to your clients. Having said that, it is a nice place to have a night out at Felix, and enjoying the glass toilet, and the beautiful harbour view while you are P! I love Verandah for lunch, not so much for its food but the very relaxing atmosphere it creates.

By the way, Peninsula is just opposite to Intercontiential.

I vote for the Intercontinental because of the view and the feeling of space all around it. MO is more business-like as said despite the renovations. It does have a great location for LKF and sightseeing. MO Landmark always felt weird to me, a bit dark, small and gloomy. If there is a truly formal and annoying hotel, it%26#39;s the Peninsula in my opinion.

The two hotels are very different in feel. The InterCon has great views, some good (although very expensive) restaurants, but rooms that are really lacking in style. There%26#39;s more atmosphere at the Mandarin Oriental, and, despite what others suggest, to me it feels way less formal and stuffy. It might also be worth considering The Four Seasons.

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