Hong Kong: Mandarin celebrates its first 50 years and its next 50

When the Mandarin Oriental opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1963, it became the first hotel in Asia to have a bathtub in every room, just one of many firsts for the iconic 27-story hotel.

As the tallest building on Hong Kong Island, the hotel also boasted space-age elevators that catapulted guests to the top floor in 21 seconds. And guests would also find direct-dial phones, another first.

To mark its golden anniversary, the Mandarin Oriental has scheduled a year-long celebration that will commemorate the hotel’s first 50 years as well as its next 50 years.

“This is truly a hotel that is in the heart and hearts of Hong Kong, and we are delighted to be celebrating this milestone anniversary,” said spokesperson Jill Kluge.

Special promotions will include a Golden Anniversary Stay package, which includes a bottle of wine, breakfast, $50 spa credit and an anniversary gift, starting at $567 a night. There will also be guest chefs, a photo exhibition and special menus in the hotel’s 10 restaurants, which include the Michelin-starred Pierre Restaurant and Mandarin Grill.

“Mandarin Oriental has been part of the fabric of Hong Kong life for 50 years,” Kluge said. “Guests from royalty and celebrities, to heads of business and families have all stayed here. It is said that if you spend enough time in the lobby you will always meet someone you know.”

The hotel underwent a $150-million renovation in 2006. It has 501 rooms and offers technology butlers who are available 24 hours a day.

The hotel is the flagship for the Mandarin Oriental group, which now operates, or has under development, 45 hotels in 28 countries.

Info: Mandarin Hong Kong, (800) 526-6566.

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