The new Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong ahead of Schedule

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, a new boutique hotel under construction in The Landmark, one of Hong Kong’s most successful commercial complexes in the premier shopping and entertainment district of Central, is ahead of schedule and likely to open in the middle of this year, according to General Manager, Ms. Susanne Hatje.

“The internal walls, plumbing and guest bathroom fittings are finished and we are looking forward to seeing the first completed guestrooms next month,” says Ms Hatje.

The new Mandarin Oriental property, whose glass façade is now visible to passers by on Queen’s Road Central, is an integral element of a massive upgrading programme of The Landmark, which includes the entry into Hong Kong of upmarket fashion and food retailer, Harvey Nichols.

Artists Impression (click image for larger version)

It is owned and being built by Hongkong Land and, according to Ms Hatje, the owning company’s commitment is reflected in the quality and attention to detail that both Mandarin Oriental and Hongkong Land pride themselves on.

The design brief for this deluxe, yet intimate hotel is contemporary, whilst at the same time, stylishly oriental.

The design team includes Los Angeles-based top hotel interior designer Peter Remedios and Adam D. Tihany who is based in Israel. The local and international design world is keen to see the unique combination of Remedios’ and Tihany’s creative skills which will be showcased for the first time in joint co-operation at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental.

Peter Remedios, who has created the design concept for the guest rooms and the hotel’s meeting spaces, is principal of Chhada Siembieda Remedios (C.S.R.), which has designed city and resort destinations throughout the world, including AmanResorts, Four Seasons New York and Grand Hyatt Tokyo. He also designed the Mandarin Oriental Munich. “All these hotels possess a very distinct look, but were guided by a strong design philosophy that is our hallmark,” he says, adding that his design approach veers away from a traditional “house style” – instead, he prefers to create properties that are full of innovation, reflecting its architecture or locale and that deliver a very unique guest experience.

“In the design approach for The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, we wanted to capture something that was thoroughly unique that had not been done in Hong Kong. Our goal was to infuse a great sophistication and a sense of style that would complement the identity of the Landmark itself,” says the acclaimed designer.

Adam D. Tihany’s talent, meanwhile, can be seen in the original and stylish U-shaped Dan Eilat deluxe five-star hotel in Israel as well as the Aleph hotel in Rome and Chef Thomas Keller’s “Per Se” restaurant in New York which, he says, epitomize his approach to design and his unique style.

Tihany’s remit is to design the restaurants, bars and public areas at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. His dramatic interiors promise to be as breathtaking as the menus  one example of which is the two-level bar that features a lily pond on a moving glass “drawbridge” - a design feature that is destined to become a talking point and a major Hong Kong attraction for sophisticated residents and visitors.

He says he drew inspiration from the city of Hong Kong – its demographics, geography, and international sense of mobility. “The abstract boat-like feature greeting the guests upon entry is inspired by the classic Hong Kong junk criss-crossing the harbor. The combination of the materials the movers and shakers of the city. The seventh floor restaurant is serene and sophisticated, a welcome refuge from the daily hustle and bustle of Central.”

Commenting on the hotel, Susanne Hatje says: “The Landmark Mandarin Oriental will be a unique property for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. It is amazing to experience the quest for perfection and the demands that are being made on all those who are involved in the design and construction of this iconic hotel.”

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