Hong Kong/Thailand: Luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental has announced multimillion investments into its founding flagship hotels in Hong Kong and Bangkok, with renovations beginning in 2025.
The group, which operates luxury hotels and residences worldwide, said it aims to enhance its heritage properties as part of a newly unveiled brand-led growth strategy.
A full renovation of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, costing US$100 million (£80 million), will include a redesign of public spaces, guest rooms, and the creation of new signature suites.
Work will start in the second quarter of 2025 with final completion expected by the end of 2026.
French designer Hubert de Malherbe will lead the redesign of public areas, while Jeffrey Wilkes and Thierry Lemaire will update guest rooms and suites.
The hotel will feature a new Whisky Bar, new dining areas, and a Wellness Club. New York-based chef Daniel Boulud will also debut a French dining experience featuring a rooftop terrace with views of the city skyline and harbour.
In Bangkok, refurbishment is already underway, set to complete by late 2025 ahead of the hotel’s 150th anniversary in 2026. Enhancements focus on the historic Author’s and Garden wings and the hotel’s dining venues
Interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes is creating new guest room designs. Dining updates will include Michelin-starred chefs Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie, Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s, and Chef Fei at the China House. Plans also include a fire-cooking concept at Lord Jim’s and a redesign of the riverfront Baan Phraya restaurant.
Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said: “We eagerly anticipate unveiling an extraordinary array of exceptional new experiences within these storied properties. I am confident we will continue to exceed our guests’ expectations while maintaining our position in the hearts of our loyal local and international guests.”
Greg Liddell, area VP, operations and general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, said: “We eagerly anticipate unveiling an extraordinary journey of exceptional new experiences within this storied legacy hotel, which was the first true luxury hotel to open on Hong Kong island over sixty years ago in 1963. By continuing to innovate and exceed our guests’ expectations across all our distinctive hotel offerings, we will ensure that we maintain our position as the leader in luxury hospitality in this ever-evolving dynamic city.”
Anthony Tyler, area vice president and general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, said: “This exciting renovation, which will introduce so many exceptional new experiences for our loyal clients to enjoy, will ensure we continue to hold our position for generations to come.”
Both hotels will remain operational during most of the renovations.
Highlights:
• Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong will undergo a US$100 million renovation, starting mid-2025 with completion set for end-2026.
• Plans include new guest room designs, a wellness club, and dining experiences such as a rooftop French dining venue by chef Daniel Boulud.
• Renovations at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok will complete by late 2025, ahead of its 150th anniversary in 2026.
• Michelin-starred chefs Anne-Sophie Pic, Alex Dilling, and Chef Fei will revamp the hotel’s dining venues in Bangkok.