Checking into Hong Kong’s most playful, art-forward hotel
It’s my first visit to Hong Kong. The excitement of exploring the city, the food, the culture has been giving me butterflies for months. I managed a few solid hours of sleep on the flight, along with two movies (both of which I’d seen multiple times), so the twelve-and-a-half-hour flight wasn’t all that bad. My back, however, says otherwise.
I’m in a taxi crossing one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, the majestic Tsing Ma Bridge, catching a glimpse of the Ngong Ping 360 cable cars gliding over the lush Lantau Island. My driver has a collection of cat figurines on his dashboard, which makes me smile as he weaves through the sea of iconic red taxis, each ferrying passengers to wherever it is they’re going. I do wonder.
As the highway transitions into the bustling streets of Kowloon, the city comes alive; pedestrians hustling to work, delivery drivers unloading goods, and a symphony of car horns, moped engines, and the rhythmic ticking of pedestrian crossings fills the air. It’s a sensory overload, a vibrant tapestry of urban life. We’re in Hong Kong now.
Turning onto Hart Avenue, the Mondrian Hong Kong emerges, its signage climbing the building’s facade. Stepping out of the taxi, the city’s heat slaps me in the face, only to be replaced by the cool embrace of the hotel’s air-conditioned lobby — a sanctuary amidst the city’s fervour.
The Mondrian Hong Kong, which opened in December 2023 as part of the Ennismore group, marks the brand’s debut in Greater China. It sits in the vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui district, offering panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the iconic Hong Kong skyline. There are 324 rooms, including 12 suites, each thoughtfully designed to reflect Hong Kong’s rich heritage through a contemporary lens.
On the 39th floor, Carna by Dario Cecchini delivers a nose-to-tail Italian dining experience led by the world-famous butcher, think tableside theatre, sustainability, and Florence-to-Hong Kong meat traditions. Just below, on the 38th floor, is Avoca, the cocktail bar with incredible views of the harbour. There’s also a well-equipped gym and a rooftop space on the 40th floor for cultural happenings.
Home for the next few nights is one of the Mondrian’s stunning Harbour Suites and honestly, it’s nothing short of wow. The contemporary, chic design has me mentally redecorating my own home; the bright red curved sofa (officially on my wishlist) is perfectly positioned to face the floor-to-ceiling windows and those jaw-dropping harbour views.
This suite isn’t messing around: two bathrooms (yes, two), one with a bathtub, both stocked with MALIN+GOETZ products for the win. The king-sized bed is practically a cloud, with a little table and chair set beside it, complete with a marble tic-tac-toe board (because why not?). There’s an open wardrobe and plenty of space to lay out your suitcase, a small but satisfying luxury when you’re only here for a couple of nights and don’t want to fully unpack.
I love the details; an in-room water filter (goodbye plastic bottles), a minibar tucked inside a beautifully hand-painted fridge, and custom-made furnishings that make the whole space feel less like a hotel room and more like a designer apartment dressed to the nines. There are two TVs, but honestly, who’s turning them on when you’ve got views like this?
Breakfast is on the 38th floor at the super-stylish Avoca, where familiar Western dishes sit alongside traditional Hong Kong delights — and we dive into both, as if we need an excuse to get stuck into dim sum at breakfast; a leisurely way to start the day while watching the city come to life as far as the eye can see. Come evening, Avoca transforms into a sophisticated social spot, with an elevated cocktail menu that weaves Hong Kong twists into every drink. Take the Clay Pot Negroni, inspired by the city’s iconic clay pot rice dish, adding depth and character to a timeless classic. Every drink tells a story, and on weekends the party kicks off early with free-flowing cocktails and live DJ beats over brunch.
As an art-forward hotel, the Mondrian has a strong identity and ethos when it comes to creative expression. From the glass mosaic inspired by underwater photography in the lobby to the playful engravings throughout the communal spaces, it’s simply soaked in art. Across the road, the hotel’s pop-up space, The Corner Shop, showcases the ‘art of the possible’ through curated pop-ups and exhibitions, providing a platform for local Hong Kong artists to connect with guests, locals, and passersby.
Whether you’re here for the luxury living, the sophisticated cocktails or simply to watch the harbour glow from your window, the Mondrian Hong Kong is just the place to stay.
Mondrian Hong Kong, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
mondrianhotels.com