sojourneys

Hotels in Hong Kong are aplenty, from the typical backpackers inn to fabulous temples of luxury.  The Langham Place Mongkok exists on the upper end of the spectrum, boasting some smart, well-appointed features without completely depleting one’s budget.

The Langham Place Mongkok markets itself as “Hong Kong’s first modern Chinese Art hotel” and interesting, sometimes quirky contemporary Chinese art adorn the hotel at turns and corners.  One of the most fascinating has to be an installation piece by the “Red Guard – Going Forward! Making Money!” by Austria-based Jiang Shuo, which makes a sardonic statement juxtaposing the blind worshipping of Maosim during the Cultural Revolution in China vis-a-vis the relentless pursuit of materialism in contemporary society.

Rooms, like most Hong Kong hotels, are smallish, but the abundant use of glass, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the city as well as one side of the bathroom looking out into the room, expand the sense of space.

Facilities are first class.  A well-equipped fitness center features running machines facing the cityscape, which provides much motivation when one is going through the paces.  The roof-top swimming pool is temperature-regulated in the winter, offering magnificent 360-degree views of the city.  Free-access computers–both Microsoft and Mac machines–are available, although there can be a wait at times. 

Generally, service is efficient and thoughtful without being obtrusive.  Rooms are made up in the morning, and there is also an evening turn-down.  The best part about staying at the Langham Place Hotel Mongkok is that it is connected to a sprawling mall with a supermarket in the basement, a surfeit of restaurants for all budgets, and covered access to the Mongkok MTR.

Check out also the Langham Place Hotel blog here.