Recap | How Hong Kong built its luxury hotel empires, from The Peninsula to the Mandarin Oriental

Hong Kong has spawned some of the world’s biggest luxury hotel chains by being the birthplace of five-star establishments such as The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, and Shangri-La.

Delve into their stories, their grand openings, architectural marvels, and the captivating tales behind their success and their celebrity guests. Also discover some of the lesser-known colonial hotels that once helped redefine luxury across Asia.

1. The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La … how Hong Kong became the birthplace of luxury hotel giants

Discover why Hong Kong, with its strategic location, deep talent pool, and cosmopolitan outlook, has become a powerhouse for luxury hotel chains. World-renowned five-star hotel businesses like The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, and Shangri-La all started life in the city.

2. How The Peninsula hotel’s grand opening in 1928 made headlines in the South China Morning Post

Discover the fascinating history of the birth of The Peninsula hotel’s grand opening as reported by the Post. From its delayed 1928 grand opening amidst unrest and strikes, and the challenges faced during its construction to becoming a symbol of Hong Kong’s prosperity.

3. How Hong Kong’s iconic Mandarin Oriental hotel quietly opened in 1963, but very nearly had a different name

Hong Kong’s Mandarin Hotel, later renamed the Mandarin Oriental, was officially opened in October 1963. Originally intended to be named Queen’s Hotel, a survey revealed that Americans preferred something more exotic-sounding, reported the Post at the time.

4. Repulse Bay Hotel: Hong Kong’s glamorous retreat for the likes of Ernest Hemingway, George Bernard Shaw and Wallis Simpson

Discover the fascinating history of Hong Kong’s Repulse Bay Hotel, a luxurious haven that attracted some of the biggest celebrities of the time. Situated on Hong Kong Island’s south coast, dubbed the Riviera of the Far East, the original hotel was built in 1920 by the Kadoorie family and became a landmark that redefined luxury

5. Outside of Hong Kong, discover seven of Asia’s lesser-known grand colonial hotels, many now gone but not forgotten

Explore the rich histories, architectural marvels, and the tales of the rise and, in some cases, fall of Asia’s treasure trove of lesser-known colonial hotels. From the Sarkies brothers’ empire to hidden gems like The Sea View in Singapore and The Hill Club in Sri Lanka, dive into the captivating stories of these heritage properties that once defined luxury and elegance.

Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI