Cordis Hong Kong at Langham Place’s Alibi
Photo Courtesy of Langham Hotels International Limited
Cordis Hong Kong at Langham Place, formerly the luxurious Langham Place, is the first of many new hotels under the Cordis name from the Langham Hospitality Group. Sister hotel of Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Langham, Hong Kong, the flagship property, which opened in early fall 2015, has seen a dramatic overhaul to embrace a more contemporary, casual kind of luxury.
The first of many Cordis (“heart” in Latin) hotels, the Mong Kok property aims to deliver a warm experience, featuring amiable and genuine service, as well as younger and fresher designs. With plans to roll out more addresses across China, Bali and other international destinations, the intention is for each Cordis hotel to have its own personal style and architecture.
Cordis Hong Kong’s Studio, Photo Courtesy of Langham Hotels International Limited
Walking into the street-level entrance of Cordis Hong Kong, it appears to be business as usual — the grand marble foyer hasn’t changed; it still features its recognizable Red Guards – Going Forward! Making Money! sculpture by Chinese artist Jiang Shuo. Art remains central to the brand, with more than 1,500 pieces of contemporary Chinese works showcased throughout the property.
As you make your way to the gleaming marble lobby, however, you literally begin to sense the emerging hotel’s new personality — master perfumer Christophe Laudamiel has created a signature Sparkling Mint scent to greet guests as they enter.
Adjoining the fragrant lobby, you will find four top restaurants: secret-garden-esque The Backyard, newly renovated Alibi — Wine Dine and Be Social, renowned Ming Court and The Place buffet. Alibi, in particular, seems to carry the torch when it comes to the hotel’s new style. The contemporary aesthetic calls for funky fixtures and pops of color, while the friendly service, artisanal cocktails and eclectic menu round out the dining experience.
Almost all of the hotel’s 664 guest rooms are slated for 2016 updates as well. Making the most of floor-to-ceiling windows, the units offer breathtaking views of the dense city or a slice of Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Harbour. Newly refreshed rooms feature contemporary furniture, marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and a complimentary Handy smartphone for use during the stay, which includes free data as well as free local and international calling.
The Club Lounge, Photo Courtesy of Langham Hotels International Limited
Whether you’re in town for business or a break, it’s worth investing in the upgrade to the Club Lounge on the 36th floor, which perhaps best embodies the new Cordis persona. Walking in, you’re immediately greeted with glorious panoramas of the city. Not your typical stuffy business lounge, the Cordis Club Lounge has a laid-back feel and clean, eye-catching décor. A bird cage motif not only celebrates Hong Kong heritage, but it pulls the design together across the shimmery gold wallpaper, hanging bird-cage-shaped chairs, light fixtures and pillowcases.
The only parts of the Hong Kong hotel that haven’t seen a facelift yet are Chuan Spa and the rooftop pool area; however, both still feel relatively current, even when compared to their brand-new neighbors. Chuan Spa, known around the world for its beautiful facility and treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, will see a renovation in 2016 to freshen up the look.
