One of the most stylish hotel newcomers in Hong Kong, Mira Moon brings cutting-edge design to the shopping and dining mecca at Causeway Bay. Opened in August 2013, it's a sister property to The Mira Hong Kong and a designated member of the Design Hotels group, making it one of only three properties in the city with this distinction. Conceived under the creative direction of famed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders and the all-star design firm YOO, Mira Moon draws its inspiration from the Chinese Moon Festival and the legend of the Moon Goddess of Immortality, but its look is slick 21st century.
Located within an unassuming building not far from the harbor front, Mira Moon is something of a hidden gem. Visitors to Hong Kong tend to gravitate towards Central hotels or Kowloon properties boasting views of Hong Kong Island’s iconic skyline, but for those willing to venture ever so slightly away from these areas, Mira Moon has much to offer with its high-tech, beautifully designed guestrooms. The immediate surrounding area may not be much to look at, and it’s a bit far from an MTR station, but a short walk or taxi ride easily gets you to the shops and restaurants of Causeway Bay, the nightlife of Wan Chai, the hustle-and-bustle of Central, and the must-ride Star Ferry.
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Rates: There are five room types and one large penthouse suite, with rates starting at $186/night.
Rooms: Mira Moon’s 90 rooms come in three configurations: New Moon Studio, Half Moon, and Full Moon (on higher floors, the latter two types are designated as “Premier”). Ranging from 220 to 410 square feet, the rooms are compact (not unusual for Hong Kong), but the striking decor helps to distract from that fact. (Though, on the top level, the penthouse Moonshine Suite measures a spacious 1,250 square feet.) Some rooms offer partial views of Victoria Harbour and the towering International Commerce Centre, while others grant vistas of the surrounding city and Victoria Peak. Neither view is bad, but you’ll want to request a higher floor for a good vantage point. All rooms come equipped with large HDTVs, Apple AirPlay connectivity and docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary Wi-Fi, iPad Minis with customized apps, Handy smartphones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a free minibar (nonalcoholic beverages only).
Featuring intricately carved wood, lacquered white ceramic, tile floors, colorful pops of cherry-red, and traditional Chinese patterns, the guestrooms here are visually striking, to say the least. The bathrooms, in particular, stand out with their digitally composed peony mosaics produced by Bisazza. All bathrooms feature a walk-in rain shower, and many also include a freestanding tub.
Drinks & Dining: On the third floor, Supergiant Tapas & Cocktail Bar offers Spanish small plates and cocktails inspired by Chinese mythology. The restaurant is open daily from breakfast through dinner; the breakfast buffet, with a selection of made-to-order egg dishes, is outstanding. Connected to the restaurant is the Secret Garden, a verdant, open-air terrace that comes alive at night with flickering lanterns. Adjacent to the lobby on the fifth floor, the Crystal Lounge is a small yet popular space for evening drinks; the view looks out onto the harbor, making it a perfect spot to see the nightly “A Symphony of Lights” outdoor light show. In the future, another planned outdoor space, Sky Garden, will open to guests and the public, though the timing is still undetermined.
Health & Fitness: Guests have access to a small but well-appointed fitness center that’s open 24 hours. The hotel has no pool or spa facilities.
Etc.: Though Mira Moon isn’t the only property to offer guests use of a Handy smartphone, this is truly a standout perk. The phone allows free local and international calls, as well as unlimited 3G data during the duration of your stay, no matter where you are in the city.
Pros: Excellent design; boutique experience; hip atmosphere; high-tech offerings; reasonable rates.
Cons: Somewhat far from public transportation; no pool or spa.