Background
Two MacDonnell Road is part of the Lanson Place portfolio, a luxury hotel and serviced apartment provider based in Hong Kong, with three properties in the city (including Lanson Place Causeway Bay and Lanson Place Waterfront Suites) plus properties in Shanghai, Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Melbourne opening in 2024. Two MacDonnell Road opened in 1990 and had a major refurbishment in 2018.
Where is it?
As the name suggests, the property is located at 2 MacDonnell Road in the affluent Mid-Levels area, just above the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. Being halfway up the hill, it benefits from less dense crowds, but is still close to the Central business district and entertainment areas, albeit with fewer transport options. The nearest MTR station is Central (roughly a 20-minute walk via the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator). Thankfully, cabs are plentiful and cheap in Hong Kong. The hotel also offers a limited shuttle bus service to Central from Monday to Friday.
What's it like?
You enter via the ground floor, where there is a door guard, and then take one of the two elevators up to the eighth-floor lobby. With just two lifts, the system did feel slow and congested at times, particularly in the morning. On the positive, once you have checked in you can access your room floor directly without having to go through reception. Check in was quick and efficient via two main desks (check in from 2pm, checkout 12pm).
Rooms
The property offers five categories for short or extended stays, ranging from the entry-level 31 sqm Garden/Skyline Room up to the 70 sqm Garden/Skyline Apartment. I stayed in a 44 sqm one-bedroom Standard Suite with city views, which comes with a separate living area and kitchen facilities.
I was immediately struck by the bright, modern apartment décor. White walls and light tile/wood flooring were complemented by plush furnishings in calming beige and taupe. Large windows on one side of the apartment let in generous amounts of light and offered stunning city views. Overall the apartment was well-designed and
felt spacious.
The kitchenette was well-equipped and cooking smells in the corridor indicated many residents were making use of these facilities. The dining table was smart, with two leather dining chairs allowing it to double as a work desk. The complimentary wifi worked well.
The living area felt homey and modern, with a beige sofa for two people and coffee table facing an LED TV with international channels, plus a bay-window seat to soak up those views.
The bedroom was my favourite space, with two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows offering a fantastic vista to wake up to – though perhaps not for those with a fear of heights. The room was dominated by the queen-sized bed.
A wardrobe was in a short corridor to the bathroom, with hangers and electronic safe. There is a laundry and dry-cleaning service, as well as self-service laundry facilities on the eighth floor.
The bathroom by comparison felt rather old-fashioned compared to the rest of the apartment – in part due to the bath with a shower curtain set-up, and partly due to the lack of windows. There were plenty of bathroom amenities, including toiletries from APPELLES Apothecary & Lab and Peter Thomas Roth.
Food and drink
Cafe Bar on 8 is the main restaurant and bar area, located on level eight behind the check-in desk. It provides all-day dining and lovely views. The breakfast was a choice of six set menus presented by iPad, plus a light continental buffet offering. The à la carte menu for lunch and dinner has more choice, from wagyu steak to pizza, pasta and Asian classics. In the evening the space turns into a lively bar area with signature cocktails.
Meetings
The Communal Room on level eight can be used for small business events of up to 12 people, and has a screen and fridge.
Leisure
The hotel has a 24-hour gym on the eight floor, with weights and a selection of tech-enabled machines. Residents can also enjoy the nearby botanical gardens for walking/jogging.
Verdict
I enjoyed my visit at Two Macdonnell Road and would happily stay here for an extended period thanks to welcoming apartment vibes and stunning views. It’s not the most well-connected location, but does have benefits for those looking for a peaceful stay.
FACTBOX
- Best for Those looking for comfortable apartment-style extended stays in a quieter part of the city
- Don’t miss Evening cocktails at cafe bar on 8
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in February start from HK$3,200/£326 for a Standard Suite (HK$2,400/£245 for entry-level).
- Contact 2 MacDonnell Road, Mid-levels, Hong Kong; +852 2132 2132; twomr.com.hk
