The Excelsior
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | February 20, 1973 |
| Defunct | March 31, 2019 |
| Fate | Demolished for redevelopment |
| Headquarters | Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island , Hong Kong |
| Products | Hotel accommodation, dining establishments |
| Owner | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (subsidiary of Jardine Matheson Group) |
The Excelsior () was a four-star accommodation situated at 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. It was owned and managed by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a subsidiary of the Jardine Matheson Group, and also functioned as the group's corporate headquarters. Positioned opposite the Noon-day Gun, the hotel commenced operations on 20 February 1973 and ceased functioning on 31 March 2019 to allow for demolition and redevelopment into an office skyscraper.
Boasting 854 guest rooms, including 21 suites, spread over 37 levels, The Excelsior offered five dining establishments to its patrons. Its closure concluded 46 years under Mandarin Oriental's stewardship, reflecting a strategic decision to repurpose valuable Causeway Bay land for commercial office development.
History
The site of the hotel, known as "Lot No.1," was historically significant as the first parcel sold at auction following Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony in 1841. Constructed on the original godown belonging to Jardine Matheson, The Excelsior officially opened its doors on 20 February 1973. At that time, it held the distinction of being Hong Kong's first hotel to offer more than 1,000 rooms.
In 2015, authorization was granted for redevelopment of the property into a commercial tower. By June 2017, Mandarin Oriental gauged market interest for a potential sale; however, no offers aligned with their valuation expectations, resulting in the withdrawal of the sales process. Subsequently, the hotel closed on 31 March 2019 to facilitate demolition.
Restaurants
The Excelsior housed multiple dining options:
- Dickens Bar (), a wood-paneled basement sports bar and restaurant, recognized as a classic British gastropub.
- EXpresso, a café located in the lobby area.
- Café on the 1st (), serving international buffets during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Cammino, an Italian cuisine restaurant situated on the first floor.
- Yee Tung Heen (), a Michelin-starred Chinese dining venue on the second floor.
- The Excelsior Grill found on the third floor.
- ToTT's and Roof Terrace, positioned on the 34th floor as a bar and restaurant. Originally launched in 1979 as "Talk of the Town" disco and bar, it was rebranded "ToTT's Asian Grill" in 1995; an outdoor terrace was added in 2009.
Cooling system
Consistent with several buildings along Victoria Harbour, The Excelsior employed a seawater air conditioning system that drew seawater from the nearby Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter for cooling purposes.
In popular culture
Scenes from the 1978 comedy film Revenge of the Pink Panther were filmed at The Excelsior and partially edited there, underscoring its cultural relevance.