Looking for luxury stays in London? The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and Mandarin Oriental Mayfair offer unique experiences for the discerning traveller – and locations that are second-to-none

South China Morning Post

5 days ago

London is one of the few cities in the world to boast two
Mandarin Oriental properties, and much like in the hotel chain's hometown of Hong Kong, they complement each other.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park opened its doors 25 years ago and has built a loyal following among Asian, Middle Eastern and American clients who like its proximity to the green expanse and the luxury shops of Knightsbridge, including the legendary department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London is situated in one of the capital's most prestigious areas. Photo: Handout
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The hotel, which underwent a refurbishment in 2019, couldn't be more different from sister property Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, which opened one year ago in the fancy neighbourhood that is also home to iconic hotels such as Claridge's and The Connaught.
While the Hyde Park property marries British tradition with the warm, Asian-style service the company is known for, the Mayfair hotel is low key and discreet, eschewing grandeur for quiet luxury.
Housed in a historic Edwardian structure first built in 1889 as a gentlemen's club and residence, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is always buzzing with international guests and stylish locals making a beeline for its popular eateries, which include the two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – one of Britain's most celebrated chefs; the lovely Hyde Park Garden, a perfect spot for a drink or an informal meal in warm weather; and Japanese izakaya The Aubrey.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park's Hyde Park Garden is a great spot for an informal meal or a drink. Photo: Handout
Designed by Hong Kong-based
Joyce Wang , the rooms and suites combine art deco motifs with retro touches harking back to the 20th-century golden age of travel. Needless to say, the accommodations overlooking the park, some of them with balconies, are the most coveted among visitors. Views like these are priceless in a dense city like London, and the natural light on a sunny day truly makes a difference.
If you're looking for panoramic views, the Mayfair property's rooms and suites will not provide any, but the hotel's focus on privacy, personalised service and discretion is just as appealing for discerning travellers.
Sleek and urban, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is housed in a newly built red brick and glass structure in Hanover Square, a short walk from the luxury shops of Bond Street and more commercial Oxford Street. The rooms and suites are quite minimal when compared to those at Hyde Park but touches such as de Gournay hand-painted wallpaper and curvilinear sofas make them warm and welcoming. Award-winning Korean-born American chef Akira Back is the mastermind behind the two main restaurants – Akira Back and Dosa by Akira Back – while Abar Rooftop, on the top floor, features an outdoor terrace with great views of Mayfair and London's skyline.