When in London, you’d best splurge on its many time-honoured luxury hotels, and one of the best is the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Along with Big Ben, the five-star hotel with 120 years of history has recently emerged from an extensive renovation with new facilities and amenities that take the property well into the 21st century. We checked in recently to see how it looks:
Location
Sitting between regal Royal Parkland and chic Knightsbridge, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is at the heart of the super-elite Knightsbridge district. This part of London is synonymous with the finer things in life, making it an excellent and bougie area to explore.
Hyde Park is just over the road from the hotel, as are luxury department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols. From here, it’s also easy to get to the main attractions in town – the train takes you from Knightsbridge station to Big Ben in just 20 minutes.
Rooms
The iconic hotel is housed in a historic building originally constructed as an exclusive Edwardian gentlemen’s club, with 181 rooms and suites that look onto Knightsbridge or directly onto Hyde Park. The aesthetic of the neighbouring park and the hotel’s history are impeccably woven into the property’s new design. Neutral green and cream furnishings are softened by the natural light, which reflect the beauty of Hyde Park.
Dining
With three restaurants and a bar, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sating your inner gourmand. The hotel’s flagship two-Michelin starred restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal celebrates British culinary heritage and features a menu with recipes dating as far back as the courts of King Henry VIII.
The hotel is also home to The Aubrey London, an eccentric izakaya and the city’s first omakase cocktail bar. Head there in the evenings for more traditional izakaya dishes, or enjoy their weekend brunches with free-flow and live DJs spinning on the decks.
No visit to London is complete without a proper afternoon tea. The Rosebery offers this quintessential British experience, where you can enjoy finger sandwiches with freshly baked scones – with your pinky up, of course. Choose from 29 different loose-leaf teas to pair with the tea, or go all-out with the wine, sake, beer or Sparkling Tea pairing.
Tip: The Royal Horse Guards pass by the hotel on their way to Buckingham Palace every morning. Ask for a window seat at breakfast and enjoy the view of the first beams of sunlight shining through Hyde Park.
Facilities
The Asian-influenced Mandarin Spa includes a slick 17-metre heated indoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. For post-shopping relaxation, head to the spa, which is located on the hotel’s lower level and include a samarium, steam room and vitality pool.
Tip: be sure to book ahead for one of their signature rituals, which are one of the most sought after spa treatments in town.
Verdict
It’s no surprise that Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is one of the most awarded luxury hotels in the city. This is the kind of hotel where every single staff member knows your name – and without a trace of scripted friendliness. The soft romantic décor, the attention to detail, and the many kind gestures you never knew you needed all make this hotel extra homey and a must-stay for anyone visiting London.
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