Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s European flagship Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, has unveiled the first phase of its extensive restoration, designed to confirm this historic hotel’s position as one of the best in the world. The hotel remains open throughout the renovation which will be completed in the third quarter of 2018.
The first phase of the renovation includes the launch of 95 new and luxurious guest rooms and suites in the Knightsbridge wing. In addition, the hotel’s classic entrance, notable main lobby and reception lounge have been reconfigured and redesigned to maximise natural daylight, and the building’s iconic façade has been revitalised.
Internationally renowned designer, Joyce Wang has been commissioned to oversee the property’s overall design concept, and has taken her inspiration from the building’s Edwardian heritage, the hotel’s peaceful park side location, as well as the glamour of the early 20th century’s Golden Age of travel. Art deco inspired features including carefully curated artworks and custom-designed furniture have resulted in a warm and inviting environment.
Guestrooms
Light and contemporary, each guest room has a unique and individual layout, featuring alcoves, warm grey paneled walls and hand-gilded mirror artwork. Rooms overlook fashionable Knightsbridge, or into the calm green vertical garden of the inner courtyard, which features native and exotic plants. Beds with leather-tufted headboards, large leather-topped writing desks, rugs and wildlife embellishments, all inspired by the hotel’s park side location, are present throughout the space. All guest rooms offer generous wardrobe space and include a Bower and Wilkins music player with Bluetooth connectivity, that can be enjoyed through surround-sound speakers. A Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities, and a pillow menu are also available.
Suites
Suites have their own individual layout and an elegant hallway entrance, offering a spacious and comfortable bedroom with separate walk-in closet. The living area is furnished with a velvet-upholstered sofa, wing-back reading chairs and a leather-topped writing desk. Inspired by the royal park, the living room’s centrepiece is a striking gold and crackled glass custom-made acorn chandelier. Bespoke Fromenthal wallpaper, horsehair light sconces and gloss painted patterns that reference the carriage paths through Hyde Park are also part of the new design. Room amenities include a Bower and Wilkins music player with Bluetooth connectivity, that can be enjoyed through surround-sound speakers. A Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities [and a pillow menu], are also available. Additionally, Knightsbridge Suites come with a curated library of hand-picked books by renowned Mayfair publishers, Heywood Hill, for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Guestroom bathrooms are fashioned from Volakas marble with either a walk-in shower or a bath with an in-built shower. Suites have separate walk-in showers with stand-alone baths and twin vanity units. His and Hers amenities by London perfumer Miller Harris and Jo Hansford hair products from the renowned Mayfair salon, are available in all bathrooms.
The second phase of the renovation on the Hyde Park side of the building has already begun, and will encompass the complete restoration of all guest rooms and suites facing the park. In addition, two new luxurious and expansive penthouse suites, with spacious private terraces offering extensive views of London’s skyline and the peaceful park, will be added. In keeping with the recently installed contemporary pool and fitness area, Adam D. Tihany has been appointed to oversee the design of the next-generation Spa at Mandarin Oriental. This will be significantly expanded to include couples’ facilities, specialist consultation areas, and an exclusive Mandarin Oriental Spa Studio concept, offering powerful and effective express beauty and grooming treatments for both men and women. The splendid Loggia, The Ballroom and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal will also undergo a soft refurbishment throughout this second phase. The restoration of the ‘country’ side will be completed by the third quarter of 2018.
