London calling!
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 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 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.
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.
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.
About Joyce Wang – Biography
With offices in Hong Kong and London, Joyce Wang’s eponymous studio has built an impressive global portfolio and earned international acclaim. Specialising in luxury hospitality and residential design, Wang’s use of materials and cinematic inspirations give her award-winning projects a compelling sense of drama. Notable projects for the Group include a contemporary makeover of all guestrooms and suites at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong as well as the future Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
About Adam D. Tihany Biography
Widely recognised as the world’s preeminent hospitality designer, Adam D. Tihany has created hotel and dining interiors at some of the most iconic and luxurious properties around the world. Tihany was also one of the first designers to collaborate with internationally acclaimed chefs creating signature restaurants for culinary stars including Heston Blumenthal and Daniel Boulud, both of whom have celebrated restaurants at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. His contribution to design has been recognised with numerous honours and awards, including induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame and an honorary Doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design.
About Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.
Overlooking fashionable Knightsbridge on one side and the tranquil beauty of Hyde Park on the other, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is the city’s most prestigious address. The hotel has recently completed the first half of an exciting renovation, and has unveiled its beautiful, newly restored Knightsbridge facing rooms that combine contemporary grandeur with a refreshing play on traditional luxury for guests to enjoy.