The Best Room At... The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
It's a rare hotel that has to get permission from Buckingham Palace to open its gate—but that is the small inconvenience to endure for a prime location directly on Hyde Park. The Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park made headlines—and not for the reasons it intended to—after a fire broke out a week before it was scheduled to open in June 2018. All 600 staff were kept on and completed 40,000 hours of community service during the eight months it took to restore the damage. Amanda Hyndman, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, Area Vice President Operations, and the recipient of the prestigious Virtuoso Hotelier of the Year award in 2019, talks to T&C about their five-figure a night suites, how to spend the quintessential day in Hyde Park, and the best spot at the hotel to watch the changing of the guard.
What is the “best” room at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park? And why?
The Mandarin Oriental Penthouse. Reminiscent of a luxurious London apartment, and offering a wealth of indoor and outdoor space, this magnificent three-bedroom suite enjoys sophisticated, contemporary décor and sweeping views of Hyde Park. Featuring luxurious silk wall coverings, bespoke furnishings and hand-made nature-inspired artwork. Both master bedrooms offer access to private terraces with day beds, greenery, and a dining table.
How much is it per night?
£20,000
How would you describe the atmosphere at the hotel?
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London exemplifies timeless heritage coupled with contemporary flair and impeccable service for today’s sophisticated travelers. Having now been ‘reinvented and reimagined’ with the most extensive and exciting restoration in our 117-year history we have just fully reopened and our vision is to become one of the finest hotels in the world, offering kind and generous service. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is the place where the quintessential spirit of London offers our guests the perfect home-away-from-home, a bespoke experience incomparable to none.
What was it like having to put off opening for eight months after the fire—were there any finishing touches or things you were able to complete with more time?
I told everyone that the priority was to keep the team together. I started thinking about the support we had from individuals and other businesses and organization during the emergency and wanted to thank them. It was then that the plan to undertake charity was born, the ‘FANtastic London’ initiative was launched and is ongoing until today. All 600 colleagues were kept on full pay, with many transferring to work in our sister hotels around the world. Those that stayed in London pledged and delivered 40,0000 working hours to a variety of London charities, with a further commitment of 10,000 hours after the reopening. Giving away working hours to the city that we love, was a simple way to express our gratitude to all.
The Kensington/Hyde Park area, where the hotel is located, is one of the most posh areas in London. How would you spend the perfect Hyde Park/Kensington afternoon?
Start with a stroll along the Serpentine lake and its contemporary art gallery, the Rose Garden. In the summer, especially popular with families, is the boating on the Serpentine with a picnic in the park or a private horse carriage ride which can be easily arranged via our Concierge. Every day at around 10.30AM, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, commonly known as Changing the Guard, begins from neighboring Hyde Park Barracks before heading to Buckingham Palace and will pass by our breakfast terrace for your private viewing. Head to Sloane Street, recognized as one of the world’s most exclusive luxury shopping destinations. A private tour before or after a store opening, a personal shopping experience, or in-room styling sessions are available upon request from various luxury brands.
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