Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

London, UK

London’s hotels do not lack for pomp, but at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London in Knightsbridge the vibe is all about understated elegance. The 181 rooms and suites still provide indulgences like 530 TPC cotton sheets and heated toilet seats in marble-slathered bathrooms, but the feel is more about sophisticated greys than gilt. The hotel occupies a grand, Edwardian brick building lording above the adjacent Hyde Park. The interiors, remodelled by Joyce Wang, follow the Mandarin Oriental philosophy, mixing local design standards with Asian minimalism.

The king of the four options for dining and drinking is the long-feted Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. The fine dining destination is renowned for its modern takes on historic English dishes such as the signature Meat Fruit, what appears to be a mandarin orange hiding a parfait. MO also delivers on the most English of culinary tests: The Rosebery offers an outstanding afternoon tea, spotlighting 29 loose leaf selections as well as a platter of scones and sandwiches that hangs above the table like a bird cage. Finally, the property winks towards its Eastern roots with an upscaled izakaya restaurant, The Aubrey, in the basement space.

Key Information

• Rooms: 181
• Starting Rate: $1170
• High Season: June-September
• Dining: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, The Aubrey
• Drinking: Mandarin Bar, The Aubrey
• At the Hotel: Gym, spa, pool
• 020 7235 2000
• Visit Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park's Website

Location

66 Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, London, London, SW1X 7LA