Mandarin Oriental is undoubtedly one of the most iconic luxury hospitality brands in the world, best known for its legendary services, extraordinary level of quality, unique oriental authenticity and often the prime location and reputable position of the city’s historic landmark. Among its growing portfolio of 34 hotels across the globe, some offer up epic tomes of history in locations that will inspire awe and admiration.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
Located at Madrid’s prestigious location, the iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid officially reopened its doors on 15th April, 2021.
This much-anticipated reopening comes after the most ambitious and extensive restoration in the property’s 110-year history. Originally designed and built under the supervision of legendary hotelier César Ritz, the hotel first opened its doors in 1910. The three-year restoration significantly enhances the hotel’s facilities and services, while maintains its unique character, encapsulated in the Belle Époque style of the original building. With 153 elegant rooms and suites, designed by Parisian studio Gilles & Boissier, décor exudes a classic, contemporary feel with a soothing colour palette, luxurious fabrics and modern design accents.
The hotel is set to become the capital’s gastronomic destinations, with five outlets helmed by the hotel’s culinary director, Chef Quique Dacosta, one of the most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs in Spain.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
One of the city’s most iconic hotels, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is located in the heart of Knightsbridge and on the edge of Hyde Park. Opening its doors in 1902, the hotel is originally known as the “Hyde Park Court” and was once the tallest building in London.
In 2018, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation with its suites reimagined by superstar designer Joyce Wang who, inspired by the golden age of 20th-century travel, introduced flamboyant Art Deco accents and a selection of artwork designed to recreate the style and splendour of the time.
In its exciting history of close to 120 years, the hotel has welcomed guests from all over the world, including royalty, dignitaries, celebrities and VIPs. The hotel’s ballroom once hosted Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret during their childhood dance lessons – while the ‘royal entrance’, originally reserved for Queen Victoria and used by the royal family during events such as the coronation of George VI in 1937, can be used for special occasions. A decadent afternoon tea menu is on offer at The Rosebery, formerly known as the Bennet Tearoom when it was frequented by prestigious politicians around the turn of the 20th century.
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Located on the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is housed in the re-development of an elegant mid-20th Century building. Testaments of the building’s history as the former Banco Hispano Americano can be found in the hotel’s iconic Banker’s Bar where old safes are used in the bar’s design by acclaimed Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, to create one of the most emblematic and original venues in the hotel.
Patricia Urquiola also designed each of the 120 rooms and suites to offer highly stylized and spectacularly creative interiors and showcase enduring contemporary design which incorporate subtle reflections of the Group’s oriental heritage.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
Since the 16th century, the site of the spectacular Mandarin Oriental, Paris on the esteemed Rue Saint Honoré has been a Capuchin monastery, a hippodrome, the Cirque Olympique theatre and even a royal riding school.
Alongside its 1930s Art Deco facade, the hotel’s suites and penthouses are steeped in the city’s quasi-mythical history and offer both sumptuous design plus the arresting views of Paris’ time-worn mansard roofs, punctuated by church spires and the magnificent Eiffel Tower. The two wings of the Art Deco building of Mandarin Oriental, Paris are the work of Charles Letrosne, a distinguished Parisian architect of the 1930s who also contributed to 1937 World Fair held in the city.
Now, the 135-rooms-and-suites hotel has become a much sought-after address in the heart of Paris’ haute couture neighbourhood, perfectly blending contemporary Parisian elegance with oriental refinement.
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
Often considered as the most luxurious hotel in the city, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva opened its doors as “Hotel du Rhône” in 1950. It was the very first hotel to be built in Europe after World War II, and launched in the same year as the European Headquarter for the United Nation.
Located in the heart of the city’s historic, cultural and shopping district, the hotel has welcomed prominent guests from royalty to musicians. Being the embodiment of legendary Swiss hospitality, the hotel was taken over and branded as a Mandarin Oriental property since 2000.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
The iconic Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, formerly known as The Mandarin, officially opened on 25th October in 1963. The hotel was then the tallest building on Hong Kong Island, which led it to instantly become a historic landmark – a status it still holds today. It was also the first hotel in the city to install direct-dial phones, and the first in Asia to put a bath in every room.
Throughout the years, this flagship hotel of the group has undergone numerous refurbishments and developments, making it the legendary property that holds a special place in the hearts of local communities. In 2021 February, the hotel has relaunched its top floor with the renovated Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, Man Wah, as well as the eccentric Japanese izakaya outlet, The Aubrey, both offering the famed panoramic Victoria Harbour view. Meanwhile, the hotel has unveiled its new executive club lounge, The Mandarin Club, on the 23rd floor, providing guests with a luxurious all-day retreat and an array of exclusive benefits.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
The ravishing 19th-century Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, formerly known as The Oriental, first opened its doors in 1876 as Thailand’s first luxury hotel. In 1891, the incumbent King of Siam was so impressed with the hotel’s lodgings that he chose to host the soon-to-become Tsar Nicholas of Russia there. It was also the first hotel to have a jazz bar and a hotel spa.
In 1972, The Oriental entered into a partnership with Mandarin International Hotels Limited, becoming a flagship property of what is now Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, along with The Mandarin hotel in Hong Kong.
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