Introduction: The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is
wonderfully located in central London. Actually on Knightsbridge, one of the
capitals best known roads and shopping areas, backing onto the ever popular Hyde
Park with its boating, Lake, gallery and wide open spaces and close to many of
the most famous landmarks and attractions that London has to offer. Almost
opposite the hotel is the upmarket and swish shopping of Sloane Street which
itself leads directly down the hip Kings Road with even more fashionable
shopping, bars and cafes. Actually opposite the hotel is the ever popular Harvey
Nichols Department store. Yards from the hotel is Hyde Park Corner which marks
the start of the grounds of Buckingham Palace, Green Park and Piccadilly. Some
of the nearest attractions include Harrods department store 0.25 miles, Albert
Memorial 0.6 miles, Serpentine Gallery 0.6 miles, Victoria and Albert Museum 0.6
miles, Buckingham Palace 0.8 miles and Westminster Cathedral 1 mile. In truth of
of London attractions are easily accessible from here with a London Taxi always
to be found passing along Knightsbridge, a commuter route for central London.
Hotel:
The hotel building dates back to 1889 and can proudly boast to having the only
private entrance onto Hyde Park.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is a traditional styled hotel with an Edwardian
period feel with a cotemporary twist.
All bedrooms are individually luxuriously decorated in a English elegance and Victorian style with beautiful antiques and
luxurious fabrics and each floor has its own guest floor manager. Guests receive
a complimentary welcome amenity on their first arrival to their bedroom.
Facilities
include Individually thermostatic controlled air conditioning, Bang and Olufsen
stereo, Ipod docking station, flat screen TV with surround sound, cd
player, Personal safe, Hairdryer, desk, Minibar
with refrigerator and snacks, ironing facilities/trouser press, wet bar, High
speed internet access (includues WiFi) and Two telephone lines with speaker phone and voice mail.
Enjoy extras such as exotic orchids and daily fruit platters in each room.
Bathrooms come with a heated towel rail, toiletries by Aromatherapy Associates
and most have double basins.
There are three main
bedroom views to choose from, these are the Courtyard (average 30-34 sq meters), Knightsbridge
(average 38 sq meters) and Hyde Park (average 41 sq meters). Knightsbridge
bedrooms are all on the 5th to 7th floor and some have a small balcony.
Room
service is 24 hours. Evening turndown service (with free mineral water). Video players and fax machines are available on request.
Dining Options:
Mandarin bar: This a noted hotel bar and names as the UK's best by
Timeout magazine. Features leather armchairs and marble. The bar itself is
actually a catwalk. The walls are lined in beige silk with showcases displaying
handcrafted cocktail glasses and ornamental barware. The bar sas an
air-conditioned dedicated are just for the cigar smokers of the world with forty
five different cigars to pick a favourite from. Live entertainment with Jazz
music till 2am. Open 11am till 2am. (Sunday 11:30am to midnight).
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: 140 seat capacity. The setting was designed
by Adam D. Tihany and echos the 16th Century historical British style references
with a subtle, elegant interior that is contemporary and innovative yet with a
respect and understanding for tradition. The utilization of natural historical
materials, such as wood, leather and iron, in modern ways will allow Tihany to
invoke a rustic but refined atmosphere. Newly opened in January 2011. Focusing
on the revival and modernization of traditional British recipes, the menu
features simple modern dishes inspired by our historic gastronomic past and
recipes dating as far back as the 16th century, such as Scallops with Cucumber
Ketchup and Peas, Bergamot cured Mackerel Salad and Slow Cooked Short Rib of
Beef. Key features include views over Hyde Park, floor to ceiling glass walls
providing a glimpse into the open kitchen and a contemporary stainless steel
pulley system modeled on a 16th century design for the Royal British Court's
kitchens, the gears and cranks of which resemble the craftsmanship of an
oversized watch, mechanically rotating a spit over an open fire. In the summer a
terrace overlooking Hyde Park provides an al fresco dining option.
Bar Boulud: The menu is authentic French charcuterie served alongside
seasonal bistro cooking. House made terrines, pâtés, hams and saucissons.
Traditional dishes such as coq au vin and moules are served, while the cellar is
dedicated to Daniel Boulud's native city of Lyon and its surrounding wine making
regions, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. Dine at the charcuterie counter with an
open view of the kitchen or take a seat on a red leather banquette and enjoy the
centre of bistro activity.
Other hotel features include a Sanarium, Gymnasium with the latest in fitness
equipment, Amethyst Crystal Steam Room and Spa (includes a wonderful Vitality Pool) where
you can relax, unwind and be pampered with a variety of treatments.
The Spa is
open 7am till 22.00 and for treatments from 7:30am till 21.30.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Hotel services include same day dry cleaning, laundry, pressing and valet.
Business travellers are more than catered for with the hotel offering 200 suites
and rooms for meeting and conference purposes.In keeping with the opulence to
be found at this hotel meeting rooms are decked with features such as antique
furniture, luxury carpets and marble bathrooms. Additionally the hotel has a
dedicated business centre where the facilities include pc's, Broadband internet
connection, fax, copy and secretarial services (9.00 till 17.00). The business
centre is open 24/7.
Parking: Available onsite
Room Numbers: 223 / 9 floors
Check-in: 14.00 (2 pm)
Check-out: 12.00 noon
History: The Mandarin
Oriental Hyde Park Hotel was originally a gentleman's club way back in 1889,
becoming a hotel in 1908.
Re-opened its
doors in May 2000 following a fifty million pound refurbishment. Formerly known
as the Hyde Park Hotel.
In 2010 the Foliage Restaurant and the Park Restaurant were replaced by the Bar
Boulud and the Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.
Trivia:
In the 1930's Queen Elizabeth II learned to dance in the hotels ballroom. The
British war time prime minister, Winston Churchill, lived here during the second
world war.
Awards:
