
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has risen gloriously from the ashes following a devastating fire in 2018. The luxury hotel was nearing the end of a two-year restoration project when an electrical fire tore through the stunning Edwardian building. It took another year to repair the damage, but it is now back and better than ever. The restoration saw the rooms and suites completely reimagined with the classic English luxury switched out in favor of Mandarin Oriental’s signature style. They have also been brought up to date with high-tech offerings and very comfortable beds.
The spa can be found below ground and spread across two floors. There is a fully-equipped gym and a brand new Pilates/yoga studio. Book in for a bespoke programme designed by award-winning trainer Hollie Grant. If swimming is more your thing, there’s a 55-ft twin lane indoor swimming pool complete with a lap timer. It is also a haven for gourmands, boasting two Michelin-starred restaurants in the form of Bar Boulud and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. But if neither of those take your fancy, you don’t have to wander far to find a plethora of alternatives. The hotel is located in the heart of Knightsbridge with many rooms overlooking Hyde Park.
Top suite: The Mandarin Oriental Penthouse
This suite is sublime, with three en-suite bedrooms, two salons (each with dining space for eight) and two kitchens. There are views of the Shard and the London Eye from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom, and the third bedroom has a private balcony with views over leafy Hyde Park. Have dinner at, well, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Order the tipsy cake for dessert.