The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park stands majestically in a turreted Edwardian building in Knightsbridge. The biggest refurbishment in the hotel’s 115-year history was completed in summer 2019 (it was supposed to be completed sooner, but a catastrophic roof fire caused an understandable delay). The interiors were given a new lease on life by designer Joyce Wang and, most noticeably, the color palette is fresher and lighter. The Mandarin Oriental Penthouse 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.
From $43,500 per night. Contact Amanda Hyndman, general manager, molon-reservations@mohg.com, +44 207 235 2000, mandarinoriental.com