Review: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
The brand’s second London outpost has an enviable address in Hanover Square
Location: It’s hard for new openings to find pitch-perfect spots in London these days, but Mandarin Oriental’s Mayfair outpost has an enviable address in Hanover Square. The property is adjacent to the former Vogue House office, with the designer boutiques of Regent Street and New Bond Street just a stone’s throw away. The Elizabeth Line’s Bond Street station gives clients easy, express access to Heathrow.
First impressions: Charming door staff in tailored black-and-beige attire greet us with beaming smiles, and the warm welcome continues as we are whisked through the lobby area for check-in. When we arrive at our Deluxe Suite, we find books and a teddy bear waiting for my three-year-old son. I’ve written about Mandarin Oriental as the ideal family-friendly brand many times in Aspire, and I’m delighted this new opening is no different. The decor throughout the property is chic, with ornate decorative details.
The facts: Unlike its well-known sister property in Knightsbridge, the Mayfair location has a leaning towards residences, with just 50 hotel rooms and suites. It has a very stylish, boutique vibe. Rooms and suites are spacious with divine bed linen and Natura Bissé amenities. Despite having only opened in June this year, the social spots are already shining, with epic Asian restaurant Akira Back buzzing with life. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here. A second culinary offering will open this month (September) in the shape of intimate Korean chef’s table experience Dosa. The restaurant will operate a set seating time of 7pm, with up to 14 guests watching as chefs prepare refined plates. A lounge bar has already opened and a panoramic rooftop bar is set to launch later this year. The spa boasts the largest pool in Mayfair, with mini hydrotherapy pools running along its edge, while treatments use Swiss Perfection products. It’s a haven of relaxation, and a must for guests staying at the property.
Ideal for: Well-heeled clients who enjoy shopping and hopping around Mayfair’s best spots.
Explore: Head out on foot to discover the local area – the hotel’s concierge team has an impressive black book of restaurant recommendations and suggestions.
Wow: Everything about Mandarin Oriental wowed me. Lunch at Akira Back is outstanding and worth booking for clients even if they’re not staying at the property. Dish after dish of Japanese goodness arrived, while staff proved bubbly, fun and extremely attentive. My highlights were the miso aubergine, miso black cod and iced sashimi platter, with the restaurant’s signature dish being a tuna pizza that my husband devoured. The perfect restaurant experience!
Book it: Rooms start from £1,000 a night.
mandarinoriental.com
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