This New London Hotel Offers the Comfort of a Private Apartment

The Dinogo perspective

Nestled in a serene corner of one of London’s most prestigious districts, the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a stylish addition to the city's luxury hotel landscape in Hanover Square, one of the oldest and most vibrant squares in London. Combining understated elegance with modern design, the hotel serves as a haven of tranquility. Mayfair’s first new hotel in ten years, it is the second Mandarin Oriental in London. (Its sibling property in Hyde Park debuted in 2000 and is among Dinogo’s 15 favorite hotels in London.) With only 50 rooms and a few private residences, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is designed for guests seeking a more personalized hospitality experience.

Upon entering the hotel, the bustling energy of the city seemed to vanish instantly. The lobby opened up to a grand, undulating wooden wall sculpture that reflects the flow of the wind, leading me into a bright, two-story room featuring a winding staircase made of Ming green marble. While I was checking in, I spotted a forest-themed painting behind the reception desk. A closer look revealed that the artwork was a mosaic crafted from wood. Such meticulous attention to detail and commitment to aesthetics permeate the entire property.

Who is it suited for?

This hotel caters to a diverse range of guests, from traveling families to fashion enthusiasts, all seeking a peaceful retreat in the city. Its prime location is a significant advantage: situated in the heart of London along the bustling, shop-lined Bond and Regent streets.

Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the building features a blend of wooden and metallic elements, with the same firm also working on the upcoming extension of the British Library. The interiors, crafted by Tokyo-based design firm Curiosity, infuse nature-inspired elements, evident from the moment you enter the marble lobby adorned with wooden accents and earthy colors. My favorite detail was the de Gournay hand-painted silk wallpaper, showcasing branches of delicate blue flowers in every suite.

Despite the hotel’s air of sophistication, the staff goes above and beyond to make families with young children feel at home with delightful touches. Akira Back features a creative children’s menu that includes tempura chicken and a simplified version of Eton Mess, a British dessert made with berries, whipped cream, and meringue. My kids adored the teddy bears dressed in navy cardigans, each adorned with the Mandarin Oriental fan, placed on their beds.

The location

Nestled on the picturesque Hanover Square, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair boasts a highly desirable location. This lively neighborhood is famed for its upscale boutiques, exclusive clubs with mahogany entrances, and Michelin-starred restaurants with long waitlists. Nearby attractions include Bond Street and the Royal Academy of Arts.

The hotel’s strategic location ensures easy access to public transport, making it a breeze to explore the rest of the city. The bustling nature of Mayfair can lead to some noise, especially during busy shopping times, but you wouldn't notice it at the hotel while enjoying a meal at the chic Akira Back restaurant or indulging in a "Tranquility of Mayfair" massage at the spa (more details on the spa later).

The accommodations

The hotel offers 50 guest rooms and suites that evoke a residential ambiance, featuring meticulous design details like gold mesh metal screen dividers, elegant floral patterns on the walls, marble-topped tables, and hardwood floors complemented by soft carpeting. The bathrooms serve as in-room sanctuaries, complete with heated Toto toilets and Dyson hair dryers.

Some lower-floor rooms overlook a neighboring building, so for those wanting a better view, it's advisable to choose an upper-floor room that offers stunning vistas of the Mayfair skyline through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The larger suites, which include connecting rooms and shared living areas, provide families with ample space and privacy. My two-bedroom suite, connecting rooms 304 and 305, was ideal for my family of four. During our stay, construction was taking place next door, but we experienced no noise disturbances thanks to the double-glazed windows. The hotel also offers private residences for rent, featuring full kitchens and access to all Mandarin Oriental services, ranging from studio apartments to a four-bedroom penthouse (with a minimum stay of three nights).

The culinary offerings

The signature restaurant Akira Back made a bold entrance into the UK’s competitive fine dining landscape. The menu reflects the award-winning chef’s Korean and American roots, enhanced by Japanese and British influences. The vibrant abstract murals that embellish the walls and ceilings were crafted by the chef’s mother. I relished the turbot served with a delicate sake butter, white asparagus, and the creamiest potato purée, while my husband enjoyed a flawlessly cooked miso black cod paired with fresh greens.

One evening, we indulged in signature cocktails and wines recommended by the hotel's sommelier at the ABar Lounge. The wagyu beef tartlets complemented by a Suika Sour (a delightful mix of organic blackberry and lemongrass vodka with watermelon sake) offered an unexpectedly brilliant flavor combination. We eagerly anticipate the autumn debut of the new restaurant Dosa, a 14-seat private dining venue; its name means expert in Korean, allowing diners to witness master chefs prepare a tasting menu of Korean-inspired delicacies.

Service and staff

The service at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is outstanding. From the moment I arrived, the staff treated me like a valued guest, attending to every detail with genuine kindness. During check-in, I pointed out the Asian influences of the Mandarin Oriental brand to my son, who asked if mochi was available at the restaurant. Later that day, a beautifully wrapped blue box of mochi appeared in our room, accompanied by a handwritten note.

Accessibility features

The hotel prioritizes accessibility for all guests. Upon request, ADA-compliant rooms are available, featuring roll-in showers and grab bars. Elevators provide direct access to common areas, including the lobby and restaurant.

Wellness and spa services

In the dimly lit wooden atrium of the underground spa, it's easy to forget the bustling heart of London above you. Drawing inspiration from traditional Eastern wellness practices, the spa offers treatments aimed at restoring harmony. I enjoyed a facial that rejuvenated me amid a hectic family vacation. My tranquil hour with therapist Isabel melted away the stresses of traveling with young children. She skillfully applied a variety of nourishing products to my skin, including pink clay, Manuka honey, Japanese seaweed, and organic ingredients from Tuscan olive groves.

The 82-foot indoor swimming pool, adorned with a faux starlight effect on the walls, is an essential experience. Adjacent to the pool, three Jacuzzis provide neck massages and bench jet streams for those who prefer warmer waters. While the pool is primarily for adults, designated time slots are allocated for children to swim, ensuring the tranquil atmosphere is maintained. The spa also includes a modern fitness center, perfect for keeping up with wellness routines while on the road.