Boasting a rooftop bar, seriously sleek subterranean spa and prime central London location, this Mayfair hotel is one of the capital’s finest
Location
The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is discreetly positioned on the edge of historic Hanover Square in London’s Mayfair, within a few minutes’ walk of Bond Street station, as well as New Bond Street, Selfridges and Oxford Street for shopping.
For international visitors and those coming from outside of the capital, the nearby Tube stations put it within easy reach of major transport hub King’s Cross St Pancras, which is around 10 minutes away.
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The vibe
Housed in a modern building (the first new-build in Mayfair in a decade), this is a classy and polished hotel has just 50 rooms as well as 77 private residences. Glamorous interiors in jewel tones combine elements of eastern design (think hand-painted floral silk wallpaper by House of de Gournay) with haute couture and classic British style.
The clever layouts of the public spaces makes them feel spacious, despite the building being quite compact. A case in point is the Atrium restaurant-bar, a light, airy double-height space where breakfast is served.
Throughout the hotel, there are details that are sure to impress, from the rare green Ming marble at the spa entrance and the fabulous spiral staircase of the Atrium restaurant, to the metallic ceilings in reception and the glass lifts that whisk guests up five floors revealing impressive city views.
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Service
Service is efficient and warm. Nothing is too much trouble, and thoughtful extras include luxe body creams left by the bedside at turndown, a gold rubber duck left as a gift in the bathtub and a gorgeous painted chocolate in the shape of the Mandarin Oriental fan.
On my visit (I stayed here solo for a babymoon), a pregnancy pillow was sourced for me and placed in the room to help me sleep better.
Bed and bath
The 50 rooms are designed in accordance with feng shui principles, with fabrics in calming colours and cleverly laid-out spaces for relaxing and socialising.
The Studio Suites are particularly well-appointed, with generously sized marble bath tubs and walk-in showers, double sinks, a large dressing area and wardrobe, and a bar area in the living space complete with plush, curved sofas. Each suite comes with a Bose sound system, an iPad, GHD straighteners and a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer.
The bathrooms are exceptional, featuring Japanese Toto toilets, marble bathtubs, Natura Bisse toiletries, underfloor heating, walk-in showers and plush bathrobes/kimonos.
The impressive four-bedroom penthouse takes things up a level, with bespoke interiors, original artwork, a private terrace with 180-degree views, a beautiful dining space with a bar, a Gaggenau kitchen where staff can cook and serve guests a private dining experience, and an open fireplace befitting of a Bond villain’s lair.
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Food and drink
Atrium is where breakfast and lunch are served. Choose from eggs Benedict, labneh shakshuka with za’atar focaccia, buttermilk pancakes, the signature tiramisu croffle (a waffle-croissant hybrid) and more. The lunch offering includes crudos, pizzettas, and mains such as blue lobster spaghetti, 30-day dry-aged Lake District ribeye and gochujang salmon.
Hanover Bar is a 50-seater rooftop bar with an outside terrace. On Saturdays, the rooftop bar serves a special “Negronis All Night Long” menu spotlighting the cocktail, while a DJ keeps things lively.
While there is no dedicated dining space for an evening meal, the concierge can arrange dining at Mazarine, a seafood-focused French restaurant located inside the building. Staff are happy to accommodate all dietary requirements.
Facilities
The subterranean spa is one of the hotel’s highlights, with a 25 metre pool, decorated with many twinkling spotlights that bounce off the water’s surface. There is also a sauna, steam room and a a state-of-the-art gym offering personal training, reformer pilates, nutritional consultations, physiotherapy and NormaTec massage technology used by elite athletes to improve recovery and performance.
Holistic treatments are inspired by traditional Chinese practices and medicine, while binaural biohacking treatments offer 22-minute experiences, dialling into themes of stress release, mindfulness, awaken and power nap.
The carefully curated spa menu also features treatments by results-driven brand Swiss Perfection, the scientific Seed to Skin Tuscany and CBD-infused OTO.
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Accessibility
The hotel offers accessible routes throughout the property. There are three rooms that can accommodate guests with accessibility needs.
Pet policy
The hotel allows cats or dogs up to 15kg with a maximum of two pets per unit. A fee of £100 per stay, plus a cleaning fee, applies. Pets must be fully trained and always accompanied.
Family-friendly?
Yes. All suites have interconnecting rooms, and cots are available on request. Atrium has a kids’ menu. The hotel offers a Mini-Mayfair package, including little extras such as panda dressing gowns and themed experiences. Children can use the pool as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is 11am.
At a glance
Best thing: The stunning underground pool.
Perfect for: A pampering city break in the capital.
Not right for: While family-friendly, this hotel is more geared towards adult guests.
Instagram from: A poolside daybed or the rooftop bar.
Address: 22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP
Phone: 020 7889 8888
Website: mandarinoriental.com
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Emilee was a guest of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
