Anyone who has walked through Hanover Square over the last few years will know what a noisy building site it has been. The park was full of bits and bobs for the Lizzie Line and it seemed that all the buildings were getting redeveloped. One of those was Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, which had tantalising signage up for years. And now open, it has a surprisingly modest facade. Tucked away in one corner, look out for the slick doormen in long tan and black coats, who politely usher you inside, even if you’re wearing trainers and a rucksack. The drama starts inside with the ceiling lobby covered in glowing sparkly rock baubles, a huge sweeping jade staircase leading down to Akira Back’s double height restaurant, plus the sound of slicing sushi knives skillfully swishing through the air.
Why stay at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair?
Ths is Mandarin Oriental’s second London outpost – the first one, a more trad vibe in a former Gentleman’s Club in Hyde Park opened in 2000, whereas this is brand new building created by architect wizards Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners – best known for the Lloyd's building in The City and the Pompidou Centre in Paris. Made up of two towers (one residential and one hotel rooms), this has more subtle nods to the architects’ love of showing how a building is made, with sleek exposed structural steel beams and a chrome central staircase. In fact, apart from a few dramatic flourishes, there’s nothing gauche about the design here; it’s a mix of calm tones of blue and gold with understated elegance – the perfect antidote to the madness of Oxford Circus, jut a few moments away.
What are the rooms like at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair?
Rooms here are similarly zen. Our suite was mostly shades of blue and white, with gold fixtures throughout that somehow managed to not feel at all bling and a big comfy bed. The room was compact but well designed so nothing felt too squeezed in and we had plenty of space to spread out. There was lots of thoughtful touches like a free mini bar full of yummy snacks, a very posh Dyson hairdryer, a drawer of charger cables and a very cute gold Mandarin Oriental rubber duck for the bath. The floor to ceiling windows let in plenty of light and allowed for great snooping into the next door offices. Oh, and also over the huge building site next door – the elephant in the room, so to speak. Yep, as of Spring 2025, there is a huge hole in the ground right outside the back, full of diggers and cranes, which I found facinating to look at but admittedly isn’t the prettiest view. The staff said they didn’t know what they were building or when it would be done, but once it’s finished, this will definitely be a significant improvement. However, during our stay, the digging was fairly quiet thanks to the thick windows and we slept well.
Which are the best restaurants at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair?
There are two restaurants at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, both run by renowned Korean-American chef Akira Back who has eponymous restaurants at hotels around the world. This is his first UK opening and he’s using it to show off his signature Korean/Japanese style, all served in the hotel’s central atrium restaurant which has a dramatic sculptural feature wall swirling above diners heads. Dive into a selection of the small hot and cold dishes, sushi rolls and sashimi to see what Akira is all about. Standout dishes include the eringi mushroom pizza steeped in truffle oil, the melty miso aubergine, duck gyozas, lobster udon and kimchi brussel sprouts. We didn’t try it, but for an even fancier meal, there’s Michelin-starred Dosa: Akira’s intimate 14-seater theatrical offshoot where diners sit at the bar and watch the chef magicians at work. For drinks, head to the ABar Rooftop for cocktails and amazing views across Mayfair and beyond. Great for a sundowner, although be prepared: it’s £50 minimum spend per person on Thursday to Sunday evenings.
What is the service like at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair?
As you’d expect at such a slick five star establishment, this hotel a well-oiled machine, with staff wherever you need them, all ready to make you as comfortable as possible. Even walking you to the toilets so you don’t get lost. Everyone was friendly and gracious, but the restaurant staff went above and beyond to make sure we were having The Best experience. Shout out to the breakfast waiter who brought me over his favourite muffin which was freshly baked out of the oven – I really did need to try that, even though I had just finished a delicious fry up.
What is the spa like at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair?
The spa here is seriously dreamy. It’s all very dark and quiet, with a beautiful wood changing room and lots of sumptous green marble everywhere. Signature treatments are based on traditional Chinese medicine and therapists are so kind and knowledgeable – I felt like I was having a massage by a surrogate mum. There’s a lot of emphasis on sleep, relaxation and calming down – if they offer it to you, go for the sleep soundtrack during your treatment for ultimate chilling. There’s a well-kitted out gym, a gorgeous 25 metre pool illuminated by twinkly lights, as well as a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi pools. You could easily lose a whole afternoon down here.
What’s the area like around Mandarin Oriental Mayfair?
Hanover Square is one of the most iconic locations in Mayfair thanks to it being the address of Vogue House, former home of the Condé Nast magazines. Each Mandarin Oriental hotel has a signature fan design, and Mayfair’s was designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood as a nod to the area’ fashion and tailoring heritage (look out for it in the lobby!). Today it’s the perfect spot for shopping and culture, as it’s right in the middle of Oxford Street, Regent Street and New Bond Street. The galleries of Savile Row aren’t far away and it’s a block away from the shops and restaurants of Carnaby Street and Soho. Be sure to pop into independent department store Liberty for beautiful things and down the road to Claridge’s for an iconic afternoon tea.
Why you should you book a stay at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
This is a hotel that offers serious high end luxury, without all the frou frou of similar level stays. It’s calm, elegant, (mostly) quiet and exceptionally well designed, with one of the best hotel spa pools we’ve had the pleasure to swim in. The food is innovative, fresh and fun and it’s incredibly well placed for exploring all the delights of central London. It’s certainly not cheap, but do you get a lot for your money.