SW1X 7LA Travel Guide
London Hotel Reviews
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: What You Get For Your Money
February 22, 2008 at 11:58 AM | 0 Comments
Earlier this week, we scoped out some "cheap" rates for the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel in London. Although a rate of $477 was the cheapest we could find, that's still a deal for a Mandarin Oriental (ie. MO NYC has a $900+ rate.)
So what's this Mandarin Oriental like and is it worth our American dollars?
For starters, let's talk location. The hotel backs onto Hyde Park, but it's also across the road from Harvey Nichols department store and is just minutes from Harrods and surrounding Knightsbridge designer stores.
What's more, you're within a stone's throw of Buckingham Palace as well, and can witness the procession of the Household Cavalry from the comfort of your very balcony. (But we bet a room with a balcony and this view costs extra.)
Mandarin Oriental Hotels
Mary McCartney to Photograph Select Mandarin Oriental Guests
August 29, 2007 at 10:47 AM | 0 Comments
A HotelChatter Exclusive
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London has just announced a pretty spectacular luxury package for their guests. The Mary McCartney Portrait Experience gives two guests the chance to be photographed by Mary McCartney (above, and yes, daughter of Paul) in a private photo shoot.
McCartney's professional portrait work has included commissions of famous people like Jude Law and Ralph Fiennes and even Tony and Cherie Blair. McCartney was also appointed the official photographer for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's `I'm a Fan' brand campaign which shot "celebrity ambassadors" like Liam Neeson and Darcey Bussell in their favorite locations.
Of course, there's a high price to pay for some high-end work. Based on double-occupancy, the package starts at GBP 20,000 and is limited to only TEN guests. So if this is something you really want, call the hotel now to book. And we mean now. The number to dial is +44 (0) 207 235 2000.
The package also includes other perks such as two hours of beauty prep at the spa before the photo shoot, a chauffeur-driven Mercedes and private access to the hotel through the Royal Entrance. Can you say "Absolutely Fabulous?"
Hotel Hell
Bed Bugs Stick It To Celeb Lawyer at Mandarin Oriental
January 16, 2007 at 4:55 PM | 0 Comments
When you thought only crappy roadside motels and budget inns were prone to bed bugs comes this report that a Manhattan couple visting the Mandarin Oriental in London was allegedly attacked by bed bugs during their recent stay.
Sidney Bluming, a prominent New York celebrity lawyer, and his wife, Cynthia, are suing the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, owner of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, after staying at the fashionable London hotel last May. According to the lawsuit, which is seeking several million dollars in damages, the Blumings were bitten hundreds of times during their five-night stay leaving their skin red, swollen and itchy. A spokesman for Mr Bluming, whose clients include Elizabeth Taylor and Claudia Schiffer, said: "People associate bed bugs with more of a lower-end class of hotel. Clearly that's not the case here; the Mandarin is as premier and luxurious as any hotel could make themselves out to be.""
A hotel spokesperson confirmed that there was an isolated infestation incident in one of the Mandarin's nearly $1,000 rooms but that there have been no more reports since.
Unfortunately, that is of little condolence to the Bluming's who found bed bugs nested in their luggage and clothes even when they returned to New York. Their apartment had to be fumigated and several personal effects thrown away.
We can't help but wonder--is this the newest bed bug trend? Luxury hotel infestations?
Related Stories:
· Exclusive London hotel sued over bedbug attack [Times UK]
