SimplyAbuDhabi XLVI

W here two wonderful worlds converge. An iconic landmark that sits both on Knightsbridge and in Hyde Park. Sitting between glorious Royal Parkland and the buzz of central Knightsbridge, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London offers the essence of timeless heritage coupled with contemporary flair and impeccable service. Each of the hotel’s rooms and suites were redesigned as part of the most-extensive multi-million-pound restoration in the hotel’s history, by internationally renowned designer Joyce Wang, to reflect the natural beauty of neighbouring Hyde Park. An award-winning spa and diverse dining choices from two-Michelin starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Japanese Izakaya at The Aubrey, and Mandarin’s famous Traditional Afternoon Tea in The Rosebery, all make Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London one of London’s premier addresses. A Royal History Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has over 120-years of exciting history and is a place that continues to welcome guests from all over the world, including royalty, dignitaries, celebrities and VIPs. Originally known as Hyde Park Court, plans to build a ‘residential club’ with 500 residential chambers were announced in August 1887 for what at the time would have been one of the tallest buildings in London. In 1898, Hyde Park Court was sold to Herbert Bennett, a director of Harrods who began the formal process of changing the building from a residential mansion block to The Hyde Park Hotel Ltd., which in 1902, opened as London’s newest and grandest 268-room hotel. From its opening, the hotel became the destination of choice for aristocrats, diplomats, celebrities and socialites, who used it as their home-away-from home for London stays and events – as well as England’s own royal family. The main entrance of the hotel had to be moved from the park side to the Knightsbridge side, as His Majesty, King George V refused to allow any advertising, including the large gilt lettering of the hotel’s name, overlooking the park. The postal address also changed from Albert Gate to 66 Knightsbridge. The original entrance was then kept for the sole use of the Royal Family. Today, permission is still needed to allow the hotel to open this entrance for VIPs and wedding couples. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth attended a number of glamourous balls there in the post-war years, continuing the royal favour of the previous King George V. In November 1996, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group purchased the Hyde Park Hotel. Since re-opening as Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, in 2000 after renovations, the hotel was honoured to welcome Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II back to the hotel on several occasions, including Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s 80th birthday celebration in 2005 and on 29 April 2011, when the hotel hosted the pre-wedding celebration of Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at which 142 royals attended. In September 2016, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London embarked on the most comprehensive multi-million-pound renovation in its history, designed to confirm this historic hotel’s position as one of the best in the world. International designer Joyce Wang took her inspiration from the building’s Edwardian heritage, the hotel’s peaceful parkside location and the glamour of the 20th century’s Golden Age of travel when transforming the hotel’s luxurious rooms, suites and public areas. Simply Abu Dhabi | 93