Welcome to Checking In , a review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best new (and revamped) luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below. In three words: Modern.
Chic. Discrete. What’s the deal? Hanover Square, at the heart of London’s Mayfair district, has recently undergone something of a rebirth.
Years of construction and renovation has resulted in new restaurants, a dedicated entrance to the Elizabeth Line (the newest addition to the Tube network), a refreshed garden square in the center and, on its south-western corner, a sleek and understated property in glass and steel—the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair . The hotel has 50 rooms and suites, with 77 private residences adjoining, a subterranean spa, and the first London restaurants by chef Akira Back. Previous visitors to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park , London’s other MO property on Knightsbridge, will notice a marked difference between that hotel and this.
In place of dark wood and dramatic staircases are exquisite green marble and cascades of natural light pouring into the public spaces through enormous windows. Extravagant spires and period features give way to sleek contemporary artworks and fittings. The difference in size is also evident: MO Mayfair is more of a boutique than a grande da.
