Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
Hemal Jain: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London represents London's latest chapter in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s nearly 150-year legacy of luxury hospitality, being the second property in the capital after fellow Walpole member Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. The group’s origins trace back to 1876, with the opening of The Oriental in Bangkok, followed by The Mandarin in Hong Kong in 1963. These two iconic hotels set the foundations for a brand defined by intuitive service, a strong sense of place and understated elegance.
Positioned on the iconic Hanover Square, at the crossroads of art, fashion and culture – the hotel brings Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage and service philosophy into dialogue with London’s most storied neighbourhood, creating a contemporary, residential expression of the brand that feels both distinctly local and globally refined.
What is your hotel best known for?
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London is best known for its intimate, residential approach to luxury, distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship and a deeply embedded relationship with Mayfair’s art and design community. Boutique and discreet in its offering, the hotel is rooted in the creative heritage of Hanover Square and reflects the neighbourhood’s long‑standing role as a centre for cultural exchange, collectors and galleries. Through its ongoing partnership with Mayfair Design District, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London actively collaborates with leading local and international galleries, commissioning and exhibiting contemporary works throughout the hotel. These curated installations – refreshed seasonally – transform the property into a living cultural space, where craft, design and fine art are not decorative elements, but integral to the guest experience.
Complementing this artistic spirit is the Hanover Bar, our elevated rooftop destination perched atop the hotel with stunning panoramic views across Mayfair all the way to Hampstead Heath and the London Eye. Here, signature cocktails take inspiration from the neighbourhood’s most iconic spots and stories, blending elegance, heritage and flavour in every sip. At the same time, our signature suites and collection of residences offer a seamless extension of this ethos – thoughtfully designed, beautifully appointed spaces that feel like a private London home with the comfort and service of a luxury hotel. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a hidden gem, offering serene, beautifully designed treatment rooms and bespoke wellness rituals from private yoga and pilates to breathwork and meditation, complemented by a 25-mretre pool and fitness centre.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
A truly significant achievement for Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London has been its successful launch as a landmark luxury destination in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Opening on historic Hanover Square in June 2024, it marked the first new luxury hotel build in Mayfair in over a decade, bringing Mandarin Oriental’s signature service and lifestyle to a fresh architectural and cultural context in the heart of the city.
From the outset, the property has delivered on its promise of world‑class hospitality through standout features – from its striking RSHP‑designed building and bespoke residences to award‑worthy dining concepts and one‑of‑a‑kind experiences like the longest indoor swimming pool in Mayfair.
Equally meaningful has been the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, culminating in its official certification to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Hotel Standard. This rigorous third‑party recognition affirms that Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London proactively manages environmental, social and governance practices in alignment with internationally recognised sustainable tourism criteria – from responsible sourcing and energy‑saving innovations to community engagement and cultural stewardship.
We are also incredibly proud to have been included on the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards and prestigious Hot List for 2025, a testament to how our team’s dedication resonates with guests and global travellers alike. In addition, the hotel has retained Two Michelin Keys, recognised an exceptional guest stay and placing us among the most esteemed accommodations in the Michelin Guide.
Why do you love the brand?
I love Mandarin Oriental because it represents the pinnacle of luxury hospitality, where every stay feels uniquely thoughtful, deeply personal, and effortlessly elegant. With a rich heritage rooted in refined Asian traditions and a century-long commitment to exceptional service, Mandarin Oriental consistently delivers experiences that go beyond mere comfort to create unforgettable moments – something a lot of brands talk about but don’t necessarily execute with the same integrity.
Each hotel beautifully reflects its destination through thoughtful design, world-class dining, and award-winning spas, making every visit feel both luxurious and culturally resonant. I love how the two London properties, for example, manage to deliver the exact same high standard of service and attention to detail, yet feel completely different in their design, programming, and what they offer – each one has its own personality and atmosphere that makes both a totally unique experience.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair represents the very best in British luxury through its deep-rooted connection to its neighbourhood and its celebration of craftsmanship, discretion and cultural continuity. Situated at the heart of Mayfair, the hotel draws inspiration from the surrounding legacy brands of Savile Row, Burlington Arcade and Bond Street – places long-synonymous with bespoke tailoring, fine jewellery, and artisanal excellence.
The property actively champions this local ecosystem, celebrating neighbourhood brands and makers through curated partnerships, guest experiences and cultural programming that reflect Mayfair’s historic role as a centre of British craft and refinement. From bespoke detailing and material integrity within the hotel, to collaborations with local artisans, galleries and the Mayfair Design District, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London embodies the values that underpin British luxury: quality without compromise, understated elegance and enduring relevance.
Above all, the hotel reflects a distinctly British approach to luxury – quietly confident, deeply personal and rooted in place – and offers an experience shaped as much by its neighbourhood as by its heritage.
What attracted the hotel to becoming a Walpole member?
What attracted us to becoming a Walpole member was the opportunity to be part of a truly exceptional community of British luxury brands united by a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and heritage. Walpole isn’t just a network, it’s a platform where like‑minded leaders come together to champion the future of British luxury, collaborate on ideas, and support one another in growing both domestically and internationally. We were especially drawn to the way Walpole represents its members’ interests at the highest levels, offers access to influential events, insights and research, and fosters meaningful connections that genuinely help strengthen our brand and the industry as a whole. Being part of this community means contributing to something bigger than our own industry – helping to safeguard and elevate British luxury on the world stage.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?
If we could collaborate with another Walpole member, I’d choose Alexandra Llewellyn – she’s an incredible British designer renowned for creating bespoke, handcrafted backgammon boards that are as beautiful as they are meaningful. I’d love to work with her to design a bespoke backgammon board for our hotel that reflects its unique personality and heritage – something that isn’t just a game piece, but a custom artwork our guests and team can enjoy and connect with. Working with Alexandra to weave the story of the hotel into every detail of the board – from the marquetry and materials to the imagery and pieces – would be a really special way to celebrate craftsmanship, hospitality, and tradition all at once.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
We’re incredibly excited to be launching a very special afternoon tea in collaboration with a renowned fashion brand that shares deep and meaningful ties with our hotel. While we’re still finalising all of the delightful details, but guests can look forward to an exclusive, limited‑edition offering that celebrates both heritage and creativity, and reflects the shared values of craftsmanship and sophistication between the hotel and our fashion partner. Stay tuned for more – this is set to be a unique experience that guests won’t want to miss.
mandarinoriental.com
