Walpole: Congratulations on your new role. What has been your professional journey up to this point?
Philippe Kronberg: Thank you very much. It is a real honour to join such an iconic brand, overseeing some of Mandarin Oriental’s key European hotels while stepping into the role of General Manager at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. I am very much looking forward to leading the passionate teams who bring these exceptional properties to life each day.
I have spent more than 30 years in the hospitality industry and have been fortunate to work at some remarkable properties around the world. Most recently, I served as Resort General Manager at Shangri-La in Muscat in Oman, where I oversaw a multi-property beachfront destination comprising three hotels and more than 640 rooms. Prior to this, I have held General Manager roles across Australia, Turkey, China, and Thailand. This experience was invaluable as it gave me insight into a diverse range of markets and cultures.
Earlier in my career, I worked across operations, finance and commercial disciplines, providing a well-rounded foundation that continues to shape my leadership approach today, allowing me to lead such an iconic hotel, while remaining focussed on guest experience and team development.
What was the first thing you did when you arrived on your first day at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park?
My first day at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park flew by as I made my way through the hotel, introducing myself to as many departments as possible. It was a pleasure to meet such a dedicated and passionate team. The day ended on a particularly high note as I had the opportunity to attend a local awards ceremony where one of our pastry chefs had been nominated. It was an inspiring way to begin my time here by celebrating and supporting the talent that defines our hotel.
What’s one thing you listen to, read or do that helps you be your best self at work?
To bring my best self to work, I make a conscious effort to stay curious and continually absorb new ideas and perspectives. Each day, I read the news to remain informed about global developments. These are sometimes stories that directly affect our business, and at other times emerging trends within the luxury and hospitality industries. Whenever possible, I make it a priority to travel, extensively. Experiencing these trends in person as I visit different places and encounter these cultures and concepts first-hand is an invaluable source of inspiration.
Staying connected to both the wider world and our industry enables me to approach my work with fresh thinking and creativity, helping to generate new concepts and ensure that Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park remains at the forefront of luxury hospitality.
What is your vision for the hotel and what are your measures of success?
My vision for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is to continue doing what we already do so well: delivering truly exceptional service. It is this level of care and attention that, in my view, sets a luxury hotel apart. Anticipating needs before they are expressed, remembering personal preferences, and creating thoughtful, bespoke experiences for every guest.
Our colleagues demonstrate this every day. When I speak with guests in the lobby, it is consistently what they tell me they value most about their stay and what brings them back time and again.
Ultimately, my vision is for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park to be recognised as the best hotel in London. For me, success is measured by the standard of service we provide and by the lasting impression we leave on every guest who walks through our doors.
What do you think makes Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park unique in the capital?
In a city where there is such strong competition in the luxury market, what sets truly sets Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park apart is our location. Positioned on Knightsbridge, our guests can enjoy all that the area has to offer, from luxury shopping and world-class dining to the vibrant energy that defines the capital. Yet, when you step through the back of the hotel, you will find yourself in stunning Hyde Park. Having London’s most iconic green space quite literally on our doorstep offers a sense of serenity and connection to nature that no other luxury hotel in the city can replicate.
Of course, while the setting is extraordinary, it is our people who truly bring the hotel to life. The warmth, personality and genuine care shown by our colleagues create the atmosphere that guests remember long after they leave. It is often those human connections that bring them back time and again.
What’s your favourite thing about the hotel and why does this typify the institution?
One of my favourite aspects of the hotel is something I have not yet even experienced in full. Having joined in January, I haven’t yet seen Hyde Park Garden, our seasonal terrace restaurant, in full flow and open to the public. Set within the hotel’s garden and looking directly out onto Hyde Park, the restaurant’s food is served directly from the Dinner by Heston Blumenthal kitchen. Having been out in the space, even in winter, I can see it in my mind on a sunny day, full of guests enjoying leisurely lunch or an afternoon drink in such a special location. I can imagine that there is no space in London like it!
The idea of enjoying world-class dining outdoors, with the park as a backdrop, and the Household Cavalry trotting past, feels uniquely Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. It typifies the institution because it brings together everything we stand for: exceptional cuisine, a deep connection to our location, and a sense of elegance that allows guests to experience something truly memorable without it feeling forced.
What makes a great luxury hotel in 2026?
It's all about creating unforgettable experiences that feel personal to the guest. More than just being a beautiful room, great luxury hotels thoughtfully tailor every aspect of a stay to the individual.
Today’s luxury travellers often prioritise moments over material indulgence. They’re seeking unique dining, cultural immersion, behind-the-scenes access, and authentic curated experiences that allow them to connect deeply with the destination.
Ultimately, a great luxury hotel is one that makes guests feel seen, remembered, and connected, bringing those experiences to life in a way that feels effortless and immersive. It’s this attention to detail that transforms a stay into something lasting and truly unforgettable.
What’s something that your guests are increasingly demanding from a stay that you think will only get more important as we move into the future?
More and more, guests are looking for genuine human connection during their stay, and I believe this will only become more important in the future. What guests truly value are the moments that make them feel recognised and cared for: a warm welcome on arrival, a familiar face on a return visit, or a thoughtful recommendation for a favourite local restaurant or bar.
It’s these personal touches, rooted in attentive and intuitive service, that define modern luxury and leave a lasting impression long after guests have checked out.
From your experience, what is the key to London’s enduring appeal as a destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)?
In my view, London remains a key travel destination for HNWIs because of its unique ability to balance heritage with reinvention and progress. There are few other cities that can offer the same depth of history and culture, while continuing to evolve and remain relevant to an international audience. It offers a rare combination of world-class dining, shopping and culture, where business and lifestyle interact with ease, and a place where visitors can choose to immerse themselves in its energy, or find moments of privacy and calm.
What’s the next big trend in luxury hospitality and how are you embracing it at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park?
Wellness is a trend that has been around for a little while now, but it has certainly grown in momentum in the past few years. What used to be a welcome addition to a luxury hotel stay, has now become a central tenet to luxury hospitality.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has long been at the forefront of this, offering a holistic approach that blends scientific expertise with restorative and spiritual practices, ensuring each experience is carefully tailored to individual needs. Our newly launched Wellness by The Park accommodation package allows guests to immerse themselves fully in this philosophy, with a choice of massage or facial treatments and the opportunity to personalise their journey further through consultations with dedicated wellness specialists, aligned to their own wellness goals.
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