Until 30th December 2014, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London are offering a Luxury Afternoon Tea experience which includes an overnight stay in the hotel with a full English breakfast and Afternoon Tea in the Rosebery for two. KM was lucky enough to sample this incredible offer and cannot recommend it highly enough.
The Experience
Stepping into Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is as if someone has momentarily pressed the pause button on life. Set in one of London’s chicest and busiest postcodes, the hotel offers a portal of escapism and serenity from the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge. Marble walls and a crackling fireplace invite you to stay a while in the elegant surroundings whilst the impeccably dressed staff and footman are on hand and ready to welcome you with what can only be described as a genuine warmth. In a pleasing contrast to the buzzing Knightsbridge entrance, the rear of the hotel overlooks a leafy Hyde Park where you can enjoy an afternoon stroll, observe riders on horseback or captain a paddleboat on the Serpentine river.
Checking-in is smooth and efficient thanks to the extremely welcoming staff. Maintaining the perfect balance of being professional yet personable, they really do make you feel as though you have arrived at a home from home. Only too happy to help, they may even treat you to a swift tour of the hotel restaurants, spa and gym before guiding you to your very own haven of comfort.
Accommodation
Our Mandarin Junior Suite was a quintessentially English affair, with decadent furnishings, traditional decor, a large en-suite and ample closet space. Charming little touches such as a small box of delectable chocolates placed on the coffee table were a pleasant surprise, as was the view, which overlooked the glistening lights of Knightsbridge, filled with happy shoppers and glamorous groups enjoying an evening in London.
When one is ready to retire at night, you can disappear to the land of nod in the enormous and incredibly comfortable bed. A small family could get lost inside its acres of space, it really is that large! All whilst being enveloped in a thread count that is off the charts.
Those with especially refined tastes will enjoy the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s own “pillow” menu. You can choose from a plethora of feathers, horsehair or even a ‘buckwheat’ option for the more adventurous and hardy.
Breakfast at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park makes rising in the morning something to look forward to. The food is quite exceptional and impressively varied, catering for a variety of international culinary desires. Influences can be seen from Europe, Asia, America and of course the UK. One of the great pleasures of staying at the Mandarin Oriental is the location and the entire restaurant looks out onto the serene and picturesque Hyde Park. What better way to start the day?
Fitness and Spa
The brand new fitness centre is a design maven’s dream. Guests can relax in the contemporary 17m stainless steel swimming pool, with an exquisite fireplace positioned just above the water and a rainfall feature that imparts a deep sense of calm, taking you on a journey away from the stresses of daily life.
For those who want to feel the burn, the hotel also has a state-of-the art gym with the most sophisticated equipment available. Friendly personal trainers are on hand to guide you through your workout if required.
If relaxation is what you have in mind, then retreat to the award-winning Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London for a haven of tranquillity, where wellbeing is the focus. With a unique offering of innovative and restorative treatments, guests are encouraged to book ‘Time’ instead of a specific treatment, which allows for a fully tailor-made experience to suit your needs.
Afternoon Tea
The Rosebery opened its doors earlier this year, offering a luxurious Afternoon Tea consisting of fresh sandwiches, pastries, scones and seasonal jams as well as a bespoke collection of speciality teas, which have been crafted in conjunction with the East India Company.
The Rosebery imposes an element of theatre within its Afternoon Tea, which does not end with the food, but really begins with its delivery. A hand sculpted brass branch is brought to sit beside your table, whereupon a delightful array of sandwiches and cakes are hung within a bespoke brass birdcage. Quite a vision and oh so much fun!
As well as their signature Afternoon Tea selection, The Rosebery are currently offering a limited edition Paddington Bear inspired Afternoon Tea menu which features a charming “Paddington Marmalade Pot” and “Pack Your Suitcase” chocolate treats which arrive decorated with tiny paw prints and a small red hat and simply must be sampled!
The salon is an inviting combination of Victorian decor with contemporary touches. Bespoke art adorns the walls whilst streams of light pour in through the vast windows overlooking Knightsbridge. A roaring fire in the heart of the room keeps a cosy atmosphere and the overall feeling is both exciting and relaxing.
The staff go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and do their utmost to ensure you have an enjoyable afternoon. Whether catching up with friends or enjoying a spot of people watching, you can be safe in the knowledge you are experiencing one of the finest Afternoon Teas that London has to offer.
As well as Afternoon Tea, The Rosebery also offers a selection of in-house freshly made croissants, muffins, viennoisserie and Danish pastries for morning visitors and come nightfall, the room transforms into an exquisite Champagne bar. Simply divine!
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