Five hotels steeped in history

By Marisa Cannon

October 1, 2022

Whether it’s literary connections, a colourful past or a brush with royalty, these five landmark hotels all have a story to tell.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

If you’re looking for historic splendour, this is the place. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London was built as a grand apartment block and private members’ club, before becoming a hotel in 1902. Facing Hyde Park, the ‘royal entrance’ was originally reserved for Queen Victoria, while Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret learned to dance in the gilded ballroom, which now stages special events. Soak in the atmosphere over afternoon tea at The Rosebery – once a hangout for Whitehall’s politicians, called the Bennett Tearoom. The concierge can also arrange horse-riding in Hyde Park; trot along Rotten Row, where 18th-century aristocrats came to gallop, gossip and flirt.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

One of the grandest vestiges of 19th-century Bangkok, this iconic hotel has seduced guests for several centuries, having opened in 1876 as Thailand’s first luxury hotel. In 1891, the incumbent King of Siam was so impressed that he chose to host the soon-to-be Tsar Nicholas of Russia there. The 19th-century Authors’ Lounge remains an atmospheric spot for tea, with its wicker easy chairs, rattan fans and French windows, along with framed photographs of the literary greats who stayed here, like Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad. Time also seems to stand still in The Oriental Spa, housed in a beautifully-restored, historic teak house.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris

This spectacular property has been awarded ‘Palace’ status, making it one of the French capital’s twelve most exclusive hotels. It’s set at number 251 on rue Saint-Honoré, an address with a tale to tell: it’s been a riding school, a convent and a circus, where Cuban-born Rafael Padilla – AKA Chocolat the clown – was the toast of belle époque Paris (look out for the memorial plaque on the façade). Today, it’s the grandest of homes-from-home for its guests, moments from Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme and the Louvre. Beyond its art deco façade, guests stroll the camelia-lined courtyard, hide out in the decadent spa, or nibble mid-morning Saint-Honorés at the exquisite Cake Shop.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Overlooking Victoria Harbour, Mandarin Oriental’s flagship property has long been the city’s most illustrious address: everyone who’s anyone has stayed here, from Beyoncé to the Beatles. When it opened in 1963, the hotel was the tallest building in Hong Kong, built on the harbour’s edge on the site of the old colonial-era Queen’s Building. It was the first hotel in the city to install direct-dial phones, and the first in Asia to put a bath in every room. Even now, it continues to set the benchmark for luxury, from its state-of-the-art rooms and suites to its Michelin star-scattered restaurants. A drink at the Captain’s Bar, meanwhile, remains an absolute essential, whether it’s a silver tankard of beer or a pre-dinner Mandarin Gimlet.

Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

Opened in 1950 as the Hôtel du Rhône, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva was the first hotel to be built in Europe after the second world war. It has maintained a reputation for superlative hospitality ever since, hosting everyone from rock stars to royalty in its lake-view rooms and suites. Five minutes’ walk away, Geneva’s Old Town is headily atmospheric, with its cobblestoned squares and secret passages. Drop in at Maison Tavel, its oldest residence, to trace the city’s history, or explore the mighty Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, which played a central role in the Reformation.

About the Author

Marisa Cannon

Marisa is a travel writer who contributes to British Airways, Land Rover, Business Traveller, cnn.com and South China Morning Post.