Top 10 best Mandarin Oriental Hotels & Resorts in the world

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best Mandarin Oriental Hotels & Resorts in the world

Over the past 50 years, Mandarin Oriental has grown from a well-respected Asian hotel company into a global brand. The group has a rich and proud history which began with the opening of the brand’s flagship property, The Mandarin, in 1963 in Hong Kong. The hotel, which was the tallest building on the island when it opened, soon built up an enviable reputation for service excellence, and instantly became a historic landmark – a status it still holds today. In 1974, The Oriental in Bangkok, which was already acknowledged as one of the world’s most legendary hotels was partially acquired by the group, making the company unique in the way that it has two flagship hotels whose names represented the very best in hospitality. Today, the group is firmly established as a truly global luxury player and operates more than 30 hotels worldwide, with each property featuring a distinctive oriental design (reflecting its heritage) and a unique sense of place. Here’s my top 10 list of the best Mandarin Oriental Hotels & Resorts in the world.

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10. MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

One of London’s most celebrated 5-star hotels, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park exudes an enticing mix of Oriental elegance and fashionable luxury in the center of the British capital. Re-invented and re-imagined in 2019, the 5-star hotel has 167 elegant rooms and 26 richly furnished suites with individual features, with a guest services manager on every floor to cater to any needs hotel guests may have. Food lovers can indulge in two of London’s most impressive dining experiences: historic British gastronomic cuisine at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and authentic French bistro dining at Bar Boulud.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and £100 GBP food & beverage credit).

9. MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK, UNITED STATED OF AMERICA

With its breathtaking views of Central Park and the city skyline, Mandarin Oriental, New York is a prized address among discerning travelers. Enjoying a prime location on top of the Time Warner Center and within easy reach of all of the New York’s legendary sites, shops and attractions, this luxury hotel houses 244 sumptuous rooms and suites, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that boast gorgeous views of the Hudson River, Central Park or Manhattan’s glittering skyline. The property has direct access to The Shops at Columbus Circle, which is home to world-class shopping and dining, including acclaimed restaurants Per Se and Masa.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental New York
Other accolades: Mandarin Oriental New York also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in New York.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

8. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BODRUM, TÜRKIYE

Located along Turkey’s sparkling Riviera, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is one of Europe’s most exclusive beach resorts. This bespoke 133-room hotel stands encircled by olive groves, an exclusive private beach, and a water sports center with myriad options. Wave to passing yachts from your private cabana, take a dip in one of many pools, play tennis, or join a Pilates class. A kids’ club is available and the spa provides a host of nurturing treatments, so there is something for everyone. Inspired dining options range from traditional Turkish fare to contemporary Japanese cuisine.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Bodrum
Other accolades: Mandarin Oriental Bodrum also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s best family hotels, the best luxury hotels in Bodrum, and the best luxury hotels in Türkiye.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
Review: read my review of the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum hotel here.

7. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK, THAILAND

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is ideally situated on the banks of the Chao-Phraya River and in close proximity to Silom’s shopping and business districts. Since opening its doors in 1876, The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has captured the hearts and minds of royalty and heads of state, industrialists, authors and artists, as well as famed travelers from far away places. Facilities include the world-class Oriental Spa, which is located across the river with a hotel boat shuttling guests to and from the Spa. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok l also boasts 10 different dining options all located within this city-resort. The hotel has won many accolades in its 135 years and is renowned for its superb service and facilities.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Other accolades: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Bangkok.
Tip: get free VIP amenities when booking Mandarin Oriental Bangkok via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily buffet breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD hotel credit).
Review: read my review of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok here.

6. EMIRATES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL, ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Emirates Palace – managed by Mandarin Oriental – is a fine example of Arabian design. The property was originally conceived to host the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit and remains the preferred venue for several high-profile conferences in the public and private sector. It is also well recognised for welcoming several heads of states, foreign dignitaries and celebrities. The Emirates Palace hotel sits on a 1.3 km (0,8 mi) private beachfront, featuring 394 guestrooms and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, 40 meeting rooms, a concert grade auditorium and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 people. Leisure facilities include a marina, two swimming pools, a spa and two fitness centers.

Hotel website: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Other accolades: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental also features in my top 10 list of the most expensive hotels ever built.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

5. MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ, MADRID, SPAIN

The iconic Hotel Ritz, Madrid reopend in 2021 as Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, following the most extensive restoration in its 110-year history. The restoration significantly enhanced the hotel’s facilities and services, while maintaining its unique character, encapsulated in the Belle Époque style of the original building. Each of the 153 luxuriously appointed rooms, including 53 suites, enjoy a chic and contemporary residential style. The Mandarin Oriental Ritz is one of Madrid’s culinary hot spots with five dining concepts overseen by three Michelin-starred Chef Quique Dacosta. Wellness facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, an intimate spa, vitality pool, experience showers, a steam room, and a gym.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

4. MANDARIN ORIENTAL LAKE COMO, ITALY

With its unbeatable sceneries, understated luxury and unregulated beauty, guests at the Mandarin Oriental enjoy a rare sense of magnificent that will be discovered in every single minute of their stay on Lake Como. Mandarin Oriental’s first European resort plays steward to a lakefront botanical garden. Guests easily lose track of time wandering the landscaped pathways between the nine villas or lounging by the spectacular floating swimming pool. Water plays a central role at the hotel’s spa, which blends East Asian philosophy with a Western approach. Italian cuisine comes with a twist at the fine dining restaurant L˜ARIA, while the CO.MO Bar & Bistrot is perfectly relaxed and informal.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como
Other accolades: Mandarin Oriental Lake Como also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels on the Italian lakes.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

3. MANDARIN ORIENTAL MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

With the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop and a series of serene ponds as a centerpiece, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech lies nestled in 20 hectares of olive groves and landscaped gardens, beautifully scented with jasmine, night-blooming cestrum and over 100,000 fragrant roses. A sanctuary minutes from the city’s bustling medina, the hotel’s 56 villas are a mix of Moorish and Berber style, and each centers around a pool. The 7 suites are equally sublime, with spacious living areas to stretch out in. After a steam in the hammam, enjoy Chinese fare at Ling Ling by Hakkasan or a fusion of flavours inspired from the Silk Road at Shirvan restaurant.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

2. MANDARIN ORIENTAL CANOUAN, SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Located on remote Canouan Island in the heart of the Grenadines, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is destined to be the Caribbean’s next hot spot. Arrange for the resort’s private jet to pick you up on a neighboring island and deliver you to its stretch of powdery Godahl Beach, where you can go snorkeling, sail a catamaran, take tennis lessons, and play golf on the Jim Fazio-designed course. Other temptations include five restaurants and a hillside spa. Each of the 26 beach-chic suites and villas enjoys dedicated butler service and sweeping oceanfront views or direct access to the white sands.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Canouan
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

1. MANDARIN ORIENTAL COSTA NAVARINO, GREECE

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is located on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese, one of the most unspoiled and breath-taking landscapes in the Mediterranean. The ultra-luxe property comprises 99 guest rooms, including 48 pool villas, all with outdoor terraces and sea views, along with five restaurants and bars. The wellness facilities include a stunning indoor-outdoor pool with magnificent bay views. The resort offers a back-to-nature experience with mesmerizing views of the surrounding countryside, the azure sea, and dramatic sunsets, and offers easy access to water sports, biking and rock-climbing, as well as four signature golf courses designed by Bernhard Langer, Robert Trent Jones II and José María Olazábal.

Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
Other accolades: Mandarin Costa Navarino also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Greece.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
Other accolades: Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino features in my list of the best new luxury hotels of 2023.