Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park

Designers Adam D. Tihany and Joyce Wang are reinvigorating the Mandarin in smashing Art Deco style—so start picturing Gatsby-esque types in the fireside wing-chairs. In the meantime, it continues to welcome well-heeled repeat guests to its red-brick Victorian buildings. The draws: the restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (the menu is inspired by centuries-old British foodstuffs, including a 1720 recipe for roast marrowbone); a huge underground spa and fitness facility that includes a 55-foot heated lap pool, and the impeccable service. Each floor has its own dedicated guest services manager should you need bubbly…or a bubble bath. The children’s program would pass Mary Poppins’ white glove test, including teensy bathrobes and bookable tailored parties replete with mocktails and costumed characters

Quintessential London Luxury in A Victorian tower.

Quirky. Mandarin Oriental has a bulletproof global reputation to uphold.

You’re a serious shopper (Harrods, Harvey Nick’s) and/or foodie (Dinner, Bar Boulud) who wants quick access to Hyde Park.

After an afternoon of buzzing around Knightsbridge with shopping bags lining your arms, you want nothing more than to feel weightless—so head to the pool for a few laps adjacent to a flickering fireplace (yes, fireplace).

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal - historically-inspired British cuisine Mandarin Bar - cool, contemporary bar The Rosebery - all-day dining, afternoon tea and champagne cocktails