Inside the newly renovated Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park penthouses

The newly renovated Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is finally open with a fresh look – and luxury penthouses created by Hong Kong-based designer Joyce Wang

First opened in 1902 as the Hyde Park Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is no stranger to fanfare, drama and the occasional celebrity: previous guests have included Sir Winston Churchill and the Queen. So it was hardly surprising that following its £100 million renovation (with setbacks that included a fire), the hotel celebrated completion with a launch attended by stars and hotel ambassadors including Dame Helen Mirren and Liam Neeson.

Former Perspective 40 Under 40 Award winner and Hong Kong and London-based interior designer Joyce Wang was also in the crowd, celebrating as lead designer for the hotel's makeover. Wang oversaw the redesign of the hotel's public areas, all guest rooms and suites, along with its new jaw-dropping luxury penthouses.

READ: Joyce Wang on her design philosophy and inspirationFor the suites as well as the penthouses, Wang drew inspiration predominantly from the hotel's park-side location, together with the building's Edwardian heritage and the glamour of the 20th century's 'golden age of travel'. The largest of the penthouses is the three-bedroom Mandarin Oriental Penthouse. Averaging a cool £42,000 a night, it features a plant-filled wraparound terrace overlooking Hyde Park and views of the London skyline from the master bedroom – not to mention the milky-white marble bathrooms.

Wang drew inspiration predominantly from the hotel's park-side location, together with the building's Edwardian heritage and the glamour of the 20th century's 'golden age of travel'

Subtle nods to the park can be found in the details throughout. The suite chandeliers, for example, have been inspired by fallen acorns and seed pods. Each acorn is in a design that refers to the crown jewels of the British royalty. And in tribute to the Household Cavalry, who pass the hotel on the way to and from Buckingham Palace, horsehair has been used in a number of light sconces, creating a warm textural effect. Suite ceilings have been painted in a light gloss finish with a geometric pattern matching the bridleways that run through Hyde Park.Hand-painted and foiled-feather wall-coverings, inspired by an art deco 1923 illustration of feathers by Raoul Dufy, can be found in the salons that overlook the park. Each panel was made by UK-based interior specialist Lizzie Deshayes of Fromental. Other collaborative touches can be seen in the silk wall-coverings and libraries that feature objets d'art and books curated by storied Mayfair bookshop Heywood Hill.

THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED AS "ORIENTAL EXPRESSED”, AN ARTICLE FROM THE JULY/AUGUST ISSUE OF PERSPECTIVE MAGAZINE.

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