The Best Mandarin Oriental Hotels Around The World

The Mandarin Oriental brand needs no explaining to its impact on the luxury hotel industry. Boasting some of the most high end architecture, customized experiences, and outstanding hospitality, the brand has been a leader in luxury travel for many years.

From the shores of Canouan to the streets of Bangkok – Each hotel stands as proof of the brand’s dedication to cultural authenticity, modern elegance, and exceptional service.

Mandarin Oriental also boasts a Fans of M.O. loyalty program, a distinctive approach to guest recognition that eschews traditional points systems in favor of personalized and flexible guest experiences. Whether you’re a loyal MO guest or planning your first stay with the brand, join us as we uncover the magnetism of Mandarin Oriental and what makes it stand out in the world of luxury accommodations.

Mandarin Oriental Brand Overview

The Mandarin Oriental brand is interchangeable with luxury. Famous for its unique blend of oriental charm and contemporary elegance, the brand has become a benchmark in the upscale hospitality industry and has always been perceived as one of the top players in the business.

Mandarin Oriental has an extensive global footprint, encompassing key destinations worldwide. Each property is crafted to reflect the unique character of its locale, ensuring guests experience the essence of the city or region they are in, from the bustling streets of New York to the peaceful shores of Lake Como. The brand has a philosophy deeply rooted in oriental heritage, emphasizing gracious hospitality and personalized care. This means the hotel goes the extra mile to guarantee comfort and anticipate guests’ needs.

The accommodations in each Mandarin Oriental hotel are a blend of luxury and convenience. Rooms and suites are designed with a keen eye for detail, often featuring elegant décor, modern technology, and luxurious amenities. Many properties also offer unique features like rooms with historic touches, villas with private pools, or suites with panoramic views.

The brand’s culinary offerings are definitely also a standout feature, often housing Michelin-starred restaurants and bars. MO is equally noted for its wellness and spa facilities.

Mandarin Oriental goes beyond just being a place to stay, offering exclusive experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture, be it cooking classes, guided tours, or special access to local attractions. This makes each guest’s experience even more memorable, embedded in the local culture while still indulging in the finest amenities and services that can be provided.

Fans of M.O. Loyalty Program

The Mandarin Oriental’s “Fans of M.O.” guest recognition program offers a unique approach to guest loyalty, diverging from the traditional points and tiers system. It is free to join and provides members exclusive privileges, focusing on quality experiences over accumulated rewards.

Unlike typical loyalty programs, Fans of M.O. doesn’t operate on a points system. Instead, members enjoy perks based on direct bookings. This structure aligns with Mandarin Oriental’s branding — It’s more about recognizing and appreciating guests rather than incentivizing repeated stays through points.

Benefits for All Members

Members enjoy various benefits, though expectations should be tempered considering the program’s free and open membership. Perks include:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi (standard in most Mandarin Oriental properties),
• Dining benefits, like special treats from the chef,
• Spa treatment enhancements,
• Discounts at Shop M.O., their online store.

The program’s standout feature allows members to select two exclusive privileges per stay. Choices include:

• early check-in or late check-out,
• daily breakfast for one (or two if chosen twice),
• dining or spa credits,
• room upgrades,
• enhanced Wi-Fi,
• celebratory treats,
• complimentary pressing service.

The primary caveat with Fans of M.O. is its limitations compared to the Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, which is accessible through select luxury travel advisors. Members must choose between booking directly with Fans of M.O. benefits or through an advisor with Fan Club perks, but not both.

Fan Club for Travel Agent Bookings

Mandarin Oriental has a unique program for travel agents called Fan Club, that offers special perks for stays at all Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide. Some of these perks include:

• Choice of $100 food & beverage credit or spa credit, once per stay
• Daily full American breakfast for two
• Personalized welcome amenity
• Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
• Priority waitlist clearance & no walk policy

We recently stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum and booked via a travel advisor, which made our stay that much better. We were upgraded to a private pool suite, got complimentary breakfast, food & beverage credit, and flexibility for a late checkout.

Given that we paid no difference from what was listed on the website, I would say the benefits we got were significant.

Compared to the Fans of M.O loyalty program, the Fan Club generally offers more substantial benefits. The decision depends on individual travel styles and preferences: For those seeking a more personalized, luxury experience with additional perks, the Fan Club might be preferable. However, Fans of M.O. offers attractive benefits for guests who value flexibility and direct booking.

Our Favorite Mandarin Oriental Hotels

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong is the main MO hotel, setting the bar for Mandarin Oriental’s global properties. Located in Central Hong Kong, it overlooks the famous Victoria Harbour and offers easy access to business areas through a connecting walkway. The hotel features 432 rooms and 62 suites, all ensuring comfort and elegance.

Culinary experiences range from a Krug Champagne bar to Michelin-starred Cantonese dining and a traditional English restaurant, enclosing eight dining venues in total. For relaxation, guests can enjoy a two-floor spa, an indoor pool, and a gym. The hotel also has extensive facilities for business and events. Room rates average around $500, varying seasonally.

Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai Shanghai, China

The Mandarin Oriental Pudong in Shanghai offers exquisite views of the Huangpu River and is close to landmarks like The Bund and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The hotel features 318 rooms, 44 suites, and 210 serviced apartments, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, free Wi-Fi, and sophisticated amenities, including twin vanities, walk-in rain showers, and deep soaking tubs.

Culinary delights abound with six dining options, including the Contemporary French Fifty 8° Grill by Michelin-starred chef Richard Ekkebus and Jiang Nan cuisine at Yong Yi Ting by celebrity chef Tony Lu. Guests can unwind in a spa offering treatments and facilities like a crystal steam room and an ice fountain. The hotel is also an ideal venue for events, with extensive space for meetings and weddings. Despite its opulence, room rates are quite reasonable, averaging around $230 per night.

Mandarin Oriental, Canouan St Vincent & the Grenadines

The Mandarin Oriental Canouan in St. Vincent & the Grenadines is located on the northeast coast of the petite 5-square-mile Canouan Island. This resort is part of a 1,200-acre gated estate, offering remarkable privacy and serenity. Find 26 ocean-facing suites and 13 villas. Each suite, starting at 1,300 square feet, boasts a furnished terrace, marble-clad bathroom, and ocean views.

Dining options include five restaurants and bars, from European fine dining to Peruvian Nikkei-inspired cuisine. The spa stands out with its hillside treatment suites, luxury ESPA products, and a sea-facing yoga platform. Additional amenities include a kids’ club, an 18-hole golf course, an infinity pool, a watersports center, and tennis courts. Room rates average around $1,600 per night.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand

The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok is a jewel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The hotel is soaked in history dating back to the mid-19th century. Recognized as the first luxury hotel in Bangkok, it offers a peaceful riverside retreat, close to the Saphan Thaksin Skytrain and the cultural heart of Bangkok.

There are 331 rooms, including 271 rooms and 60 suites, each blending Thai style with contemporary luxury. Oversized bathrooms, elegant bedrooms, and cozy sitting areas mark each room. You can find a 2 Michelin star French restaurant and ten other dining options. Recreation facilities include two outdoor pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, a renowned spa, and more. Despite Bangkok’s reputation for affordable luxury, the Mandarin Oriental commands a premium, with room rates averaging around $385 per night.

Mandarin Oriental Paris, France

The Mandarin Oriental in Paris decorates the prestigious Rue Saint-Honoré and exudes French elegance and grandeur. Surrounded by the crème de la crème of fashion houses and within minutes of iconic attractions like the Louvre and Place Vendôme, this 5-star hotel is at the heart of Parisian haute couture.

There are 135 guestrooms and 39 suites. Each room offers a serene retreat with soundproofing, luxury bedding, Asian accents, and views of the streets, garden, or city. Dining is a refined affair with two fine-dining restaurants, including a French gastronomic eatery, a cozy bar, and a patisserie. The spa is a haven of relaxation, featuring private facilities, Guerlain facial therapies, a lap pool, and an Oriental herbal steam room. Room rates average around $1,125 per night.

Mandarin Oriental Milan, Italy

The Mandarin Oriental Milan is set in four 18th-century buildings in the heart of Italy’s fashion capital, being one of MO’s most distinctive properties. It masterfully combines Eastern charm with Milanese design, with 70 rooms and 34 suites. Starting at 400 square feet, all rooms feature a fusion of feng shui principles and Italian décor.

The hotel’s culinary highlight is Seta, a 2 Michelin star restaurant. The 10,000-square-foot spa features six private treatment rooms, including a dedicated Thai massage room and a luxurious Spa Suite. Located steps from Milan’s world-class shopping and a short walk from the Teatro alla Scala and Milan Cathedral, the hotel offers an exceptional experience with room rates averaging around $1,075 per night.

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing, China

The Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing in Beijing is just a mile from The Forbidden City, located in the WF Central Mall and near the subway station. This property stands out for having some of the largest hotel rooms in Beijing, with the base rooms spanning over 600 square feet, despite having only 73 rooms in total.

Dining options include two full-service restaurants, a lounge, a café, and a cocktail bar, all offering views of the Forbidden City. The Mandarin Oriental’s signature spa experience is well-represented with a high-tech indoor spa, four treatment suites, a 25-meter lap pool with a skylight, and many wellness and beauty treatments. Room rates average around $600 per night.

Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como Blevio, Italy

The Mandarin Oriental Lake Como took over the former CastaDiva Resort & Spa. This newly renovated resort opened in Spring 2019, inviting guests to indulge in the peaceful elegance of Lake Como. The resort is a historical landmark on the lake’s shores and close to a botanic park. It includes 76 rooms and suites distributed across nine 19th Century villas, where most boast lake views. For an exclusive experience, two of these villas can be booked entirely.

The resort’s dining options include four restaurants and bars, like the lakeside terrace, perfect for al fresco dining. The wellness facilities are equally impressive, featuring a large spa with an indoor swimming pool and a unique outdoor floating pool on the lake. This property marks Mandarin Oriental’s first resort venture in Western Europe and pairs perfectly with the Group’s Milan hotel.

Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, Morocco

The Mandarin Oriental in Marrakech is a luxurious oasis amidst 20 hectares of gardens and olive groves. The resort’s design, inspired by Berber and Moorish influences, includes 54 villas and nine spacious suites. The villas have private walled gardens, swimming pools, hot tubs, and areas for sunbathing and shaded dining. The suites feature rooftop plunge pools with views of the gardens and surrounding countryside.

The Mes’Lalla restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional Moroccan dishes, while Le Salon Berbère serves many meals and refreshments. The Spa offers private terraces for outdoor treatments, hammams, an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and a yoga studio. Here, you can find an embodiment of the art of oriental hospitality and Morocco’s famous warmth.

Mandarin Oriental New York, U.S.A

The Mandarin Oriental in New York stands high at Columbus Circle, steps from Central Park. It offers easy access to iconic venues like Lincoln Center and world-class shopping. The hotel features rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park and the Hudson River, coupled with high-end amenities like home theater systems, oversized marble baths, and, in some rooms, soaking tubs with views.

Dining options include the modern American cuisine of Asiate, innovative cocktails at The Aviary NYC, and the speakeasy-style The Office NYC. The 14,500 square-foot Spa offers amethyst steam rooms and a 75-foot indoor lap pool.

Summary & Takeaways

The Mandarin Oriental hotel chain is a reference for luxury and personalized service. Although we’ve picked our 10 favorite hotels, all MO locations are the epitome of good and relaxing times. Join their Fans of M.O Loyalty Program if you are a frequent guest, or find a travel agency that can book you deals on less frequent stays. What matters is: the Mandarin Oriental is an experience that should be indulged at least once in a lifetime.