London: 5 Places to Stay

Zen is the mantra at this luxurious, Asian-influenced haven that's consistently regarded as one of the world's best hotels. Its location, opposite Harvey Nichols and adjacent to Hyde Park, doesn't hurt, nor does Foliage, a Michelin-starred restaurant designed by Adam Tihany that perches over the park. The hotel is also home to London's best state-of-the-art spa, a deeply cosseting and stylish basement space offering ESPA treatments, a small vitality pool, steam room, dry sauna, and a gym. Health-conscious guests can take advantage of complimentary tai chi classes in the park before breakfast. Bedrooms are large, decadent, and comfortable, with gold-hued drapes, marble-topped tables, and sumptuous bathrooms with Jo Malone or Aromatherapy Associates products—plus slick service. No wonder the hotel draws hordes of celebrity guests.

Insider Tip: Kid guests get mini-bathrobes upon request.

Room to Book: The 914-square-foot, Baroque-inspired Apsley suite, with its marble fireplace and balcony opposite Hyde Park.

• 1. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
  66 Knightsbridge, London, U.K. SW1X 7LA; 44-(0)20-7235-2000 51.501657-0.161113 mandarinoriental.com/london