THE long-awaited April reopening of legendary London hotel, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, has been marked with another accolade to rubberstamp its resounding success: General Manager, Amanda Hyndman, has been voted Hotelier of the Year at the 2019 Virtuoso Best of the Best Awards in Las Vegas, as part of the 31st annual Virtuoso Travel Week conference.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, hotel lobby entrance
It’s been a turbulent few years for the Knightsbridge landmark. The most thorough renovations in its storied 117-year history meant a prolonged shutting of the doors, followed by a bitterly brief reopening – the paint had barely dried when a fire, one week in, brought about another closure.
In the months that followed, however, the people of London have finally been able to reap the benefits of the renovations, and the plaudits have been coming thick and fast. Speaking on the Virtuoso Best of the Best Award win, Amanda Hyndman said, “This award is for our entire team who take care of our guests each and every day. It is recognition for their on-going passion and commitment towards becoming the best, and I am honoured to receive it on their behalf.”
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park exterior
Expanding on the gravity of the win, and the enduring importance of the Best of the Best Awards, Virtuoso Senior Vice President Albert Herrera said, “The Best of the Best Awards celebrate those who embody the Virtuoso spirit by demonstrating leadership in further service and innovation in an industry where excellence is the norm.”
With over 30 years in the field, and her astute stewardship of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental Washington D.C. and The Excelsior Hong Kong since joining the hotel group in 2007, it’s safe to say that when it comes to Amanda Hyndman, excellence is most definitely the norm.
by Charlie Navin-Holder
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA