How has the hotel overcome the challenges of Covid-19?
Mandarin Oriental Paris implemented the “We Care” program, a series of stringent protocols to safeguard the health and safety of guests and employees while ensuing their comfort.
While the current situation is immensely challenging, tourism — one of the world’s largest industries — has the ability to bounce back despite its vulnerability to world events.
Paris is one of the most desirable destinations in the world, and we are convinced that Mandarin Oriental, Paris will be able to build on its unique strengths to continue to win market share and attract new clients. The hotel is an intrinsic part of the Parisian landscape, attracting both French and international clients. We are a modern Parisian palace, while most of the other five-star hotels have a more classical image.
Under the leadership of chef Thierry Marx, the hotel reinvented its in-room dining with the “Paris by Marx” package, offering hotel guests the possibility to enjoy a gourmet Parisian experience from the comfort of their room, including a four-course set menu for two to discover the signature dishes of chef Marx.
What differentiates Mandarin Oriental, Paris from other hotels in the city?
The strategy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is that every hotel should reflect its local culture, whether through design, facilities — such as the spa — and cuisine. Mandarin Oriental, Paris has established itself as a true Parisian hotel while staying true to the group’s Oriental heritage.
The hotel has been designed with a focus on Parisian elegance, thus creating a space that reflects the richness and diversity of Paris. Our guests feel at home with us because of our cozy, luxurious environment.
The hotel brings together renowned figures in architecture and design. Architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte supervised renovation of the building, its facade and garden. Sybille de Margerie of SM Design conceptualized the interior design and decor of the rooms, suites, spa and public spaces, Gilles & Boissier designed our new 430-square meter Parisian Apartment, while Agence Jouin-Manku lent its creative talent to the bar and restaurants. One of our most treasured assets is our stunning interior garden, which not only provides our guests with an oasis of calm but also offers them a unique dining space.
In addition, one of our guiding principles at Mandarin Oriental is “acting responsibly,” which we strive to achieve through our “Naturally Better” program. We are on a journey to make things naturally better for local communities as well as the planet. At Mandarin Oriental, Paris, we also implement policies and procedures in order to be sustainable; we are the first hotel in France to obtain the HQE (High-Quality Environmental) certification; we reduced the hotel’s energy consumption by 20 to 30 percent. Furthermore, use LED lights, efficient ventilation systems and air conditioning and heating operated by fresh air from our interior wooded and landscaped areas.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Since March 2021, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has been managing Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Having grown from its Asian roots, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group now operates 34 hotels and seven residences in 24 countries and territories around the world, with each property reflecting the group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place.
Mandarin Oriental, a member of the Jardine Matheson Group, has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development, including upcoming properties in Istanbul, Muscat and a second hotel in Dubai.
mandarinoriental.com
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
