Latest news with #MandarinOrientalHotelGroup
Hype Malaysia
5 days ago
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
Mandarin Oriental To Take Over Desaru Coast Resort Formerly Managed By One&Only
After a brief period of uncertainty, the fate of the Desaru Coast property, formerly managed by luxury resort operator One&Only, has been answered. It was recently announced that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will take over the operation of the Johor resort. Previously, it was reported that One&Only had stepped down as the Desaru Coast property operator. The property owner, Desaru Peace Holdings Sdn Bhd (DPH), clarified that another operator will soon take over the management. The Desaru Coast resort is renowned for being the last masterpiece of legendary architect Kerry Hill. Yesterday (5th June 2025, Thursday), Mandarin Oriental announced that it will manage the property from this month onwards. The news was announced during a signing ceremony between Mandarin Oriental and Destination Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd. Group of Companies, in an event detailing the coming phases of the Johor tourist destination. Mandarin Oriental will commence managing the property in June 2025, with a complete rebranding in January 2026. With this move, Mandarin Oriental Desaru Coast will be the first Mandarin Oriental beach resort in Southeast Asia. The property currently boasts 45 suites, each with a private swimming pool. Following the takeover, Mandarin Oriental will add 40 branded residential units available for purchase. The branded residences will provide owners access to Mandarin Oriental's legendary services and enhance the property's appeal as a year-round destination for luxury living. However, there aren't many details on this plan as it's still in the early stages. Nevertheless, Desaru Coast is optimistic about the new partnership. The Chief Minister of Johor, Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi, said, 'Mandarin Oriental has created and defined some of the world's most renowned properties and destinations across the world, and this, being their choice for their second property in Malaysia, is a testament to Johor's immense potential. There is no better brand to lead the reintroduction of this iconic beachfront resort property as we prepare for Visit Johor Year 2026.' Mandarin Oriental is the latest hotel operator to enter the Desaru Coast resort development, joining other names like Anantara and The Westin. At the same time, Desaru Coast is preparing for the upcoming Ombak Festival this September, which will further enrich guests' experiences. Sources: The Edge, Desaru Coast What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
CNN
08-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
It had become a shabby relic. Now one of Europe's grandest hotels is being restored to its former glory
Commanding a prime view of the River Danube, Hotel Gellért has long been a beacon of architectural splendor and pride in Budapest. Since its grand debut in 1918, this Art Nouveau landmark has hosted royals, artists and dignitaries, carving out a lasting place in the story of a city that rose to become one of Europe's most impressive capitals before enforced decline under decades of communism. The Gellért bore witness to all this turbulent history, but the years clearly took their toll. After decades of continuous operation, the Gellért closed in 2019, its opulence faded, and interiors worn. And for the past few years, although the beautiful — if also somewhat faded — spa next to the hotel has continued to draw in visitors as one of Budapest's top thermal bath houses, the Hotel Gellért has been shuttered. Its once-bustling lobby left cluttered with old furniture, viewable only through dusty windows. Now, more than a century after it first opened, the iconic hotel is undergoing a full renaissance. Set to reopen in 2027 under the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the new Gellért promises to fuse its rich past with modern luxury. Designed by Hungarian architects Ármin Hegedűs, Artúr Sebestyén and Izidor Sterk, the hotel broke new ground when it opened with features far ahead of its time: in-room telephones, piped thermal water and even carbonated taps. Guests could pay in their native currency and enjoy the first airport transfer service in Hungary — small details that established big benchmarks in early 20th-century hospitality. The hotel's thermal baths were a huge draw, attracting clientele from near and far. By the 1930s, the hotel had become the heartbeat of Budapest's high society. Over the years, figures like the Maharaja of Kapurthala — one of India's last dynastic royal rulers — New York Mayor Jimmy Walker and Shah Reza Pahlavi of Iran passed through its storied halls. Former President Richard Nixon was a guest of the hotel, and Hollywood greats such as Jane Fonda sought privacy within its walls. Violinist Yehudi Menuhin found inspiration in its calm. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton famously stayed at the Gellért while filming in Budapest. Burton is said to have presented her with the famous Krupp diamond in the hotel. The Gellért's allure has even been echoed in cinema, with elements of Wes Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' seemingly modeled after its whimsical charm. Anderson's fictional hotel also shared a similar fate to the Gellért, with the glamor of its pre-war years fading in later life — in this case a grim 1970s Soviet-style functionality. Thankfully, the real-life hotel is on the brink of a renaissance. Recognizing its cultural significance, Hungarian private equity investors BDPST Group acquired the property in 2022, launching an ambitious restoration in October 2024. Guided by strict heritage preservation principles, the team behind the revival seeks to restore the hotel's place in the city. 'We often think of historic buildings as part of our lives — but with the Gellért, I see it differently. I believe we are the ones who briefly become part of its life,' says Zoltán Kecskeméthy, managing director of BDPST Real Estate Development. For Kecskeméthy, the Gellért represents a national treasure — witness to wars, revolutions, and generations of Hungarian life. 'It's not just a hotel,' he continues. 'It's a symbol.' 'We strive to make international guests feel they are walking into a story much bigger than themselves — and for locals to once again feel that this building is theirs. If we do our job well, we'll pass it on with even more meaning than we found it.' The restored hotel will offer 134 rooms, including 34 suites, crafted to honor tradition while meeting modern standards. Signature spaces such as the lobby, the Danube Room and the Gobelin Room are being meticulously restored using archival photographs and original blueprints. British design studio Alexander Waterworth Interiors is in charge of the interiors, while Hungarian firm Archikon Architects oversees the architectural work. Recent demolition inside the Gobelin Hall has revealed hidden original features long obscured. Beneath layers of green adhesive paint, faded red decorative motifs have resurfaced. A coffered ceiling — once covered by a second Communist-era suspended ceiling — has been carefully uncovered, revealing the craftsmanship of the past. These discoveries are guiding the restoration team as they work to return the space to its 1918 splendor. While the hotel's bones are historic, the team renovating the hotel recognizes its soul is forward-looking. 'We believe that innovation is part of the Gellért's DNA,' Kecskeméthy explains. 'In its prime, the hotel was a pioneer in several aspects: certain guests arrived by hydroplane from Vienna. Every room had a telephone — a rarity at the time. Thermal water was piped directly into some rooms. Selected bathrooms even had carbonated water — these features made headlines internationally in an instant. And the spa featured a wave pool, decades ahead of its time.' That spirit continues today, with new additions such as a rooftop sky bar — a contemporary flourish in keeping with the hotel's original daring design. 'We wish to channel the spirit of progress that made the Gellért exceptional to begin with,' he adds. 'Respecting its history and traditions, we want it to be that again — in a 21st-century way.' The transformation reaches beyond brick and mortar. As Gábor Zsigmond, director-general of the Hungarian National Museum, notes, 'The Gellért has always been a symbol of Budapest — a prominent venue for social and cultural life, luxury, healing and even gastronomy.' From interwar gala evenings to milestone diplomatic gatherings, the hotel has been a stage for Hungarian history. Architecturally, it remains one of the most distinctive examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau, layered with Oriental and modern flourishes that make it unlike any other in the city. 'In the past, it was best known for its social events, luxury and illustrious visitors,' Zsigmond adds. 'In the future, as part of the Mandarin Oriental chain, it is expected to continue emphasizing its historical and cultural heritage, complemented by modern luxury services, making it attractive to new generations as well.' The revival respects the idiosyncrasies of the past. While the historic Gellért Baths, adjacent to the hotel, will remain under city management, a new on-site spa will offer Mandarin Oriental's signature wellness experiences. The culinary offerings will blend past and present, with restaurants designed to delight both locals and international guests. Kecskeméthy is especially passionate about restoring the hotel's local relevance. 'We want our restaurants to be places locals love, just how they were in the past. This hotel was once at the heart of Budapest's social life. We wish that feeling back.' The partnership with Mandarin Oriental is seen as key. 'They don't impose a standard style. Instead, they cooperate, in order to create something unique,' says Kecskeméthy. 'They care about the culture, the partners, and the place — and that's especially important when developing a spa concept in a hotel like this.' Every decision, from treatments to design, is made with longevity in mind. The renovation team is evaluating 'the treatments, experiences, and design' that will feel both timeless when the hotel re-opens but also innovative in the years to come. As the Gellért prepares for its next chapter, those behind its revival are proud to re-imagine a cornerstone of Budapest's past for the future, ready to welcome the world once more with grace, grandeur and a touch of daring.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
It had become a shabby relic. Now one of Europe's grandest hotels is being restored to its former glory
Commanding a prime view of the River Danube, Hotel Gellért has long been a beacon of architectural splendor and pride in Budapest. Since its grand debut in 1918, this Art Nouveau landmark has hosted royals, artists and dignitaries, carving out a lasting place in the story of a city that rose to become one of Europe's most impressive capitals before enforced decline under decades of communism. The Gellért bore witness to all this turbulent history, but the years clearly took their toll. After decades of continuous operation, the Gellért closed in 2019, its opulence faded, and interiors worn. And for the past few years, although the beautiful — if also somewhat faded — spa next to the hotel has continued to draw in visitors as one of Budapest's top thermal bath houses, the Hotel Gellért has been shuttered. Its once-bustling lobby left cluttered with old furniture, viewable only through dusty windows. Now, more than a century after it first opened, the iconic hotel is undergoing a full renaissance. Set to reopen in 2027 under the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the new Gellért promises to fuse its rich past with modern luxury. Designed by Hungarian architects Ármin Hegedűs, Artúr Sebestyén and Izidor Sterk, the hotel broke new ground when it opened with features far ahead of its time: in-room telephones, piped thermal water and even carbonated taps. Guests could pay in their native currency and enjoy the first airport transfer service in Hungary — small details that established big benchmarks in early 20th-century hospitality. The hotel's thermal baths were a huge draw, attracting clientele from near and far. By the 1930s, the hotel had become the heartbeat of Budapest's high society. Over the years, figures like the Maharaja of Kapurthala — one of India's last dynastic royal rulers — New York Mayor Jimmy Walker and Shah Reza Pahlavi of Iran passed through its storied halls. Former President Richard Nixon was a guest of the hotel, and Hollywood greats such as Jane Fonda sought privacy within its walls. Violinist Yehudi Menuhin found inspiration in its calm. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton famously stayed at the Gellért while filming in Budapest. Burton is said to have presented her with the famous Krupp diamond in the hotel. The Gellért's allure has even been echoed in cinema, with elements of Wes Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' seemingly modeled after its whimsical charm. Anderson's fictional hotel also shared a similar fate to the Gellért, with the glamor of its pre-war years fading in later life — in this case a grim 1970s Soviet-style functionality. Thankfully, the real-life hotel is on the brink of a renaissance. Recognizing its cultural significance, Hungarian private equity investors BDPST Group acquired the property in 2022, launching an ambitious restoration in October 2024. Guided by strict heritage preservation principles, the team behind the revival seeks to restore the hotel's place in the city. 'We often think of historic buildings as part of our lives — but with the Gellért, I see it differently. I believe we are the ones who briefly become part of its life,' says Zoltán Kecskeméthy, managing director of BDPST Real Estate Development. For Kecskeméthy, the Gellért represents a national treasure — witness to wars, revolutions, and generations of Hungarian life. 'It's not just a hotel,' he continues. 'It's a symbol.' 'We strive to make international guests feel they are walking into a story much bigger than themselves — and for locals to once again feel that this building is theirs. If we do our job well, we'll pass it on with even more meaning than we found it.' The restored hotel will offer 134 rooms, including 34 suites, crafted to honor tradition while meeting modern standards. Signature spaces such as the lobby, the Danube Room and the Gobelin Room are being meticulously restored using archival photographs and original blueprints. British design studio Alexander Waterworth Interiors is in charge of the interiors, while Hungarian firm Archikon Architects oversees the architectural work. Recent demolition inside the Gobelin Hall has revealed hidden original features long obscured. Beneath layers of green adhesive paint, faded red decorative motifs have resurfaced. A coffered ceiling — once covered by a second Communist-era suspended ceiling — has been carefully uncovered, revealing the craftsmanship of the past. These discoveries are guiding the restoration team as they work to return the space to its 1918 splendor. While the hotel's bones are historic, the team renovating the hotel recognizes its soul is forward-looking. 'We believe that innovation is part of the Gellért's DNA,' Kecskeméthy explains. 'In its prime, the hotel was a pioneer in several aspects: certain guests arrived by hydroplane from Vienna. Every room had a telephone — a rarity at the time. Thermal water was piped directly into some rooms. Selected bathrooms even had carbonated water — these features made headlines internationally in an instant. And the spa featured a wave pool, decades ahead of its time.' That spirit continues today, with new additions such as a rooftop sky bar — a contemporary flourish in keeping with the hotel's original daring design. 'We wish to channel the spirit of progress that made the Gellért exceptional to begin with,' he adds. 'Respecting its history and traditions, we want it to be that again — in a 21st-century way.' The transformation reaches beyond brick and mortar. As Gábor Zsigmond, director-general of the Hungarian National Museum, notes, 'The Gellért has always been a symbol of Budapest — a prominent venue for social and cultural life, luxury, healing and even gastronomy.' From interwar gala evenings to milestone diplomatic gatherings, the hotel has been a stage for Hungarian history. Architecturally, it remains one of the most distinctive examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau, layered with Oriental and modern flourishes that make it unlike any other in the city. 'In the past, it was best known for its social events, luxury and illustrious visitors,' Zsigmond adds. 'In the future, as part of the Mandarin Oriental chain, it is expected to continue emphasizing its historical and cultural heritage, complemented by modern luxury services, making it attractive to new generations as well.' The revival respects the idiosyncrasies of the past. While the historic Gellért Baths, adjacent to the hotel, will remain under city management, a new on-site spa will offer Mandarin Oriental's signature wellness experiences. The culinary offerings will blend past and present, with restaurants designed to delight both locals and international guests. Kecskeméthy is especially passionate about restoring the hotel's local relevance. 'We want our restaurants to be places locals love, just how they were in the past. This hotel was once at the heart of Budapest's social life. We wish that feeling back.' The partnership with Mandarin Oriental is seen as key. 'They don't impose a standard style. Instead, they cooperate, in order to create something unique,' says Kecskeméthy. 'They care about the culture, the partners, and the place — and that's especially important when developing a spa concept in a hotel like this.' Every decision, from treatments to design, is made with longevity in mind. The renovation team is evaluating 'the treatments, experiences, and design' that will feel both timeless when the hotel re-opens but also innovative in the years to come. As the Gellért prepares for its next chapter, those behind its revival are proud to re-imagine a cornerstone of Budapest's past for the future, ready to welcome the world once more with grace, grandeur and a touch of daring.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Meghan's 'desperate to trump the royals', claims former friend
When they both attended the LA Children's Hospital Gala last year, TV presenter Lizzie Cundy claimed the Duchess of Sussex was there just 'for the photographs'. Now, Cundy, who used to be Meghan's friend, says her behaviour has worsened since then. 'Meghan is desperate to be liked, desperate to be powerful and desperate to trump the royals with anything she does,' Lizzie, 56, tells me at the Diva Awards at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London. 'Sadly for her, you can't buy likeability, and she's lacking in that by the bucket-load.' Lizzie adds of Prince Harry: 'He looks deeply unhappy. I think he is missing his family and, obviously, worried about his father's health.' Poppy's in bloom for baby shower When I disclosed a year ago that Poppy Delevingne had found love with Archie Keswick, Sienna Miller's ex, friends told me he hated being photographed in public. Archie, who is a member of the Jardine Matheson dynasty which owns the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, was, however, happy to be pictured at Poppy's baby shower. The actress and model, who turns 39 this weekend, is expecting her first child, a girl, next month with Archie, 43, whose family fortune is reputed to top £6 billion. Poppy wore a pink dress for the London party, where she and Archie were joined by family members including her sister, Cara Delevingne, 32, her mother, Pandora, 65, and Archie's sister, Willa Keswick, 40. Birthday girl Sofia dodges power cut Princess Sofia of Spain, who turns 18 today, has just one term left at UWC Atlantic College, in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. The younger daughter of King Felipe and Queen Letizia followed in the footsteps of her sister, Princess Leonor, and enrolled in the school which has been described as 'Hippy Hogwarts' thanks to its progressive approach and castle setting. This photograph, issued by the Spanish royal household to celebrate Sofia's birthday, was taken at Zarzuela Palace, her family's home in Madrid. Sofia is second in line to the Spanish throne. I've been very lucky, says Fry Sir Stephen Fry says he can't help young people seeking his advice because he's too privileged. 'I get requests from people and their parents, saying my boy or my girl wants to get into showbusiness, wants to get into publishing, has written a book, has a YouTube channel that nobody subscribes to, and how do they get an agent? How do they get noticed? 'And I'm in the awful position of saying I don't know,' he admits. 'I have had every door open to me without me having to knock on it… it's deeply unfair for me to be so lucky.' While Prince William was in Rome attending Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday, his uncle and aunt Prince Edward and Sophie were enjoying la dolce vita in London. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were at the River Cafe, Ruth Rogers's celebrated Italian restaurant in west London. 'They were attending a 60th birthday dinner for their friend Tanya Rose,' a pal tells me. Tanya, a travel public relations boss, has known King Charles's 61-year-old brother since they were at Gordonstoun school together. Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes fears for fellow athletes when they retire. 'I'd been in the military for ten years and an international athlete for 12, [then] I lost all of that structure and purpose,' she tells me. 'We always need to do more to support retired athletes, as with veterans. There has to be a structure in place.'
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Hong Kong's famed Mandarin Oriental hotel set for US$100 million renovation
The 61-year-old Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central will undergo a US$100 million renovation demonstrating the company's continued faith in Hong Kong as a premier tourism destination, the group's chief executive has said, dismissing suggestions the city suffered from a negative image overseas. In an exclusive interview with the Post, Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said a number of facilities would be revamped and offerings improved over the next 18 months, despite growing global economic tensions fuelled by the US-China trade war that could affect international travel to Hong Kong. The company will simultaneously undertake a US$100 million facelift of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Kleitman said Hong Kong remained an attractive gateway for business, cultural interactions and tourism, as reflected by a series of mega-events the city held last month, ranging from the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament and concerts at the new Kai Tak Stadium to art shows such as Art Basel. As for the hotel, it remained an integral part of the city's cultural dynamism, he added. 'In 1963 when the Mandarin opened, one of the quotes a reporter wrote in the South China Morning Post was that the speed of the lifts was mesmerising and described it as a 'space age hotel',' he said. 'With so many historical facts about the place, we continue to invest in the property because we are confident about the future.' The hotel, along with the entire city, has been through a roller-coaster ride in recent years, weathering the social unrest in 2019, the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the ongoing trade war between the United States and the rest of the world. Asked whether negative perceptions of Hong Kong overseas had improved, Kleitman said they had and business travel had recovered, including from Europe and the US. 'The image of Hong Kong is good and will continue to improve,' he said. 'I was in France a few weeks ago, and we were doing a lot of work with the French authorities to promote the image of Hong Kong. There are a lot of businesses that come and want to establish themselves in Hong Kong.' Kleitman, who took up the chief executive role in 2023, said he felt a marked difference in the city's 'vibe' over the past two years. 'I feel the vibe is improving dramatically. I remember that the day I visited here was when masks were lifted in 2023. It was very quiet and there was not a lot of movement. Look at what we are, two years after that. This city is incredibly resilient and the buoyancy, the vibrancy that we see today is a good sign of what it's going to be in the next decade.' The renovation will be the latest major facelift for the Mandarin Oriental since 2004. It also compliments sister company Hongkong Land's US$1 billion project in modernising Landmark-branded properties in Central over a three-year period from 2024. Competition in the local hotel and hospitality industry has heated up, notably with the debut of the 413-room Rosewood Hotel in 2019 on the opposite side of Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, in addition to changes in travellers' behaviour, particularly the demand for more experience-led travel. Kleitman welcomed the competition, saying it prompted the industry to improve its offerings. 'Competition is very good, it calls for a diversity of offerings,' he said, adding he was confident the Mandarin hotel would meet the challenge of retaining customer loyalty. 'We have more loyal guests than any of our competitors,' he said. The creation of 11 serviced flats would cater to patrons staying for a longer duration, he said. 'There are family businesspeople, who come to work for a few months before they become residents,' he said. The addition of the new flats and expansion in the size of suites meant that the number of guest rooms would decrease from 447 to 428. Kleitman said some of the suites would be turned into 'corner rooms' to maximise views of Central and the harbour. Other changes would involve enlarging the lobby area by relocating concierge counters, while a 'secret bar' would be built in the existing lounge area. 'We will retain the bespoke design by keeping the black marble walls,' he said. Culinary services would be enhanced through redesigning the busy Cake Shop, 'the beating heart of Central', he said, on the mezzanine floor and creating a 20-seat 'omakase' pizza bar where customers could leave order details with the chef. Kleitman said the renovation work would take time to be completed but the cake shop would continue to offer services. The hotel would also open a new French restaurant by New York-based Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud at the top of the Landmark Prince's connected to the hotel with a footbridge. The space for the new restaurant used to be occupied by the trendy Sevva restaurant, which shut down last year. In Bangkok, the Mandarin Oriental hotel will have new garden wings in the coming months, following an upgrade of its river wings in 2019. The entire expansion will cost an estimated US$100 million. Economist Simon Lee Siu-po of the Chinese University of Hong Kong said Central and Tsim Sha Tsui remained 'the heart of Hong Kong', and there was still demand for top tier hotels in the city. 'There are rising numbers of visitors from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and elsewhere coming to Hong Kong, who will want top tier hotels, dining and shopping experiences,' he said. More from South China Morning Post: For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
