BIG APPLE BUSINESS: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is an international hotel investment and management group with deluxe and first class hotels, resorts and residences in sought-after destinations around the world. The Group now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 14 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties. The Group has equity interests in many of its properties and net assets of approximately US$2.0 billion as at 31st December 2008.
Mandarin Oriental’s aim is to be recognized widely as the best global luxury hotel group, providing 21st century luxury with oriental charm in each of its hotels. This will be achieved by investing in the Group’s exceptional facilities and its people, while maximizing profitability and long-term shareholder value. The Group regularly receives recognition and awards for outstanding service and quality management. The strategy of the Group is to open the hotels currently under development, while continuing to seek further selective opportunities for expansion around the world.
The parent company, Mandarin Oriental International Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has its primary share listing in London, and further listings in Bermuda and Singapore. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group International Limited, which operates from Hong Kong, manages the activities of the Group’s hotels. Mandarin Oriental is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
History
The Group began with the opening of its flagship property, The Mandarin, in Hong Kong in 1963, which soon built up an enviable reputation for luxurious service. In 1974, Mandarin International Hotels Limited was formed as a hotel management company. The Group's intention was to expand into Asia and operate hotels that would reflect the standard of service synonymous with their property in Hong Kong.
In 1974 the company's hotel interests expanded further through the acquisition of a 49 percent interest in The Oriental, Bangkok. The Oriental was already a legendary property and acknowledged as one of the world's great hotels. Through the management of both The Mandarin in Hong Kong and The Oriental, Bangkok, the Group was in an unusual position of having two "flagship" hotels whose names represented the best in hospitality.
In 1985, the Company rationalised its corporate structure by combining these two prestigious properties under a common name, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. In 1987, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group was floated on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong under the name of Mandarin Oriental International Limited with a net asset value of USD 277 million.
Mandarin Oriental International Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda, and listed in London, Singapore and Bermuda. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited, which operates from Hong Kong, manages the activities of the Group’s hotels. Mandarin Oriental is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
The Group's express aim was, and still is, to concentrate on the development and operation of deluxe and first class hotels worldwide.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 14 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.
***
In New York:
The Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, New York redefines the luxury hotel experience in Manhattan. Its design and unique location in the Time Warner Center coupled with Mandarin Oriental’s legendary hospitality makes it one of the city’s most distinct and sophisticated hotels.
Mandarin Oriental, New York is located more than 280 feet above ground level, providing a stunning hotel arrival experience. It features 248 spacious, elegant guestrooms and suites, all with breathtaking views of the city skyline, Central Park and the Hudson River. All rooms offer advanced in-room entertainment technology. The 14,500-square-foot Five-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 75-foot lap pool, is a prominent element of the hotel.
Dramatic views provide a spectacular backdrop for the food and beverage outlets including Asiate, the hotel’s vibrant restaurant serving contemporary cuisine with an Asian influence, and the chic MObar, both created by noted designer Tony Chi, as well as a Lobby Lounge. Exceptional banqueting and conference services, along with elegant rooms that incorporate the latest technology, make Mandarin Oriental, New York the location of choice for sophisticated events for up to 750 people. A 6,000-square-foot pillar-less ballroom overlooking the park is the centerpiece of the event facilities. In addition, the hotel provides services to The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, New York, the 64 luxury apartments that are an integral part of the development.
Mandarin Oriental, New York’s style reflects the Group’s exotic oriental heritage as is seen in the use of works of art and small details, adding to the overall luxurious feel of the hotel. Also reflected in the design are more contemporary elements revealing its New York City location. Situated at Columbus Circle, the point from which all distances to and from Manhattan are measured, the hotel stands at a cornerstone of Central Park, serving as the perfect meeting point, bridging East and West, North and South.
“This is a significant step for Mandarin Oriental and is very much in keeping with our strategy to grow our brand in major business centers worldwide. The hotel further strengthens presence in the United States,” said Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
The opening of the hotel in December 2003 marked the completion of the first phase of one of New York City’s premier mixed-use real estate projects. In addition to the hotel, the development includes Time Warner’s world headquarters, CNN live broadcast production studios, luxury retail, world-class dining – including Thomas Keller’s Per Se and Masa of renown sushi chef Masa Takayama – office and residential components, and a 100,000-square-foot, world-class performance hall for Jazz At Lincoln Center.
