Mandarin Oriental: Legendary hotels that Christoph Waltz loves
You probably know Christoph Waltz from Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds or Django Unchained. You will not be surprised why he likes this hotel network when you get to know these places.
History of Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental Hotels belong to the British conglomerate Jardine Matheson. It would be a complicated story with a dull ending to tell the history of this vast company. This is why we will narrow it down to the basic data:
The history of the Mandarin group dates back to 1963, when the first Mandarin Hotel was opened in the central part of Hong Kong. In 1985, Mandarin International Hotels Limited merged two hotels under the common name Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Now, the precise name of the group is Mandarin Oriental International Limited and it is register in Bermuda, London and Singapore.
The most famous Oriental Hotel is probably in Bangkok.
Of all the hotels in the Mandarin Oriental chain around the world, the one that stand out the most is in Bangkok, Thailand. In 1863, two Americans – Captain Atkins Dyer and William West – opened the first Orient Hotel in Siam (today’s Thailand). It was a work of unexpected luxury, but two years later in burned down.
Nevertheless, in 1876 a new hotel was built, and the history of the Bangkok Oriental Hotel dates back to this time. It has seen several owners, but has always been a symbol of outstanding luxury and has hosted the finest guests from various corners of the globe.
First luxury hotel in Siam
Never before had such opulence and luxury been seen in Bangkok beyond the gates of the royal palace. The spacious corridors were covered with luxurious carpets, the walls with artistic wallpaper – naturally featuring the latest designs from Paris! The rooms on the second floor were furnished in mahogany wicker. The second floor – what a sensation for a country with floating huts and low bungalows!
A place for royal visits and world superstars
It was the first real hotel on the Menem River, and thus became a place frequented by royal families. It was here that King Chulalongkorn hosted his imperial and royal visitors from around the world right about the year 1900. And this tradition continues to this day.
Famous persons of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The hotel was also managed by famous American architect Jim Thompson, nicknamed the “Silk King”, a name he earned thanks to his successful Thai Silk Company. Acclaimed and respected British actor, humourist, director and screenwriter Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov also loved the place.
One room is named after British novelist Graham Greene, and Michael Jackson spent some time here hiding from the press. Hollywood stars and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II all come here. Even the Queen of Thailand herself is a beloved and frequent visitor at the Mandarin Oriental.
There is also a Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Prague, and it features in the promotional videos titled Moments of Delight at Mandarin Oriental, which attracts visitors under its luxurious wings. It is difficult to refuse such an invitation!
