10/10
“Perfect stay”
Fabulous hotel in a great location and exceptional staff
London · head to head
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park vs Raffles London at The OWO
Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: Raffles London at The OWO is $282 a night less. They are 2.4 km apart.
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The honest take
Both are excellent five-star London stays with near-identical review scores, but Raffles London at The OWO is $167 a night cheaper and sits inside a genuinely extraordinary building. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park justifies its higher price with a serious spa, a 17-metre pool and two Michelin-starred dining under Heston Blumenthal. If wellness facilities matter, book the Mandarin Oriental; if you want the more spectacular building for less money, book Raffles.
The look and the feel
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
A red-brick Victorian pile on Knightsbridge, opposite Hyde Park, with a lobby of marble, gilt and heavy chandeliers that has always played to old-money London. Rooms are individually decorated rather than uniform, with marble bathrooms and a slightly formal, jewel-box feel. The Mandarin Bar does dark wood and contemporary cocktails, Dinner by Heston does theatrical British history on a plate, and the whole place has the hush of an institution that has hosted royalty and diplomats for over a century.
Guests who want a classic, spa-and-pool five-star break with Michelin dining, right on Hyde Park.
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles occupies the Old War Office, a vast Edwardian Baroque government building on Whitehall with domed turrets, marble staircases and corridors that once carried Churchill and a century of state secrets. The conversion keeps the grandeur intact - soaring ceilings, stone, brass fittings - while adding contemporary Raffles polish inside the rooms, each with city views and modern comforts like a coffee machine. It's a building with genuine historical weight, now filled with the quieter theatre of a luxury hotel rather than a ministry.
Guests drawn to extraordinary architecture and Whitehall history who want a five-star stay near Westminster rather than Knightsbridge.
Raffles' listing doesn't mention a spa, pool or gym, so guests wanting serious wellness facilities and Michelin-starred dining will find the Mandarin Oriental's offer noticeably deeper.
The OWO is the more remarkable building to walk through - a former seat of government turned hotel - but the Mandarin Oriental remains the more complete luxury experience once you're inside.
The numbers
| Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park | Raffles London at The OWO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $1,573 | $1,291 |
| Guest rating | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Reviews | 491 | 207 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 7 | 7 |
| Distance apart | 2.4 km |
What one has that the other doesn't
Only Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has
Nothing on our list that Raffles London at The OWO lacks.
Only Raffles London at The OWO has
Nothing on our list that Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park lacks.
What guests actually say
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
- excellent location and service
- good breakfast variety
- polite, attentive staff
- some breakfast items charged extra
“Excelente ubicación y atención!”
Raffles London at The OWO
- exceptional, excellent staff
- great location
- never feels crowded
- billing mistake by team
“I want to live at Raffles. Best hotel ever”
Raffles guests seem happier overall, praising near-flawless service and location with only a minor billing hiccup, while Mandarin Oriental guests note a small gripe about extra breakfast charges.
Rooms & rates, 2026-10-10
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
- Superior King RoomRoom Only$1,572
- Superior King RoomRoom Only · free cancellation$1,600
- Superior Room, 1 King BedRoom Only$1,622
Raffles London at The OWO
- Double Deluxe TwinRoom Only$1,262
- Deluxe Room, 1 King BedRoom Only$1,296
- Deluxe Twin Room, 2 Queen BedsRoom Only$1,296
In guests' own words
Raffles London at The OWO
10/10
“I want to live at Raffles. Best hotel ever”
Everything
Nothing. Raffles is perfection
10/10
Best Hotel in London. From rooms to service, just excellent and it never feels crowded
About each
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Luxurious Dining Experience Indulge in the exquisite two Michelin star restaurant by Heston Blumenthal, offering acclaimed British dishes, alongside Japanese cocktails and cuisine at The Aubrey. Award-winning afternoon tea awaits at The Rosebery, while cocktails can be savored at the contemporary Mandarin Bar. State-of-the-Art Spa and Wellness Facilities…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
Raffles London at The OWO
Luxurious Accommodations with Stunning City Views Experience the epitome of luxury at Raffles London at The OWO, where each 5-star room offers breathtaking city views, air-conditioning, and top-notch amenities including a coffee machine and a flat-screen TV. Indulge in Exquisite Dining Options Savor a delightful culinary journey at our on-site restaurant,…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
Facilities, in full
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Heating
- Terrace
- Family rooms
- Garden
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
Raffles London at The OWO
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Heating
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
- Laundry
Where they are
66 Knightsbridge57 Whitehall
More comparisons in London
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Rates are live for 2026-10-10, one night, two guests, fetched together so the two are comparable. Facilities and reviews are from each hotel's own listing. The honest take is written by our AI from the listing, the reviews and what is widely known about each hotel. HotelDupe earns a commission if you book, which never changes the verdict. All comparisons