The Cheapest Mandarin Oriental Hotels

How to stay at a 5-star hotel on a budget

By Devorah Lev-Tov/April 16, 2018 11:00 am EST

Mandarin Oriental hotels are as high-end as it gets: Five-star service, well-appointed rooms, state-of-the-art spas and award-winning restaurants are all hallmarks of the brand, which has properties around the world.

MO was founded in Hong Kong when the Mandarin opened in 1963 as the city's tallest building at the time, making it in an instant landmark. Upon acquiring the Oriental in Bangkok in 1974, the Mandarin Oriental group was born and became instrumental in Asia's entry into the luxury hotel market over the next 20 years. It then expanded to Europe, North America and beyond, making it a global name renowned for its impeccable hospitality. Today, the group operates 31 hotels in 21 countries.

All of that sounds great, but what about those of us who can't afford to blow our rent money on a night's hotel stay? Well, we're here to tell you that you can, in fact, pamper yourself and partake in the insane luxuries of a Mandarin Oriental property. You just know need to know where to look and when to book.

Asia

What's great about MO hotels is that because they all follow the brand's high standards, you'll get the same amenities and service at a location in Paris as you would Shanghai. But the rates for Mandarin Oriental's flagship Asia properties are particularly affordable, thanks to a favorable exchange rate.

Prices for the Kuala Lumpur hotel can be as low as $134 a night, with summer rates slightly higher. And contrary to most other properties, you can actually save money booking a weekend stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta, since many guests are there on business during the week (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays average $138 a night, while weeknights are usually more than $200). China is also a great place for deals, with the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya in Hainan averaging $197 during the week and $211 on weekends, while in Shanghai, we've seen prices as low as $229. And while the original Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong will cost you a pretty penny, the group has since opened two other properties there, one of which—The Excelsior—can sometimes be booked for a (more) affordable $176 a night.

Europe

The European Mandarin Orientals are difficult to get deals on, but the cheapest rates, which can dip below $400 a night at times, are typically at the Prague outpost (though, we recognize that is not all that cheap . . . but, hey, maybe you want to splurge).

The U.S.

Or, stay domestic and use the money you'll save on flights to revel in the plush experience stateside. Midweek, Las Vegas is your best bet, with rates sometimes dipping below $200, and off-season Miami (i.e., August) can be had for $279 on weeknights.

And here's a great way to get extra perks during your stay: The brand just launched a loyalty program last March called Fans of MO. It's free to join, and members get free Wi-Fi, a welcome amenity, a personalized stay after filling out a profile with your preferences, and special members-only experiences and exclusive offers. And, members who book online directly can choose two additional privileges, including early check-in, late checkout, daily breakfast, a room upgrade, dining or spa credit, or a celebratory treat. Clearly, signing up is a no-brainer.

So go forth and book the luxury vacation of your dreams.

Devorah Lev-Tov is a contributing writer for Tasting Table who travels the globe—and traverses NYC block by block—in search of her next amazing meal. See her latest adventures on her Instagram at @devoltv.