A SIGNATURE FAN FOR MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MUNICH CELEBRATING THE HOTEL’S COLOURFUL HISTORY AND ENTRY INTO MANDARIN ORIENTAL’S FOLD

Mandarin Oriental, Munich – in celebrating its recent entry into luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning portfolio of hotels worldwide – will this week launch its signature trademark - an original antique European fan circa 1870.

The universally-recognized fan symbol of Mandarin Oriental – with its exotic connotation of elegance and comfort – is reflective of the hotel group’s luxurious image. Mandarin Oriental, Munich (formerly known as Hotel Rafael, Munich) has chosen its own distinctive fan that best conveys the hotel’s individuality. A neo-Renaissance landmark constructed in 1875, the hotel selected a French fan indicative of its colourful past, when French fashion trends made their mark within Munich society in the late 19th century and French art dominated Europe.

Created by the House of Alexandre in 1870/80, the fan is intricately painted on both sides with a scene depicting French bourgeoisie at a countryside picnic and features mother-of-pearl sticks. The serene painting of a relaxed social gathering is reflective of Mandarin Oriental, Munich’s status as a social hub, whilst in keeping with the hotel’s calm and discreet ambience. The ornate sticks also depict a cherub with a clock, symbolic of an invitation to attend a society event.

Mandarin Oriental, Munich is ideally located in the heart of the city and is within walking distance of the old town, museums, Opera House, theatres, exclusive boutiques and art galleries. The hotel features 54 luxuriously-appointed spacious rooms and 19 suites, some with private terraces offering views onto the picturesque streets below.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s finest hotels. The Group operates luxury hotels in key leisure and business destinations, with two hotels under development, one in Miami, Florida (opening late 2000) and the other in New York (opening late 2003). In total, Mandarin Oriental employs almost 9,000 staff in three continents with 10 hotels in Asia, seven in North America and four in Europe.