Mandarin Oriental, Prague announces the appointment of John Kitchens as General Manager, bringing more than two decades of international luxury hospitality expertise to one of the city’s most distinctive properties.
A seasoned leader with a career spanning Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, John most recently served as Hotel Manager at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai and prior to that at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, where he played a key role in enhancing operational excellence and elevating the guest experience. Before that, he led all aspects of operations as Resort Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan. His broader career includes senior roles across several luxury brands in Asia and the U.S., with a particular focus on gastronomy and food and beverage leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality from Johnson & Wales University. Known for his hands-on approach and a talent for building high-performing teams, John brings a genuine focus on crafting guest experiences that feel both thoughtful and lasting — without losing sight of operational rigor.
On joining the property, John said: “I’m genuinely excited to be here. Prague draws you in immediately. What makes Mandarin Oriental, Prague so special is its distinct character — you feel it the moment you walk through the gate. Set in the heart of Malá Strana, the hotel offers a rare balance: quiet and peaceful, yet centrally located, surrounded by rich history and charm. I look forward to creating memorable moments together with the team.” With John Kitchens at the helm, the hotel looks forward to further strengthening its position as one of Prague’s most exceptional addresses for discerning travelers from around the world.
About Mandarin Oriental, Prague
Opened in 2006, Mandarin Oriental, Prague is the city’s ultimate urban hideaway. The hotel features 99 rooms and suites, each with a unique layout shaped by the building’s original character, including three distinct Signature Suites and spaces spanning a 16th-century Renaissance wing and a Baroque wing added by the Dominican Order. Dining centres on Monastiq, the hotel’s signature restaurant freshly awarded three Toques by Gault & Millau, where Executive Chef Michal Horváth delivers seasonal Czech cuisine rooted in classical technique. The hotel spa, housed in a former Renaissance chapel, offers treatments in partnership with 111SKIN and Aromatherapy Associates, alongside a tea lounge and vitality pool.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Renowned for creating outstanding properties, each destination reflects the Group’s dual Asian heritage, local culture and unique design. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group’s mission is to craft time enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 46 hotels, 12 residences and 26 exceptional homes in 27 countries and territories with many more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
