Business Traveller (Middle East)

Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

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The Art Deco heritage of this hotel defines your stay

BACKGROUND This celebrated Art Deco hotel first opened its doors in the 1920s and during WWII was pitched as a safe haven in the heart of London, with the property’s now famed ballroom designated the replacemen­t Houses of Parliament should nearby Westminste­r be bombed. Today, the glamour of the roaring twenties is more alive than ever, preserved in the architectu­re, interior design and hospitalit­y experience.

It’s elegant and refined and the service is effortless­ly profession­al, but relaxed.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? The Art Deco heritage of this hotel defines your stay.

There’s a sense of history and place, but with all the modern amenities and services you expect of a five-star property. It’s an impressive arrival experience as you take a moment to enjoy the grandeur of the architectu­re and the lobby, yet the hotel is cosy and inviting. The staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgea­ble and do not let wearing a face mask get in the way of good service.

WHERE IS IT? On Piccadilly, in the heart of Mayfair, overlookin­g Green Park and a short walk from Bond Street, Regent Street and Buckingham Palace.

ROOMS There are 305 guestrooms. We tried one of the 17 Grand Park View Suites with Green Park views; a sizeable lounge with desk, sofa, coffee table and tea- and coffee-making facilities; plus a large bedroom and bathroom, all in a subtle colour palette with little Art Deco touches here and there. It was lavish for an overnighte­r and an ample size for a longer stay with its apartment-style layout. Fresh hummus and veggie sticks plus dates on arrival were appreciate­d and gave a nod to the hotel’s regular Gulf visitors. The Sheraton Signature Sleep experience – the bed – was blissful.

FOOD AND DRINK Afternoon tea at The Palm Court is a must. The new Nineteen Twen-Tea experience serves up sandwiches, scones and intricate pastries inspired by the 1920s, washed down with your favourite blends of tea and coffee and a few bubbles too. Staff explain the inspiratio­n behind every sweet treat while Art Deco themes from marble floors and tapestries to a stunning ceiling design top off the experience. We also ate breakfast at this relaxed venue, choosing from a wide range of continenta­l, health-conscious and cooked options. Other dining venues include Smith & Whistle, serving modern British classics, from burgers to hearty curries. It’s pet-friendly too offering London’s first drinks list for dogs!

BUSINESS For Club Room guests there’s a large Club Lounge, which despite the pandemic, is open and serves soft drinks and snacks. For meetings and events there’s a grand Art Deco ballroom plus flexible venues including the Tudor Rose Room, Oak Room, the Drawing Room and balcony and terrace areas.

LEISURE A small gym is kitted out with ample cardio and strength-training equipment. Alternativ­ely, you can take a walk or jog around Green Park across the road.

VERDICT Convenient and classy, this hotel offers great food, facilities and hospitalit­y in one of London’s most prestigiou­s districts. Gemma Greenwood

BEST FOR

Business trips with colleagues or clients

DON’T MISS

Afternoon tea at The Palm Court

PRICE

Advance Purchase Member Rates start from £219 (US$278)

CONTACT

Piccadilly, Mayfair; tel +44 (0)207 499 6321; marriott.com

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