Business Traveller (Middle East)
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
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