Park Lane London – there is no grander statement of intent that booking a stay at one of the hotels on this prestigious road. With many hotel options to choose from how do you know which to pick though? Elysium Magazine thought it was high time the discerning gent equipped himself with this key knowledge. On this occasion our pick was Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel. Time to find out if this is the kind of establishment suitable for the discerning gent.
The Location
Located opposite Hyde Park and near the Oxford Street end of Park Lane, Grosvenor House is one of the many grand hotels situated on this famous road. This five star hotel is well placed for the demands of your stay – at the heart of the West End if you’re treating the good lady to a weekend filled with retail therapy on Oxford Street and entertainment at the theatre, or equally for some down time and fresh air in Hyde Park. If the need is to talk business then transport links are numerous and within easy reach. The main entrance of the hotel is directly on the streets of Mayfair and offers an impressive welcome coming into the courtyard and walking into the lobby of the hotel.
The lobby itself keeps the trend of grandeur going – a huge expansive area with an open fire and comfy couches to warm the limbs on a chilly day. Check-in is a fast and straight forward affair, while the staff on reception staff very helpful indeed. It’s a big hotel of 494 rooms – 420 bedrooms and 74 suites across eight floors. There’s also a good size fitness suite well stocked with facilities should the rain ever scupper your plans of a run in Hyde Park.
The hotel is steeped in history too. Opened in 1929 it quickly became a favourite of discerning gents of the past including Orson Welles and Henry Kissinger, whilst the Queen Mother used to dance at its glamorous balls. Speaking of which, the Great Room and Ballroom is huge – it’s no wonder the venues attract all the glitz it does. The scale of the hotel is big; things can get a bit maze-like wondering the corridors – but nothing to trouble the discerning gent’s sense of direction.
The Room
Checking into one of the Executive Suites at Grosvenor House, upon entering the first thing that hits you is the scale of the room – it’s big, very big. The separate lounge area is open and very comfortable with ample seating and all the mod-cons de rigueur, whilst the views overlooking Hyde Park are great on a clear day. The décor is traditional English in style – dark furniture, green carpets and red walls and accessories. The look works well and doesn’t have any ‘chintz’ to it.
The bedroom follows the spacious setting of the suite but is more neutral in décor. The large and very comfy four-poster bed is perfect for a restful night’s sleep, whilst the bathroom is black and white marble throughout to continue the traditional English style. Despite the large size of the hotel it’s still a very quiet one so after a day of shopping and shows, or brokering deals returning to this suite guarantees a peaceful haven to aid the recharging of the batteries.
The Food
Grosvenor House has a couple of dining options available for the hungry discerning gent – Corrigan’s Mayfair and the JW Steakhouse (look out for the restaurant review of this coming soon…). Breakfast is served in the JW Steakhouse and offers all the usual breakfast options including a full English Breakfast (£29pp) and the continental breakfast (£20pp). We opted for dishes from the a la carte menu and thoroughly enjoyed the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toasted brioche bread (£16) along with the eggs Benedict (£15) – a great way to set you up for the day. Service at breakfast was friendly and fast even with the vast numbers they cater for each morning.
Verdict
Grosvenor House is all that you’d expect and more of grand five star hotel on Park Lane. Location and access to transport is spot on, whilst rooms with views of Hyde Park are always sure to be a draw for the discerning gent. The luxurious comfort and the settings add in favour of this hotel. It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend away with the lady in your life – she’s sure to be impressed with grandeur the hotel offers, whilst the business and fitness facilities can aid any professional pursuits. If that’s not enough, there aren’t many hotels that can boast visits from the Queen or Jacqueline Onassis, to name just two illustrious guests of the past.
The Details
Grosvenor House, JW Marriott Hotel
86-90 Park Lane
London
W1K 7TN
Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 6363
www.londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk
Deluxe Rooms from £269, Executive Suites from £809 per night