THE HOTEL: Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN.
A JW Marriott Hotel, The Grosvenor House re-launched last September after a major restoration. With 420 rooms and 74 suites, it is London’s largest five-star hotel.
THE CHECK-IN: Swift, efficient and very welcoming. The check-in desk – with its marble floors, sink-in sofas and bunches of fresh flowers – was in a quiet area of the lobby away from the busy Park Lane entrance.
THE ROOM: I had one of the hotel’s 74 suites, which was more like a spacious apartment. Overlooking Hyde Park, it was split into a large bedroom and an even larger lounge area. The bedroom had a double king bed with 300-thread count cotton sheets. A marble bathroom had magnified vanity mirrors and a range of aromatherapy bath products. The lounge area had a chaise longue, work area, well-stocked mini-bar and 32-inch Samsung TV. Round-the-clock in-room dining is prepared by chefs from the hotel’s Bord'eaux brasserie.
THE BUSINESS: There was high-speed internet, a work desk and laptop-size safe. There’s also a business centre and Executive lounge offering complimentary continental breakfast, canapes and soft drinks.
THE RESTAURANT: The restoration resulted in four dining options, ranging from Bord'eaux to Corrigan’s of Mayfair, the signature restaurant of celebrity chef Richard Corrigan. For meetings, choose the Library Bar, with its leather seating and wood-panelled alcoves. Popular with guests and tourists alike, meanwhile, is the Park Room, which serves afternoon tea in an ambience that is a fine imitation of an English stately home. For the evening, the Red Bar offers fine cognacs, Champagnes and cocktails.
THE FACILITIES: There's over 4,000m2 of meeting and events space. For the ultimate in London meeting venues, there is the Great Room. There’s also barber/beauty shop, and a spa is coming later in 2009.
THE VErDICT: A very classy property offering an exemplary hotel experience, delivered with style and warmth. Whatever the reason your travellers are in London, the location will likely be perfect.
THE DETAILS: Deluxe rooms are from £289; Deluxe Junior Suites are from £439 (prices are excluding VAT). Tel: 0207 499 6363; see: www.grosvenor-house.co.uk Steve Hartridge
