Embrace the nostalgia at this 1920s Art Deco gem in the heart of the capital.
First things first, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane isn’t on Park Lane – and it’s all the better for it. Slap bang in the middle of Mayfair, the property is in the most expensive area on the Monopoly board. Best of all, it is near blockbuster sights including Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street for shopping.
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane opened in 1927 and has an old-world charm. The Grade II listed building was originally designed by the same architect behind Harrods, and features a mansard roof as well as a Portland stone façade. Plus, there are two entrances: the Piccadilly one is great for the gram, and the Brick Street one is terrific for taxis.
As we made our way to the hotel, we spotted a flag with the hotel’s name and doormen in top hats. As you swing through a revolving door, the area boasts Art Deco décor, dark woods and high ceilings. Note: the property is not the most accessible, as getting from the main entrance to the reception required three sets of stairs.
Rooms and suites
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is home to more than 300 rooms, which range from Deluxe Rooms to Grand Suites. We hopped into the lift, which was a little rickety. Our home for the night was a Club Room, which also gave us access to the Club Lounge.
Located on a higher floor, the room boasted brilliant views of London. There aren’t many hotels in the capital with views spanning The Shard to Battersea Power Station. In between, you’ll spot the silhouette of Big Ben, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey.
The room had a gentlemen’s club aesthetic, from dark wood panels to darker leather chairs. While it was a little on the swirly carpet side and had a small bathroom, there were some charming touches. We spotted statues of Dalmatians, which we’d like to think were a nod to its pet-friendly policy and the London-based book as well as Disney film, One Hundred and One Dalmatians.
Restaurants and bars
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is home to a range of restaurants and bars. Smith & Whistle is a retro-inspired bar. Over the summer, it has opened a terrace in partnership with Neill Gin. The drinks menu includes English wines, and drafts as well as craft beers from across the UK.
Mercante is a relaxed Italian restaurant. The venue serves pizza, pastas and grilled dishes, and includes a dedicated kids’ menu. Breakfast is served in Mercante as well as the Club Lounge for members. While the Club Lounge is quieter, go to Mercante as there are live stations and table service. The menu covers everything from Belgian Waffles to a Full English Breakfast.
What the hotel lacks in facilities – there’s only a gym – it makes up for in its afternoon tea. The Palm Court Restaurant make the most of its setting. Afternoon tea is served in a stunning space, which includes a grand glass ceiling, marble floor and tapestries that date back to the 1920s.
The tea experiences range from The London Kid’s Afternoon Tea to The Magic Hour (with a magician). The Royal Afternoon Tea ticks the traditional box, as the tea is served with scones, sandwiches, and pastries – ones with the Union Jack, no less. We were impressed with the award-winning pastry chefs, and loved the cherry macaroons and lemon meringue pie.
If you’re planning a trip to London, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is offering deals over Eid Al Adha for GCC residents. Plus, Mercante offer a specially curated menu with dates, halal meat, and vegan as well as vegetarian dishes. When booking a room, use the promotional code E81*.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
