In the heart of Mayfair, the roaring twenties are alive and well at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. Looking resplendent in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes, timeless elegance and refinement oozes out of every corner of this haute property. Greeted with a “Welcome sir!” from a well-dressed doorman in tails, topped with a stylish bowler hat, I am guided through The Palm Court Restaurant’s illustrious lounge, with light filling the room from the ceiling’s original, stained-glass windows. First impressions count, and the hotel does not disappoint.
The hotel’s design is a striking fusion of classic and contemporary aesthetics, with the Art Deco architecture dating back to the hotel’s opening in 1927. Elegantly showcasing an era of style and glamour, high ceilings and marble floors evoke thoughts of The Great Gatsby with its grandeur, and it is not hard to imagine the socialites of the day gliding through the gleaming floors of the lobby. The space is a timeless tribute to its Art Deco heritage, offering guests an experience that captures the essence of luxury, while the property’s other interiors have been thoughtfully refreshed to include all the modern comforts without losing the opulence of its past.
Seeking the ultimate in indulgence, the Grand Park View Suite serves up a spacious retreat, with views of Green Park from both the living and dining room; a sharp contrast from the concrete metropolis that is London. The vast suite is a sanctuary of elegance, with rich textures, bespoke furniture and state-of-the-art amenities. There’s an open living area with large sofas, a desk and a dining table, meaning there is little need to leave the suite. With the addition of a kitchen area, the suite could quite easily be considered something of a residence, thanks to its facilities and size. But with 24-hour room service available, who needs a kitchen when your food can be delivered to your own haven of peace throughout a long winter’s day?
The suite’s design is all about traditional British heritage, with its plush velvet accents and polished oak wood. A marble bathroom includes a rain shower and bathtub for those looking to soak and relax after a long day of exploring the city’s many offerings. As a long time consumer of Penhaligon’s, I am delighted to see the brand’s Quercus range is dotted throughout the bathroom. The products add another quintessential touch of Britishness to the suite, with the perfumers’ London roots dating back to 1870. Boasting a history that includes many royal commissions for creating fragrances, it adds both history and a hint of royalty for guests. It’s the little touches that can have the biggest impact.
For guests staying in this suite category, breakfast is served in the Sheraton Club Lounge, which is accessed with a private key, offering a more secluded experience. Adorned with dark wood finishings and leather seats, it creates a sense of exclusivity for those who dine here. Bestowed with a smorgasbord of flavours and plates for breakfast, the lounge is open 24-hours-a-day, serving a wide selection of beverages, snacks and canapés.
For gastronomes with a penchant for Italian cuisine, they need to head to Mercante, where they can tease their taste buds with the finest seasonal ingredients and exquisite traditional plates of Italy. Electing for a table by the window, I enjoy a spot of people watching while I sip on a fragrant glass of wine. The restaurant manager recommends the saffron arancini, which is a recipe passed down from his mother, and it thoroughly hits the spot before I indulge in the house speciality of the spaghetti carbonara. Presented with a dash of theatrics, the dish is finished in a wheel of Pecorino to ensure every bite is coated in the finest of Italian cheese. However, a word of warning, the portions are incredibly generous, but oh-so-good.
The rest of my stay, I spend my time flitting between the Sheraton Club Lounge and admiring the kaleidoscopic light rays of The Palm Court Restaurant’s lounge. Alas, it is time to leave, and I am waved off with a “We hope to see you again Mr McQueen,” from the front office team. I check my watch. There’s still time for one last beverage in the club lounge. Maybe just one more for the road!
Sheraton.marriott.com
