Arrival/Check-In: How many guests can claim they stayed in the same building where Queen Elizabeth II learned to skate at age seven? I can. I spent several nights at Grosvenor House on Park Lane, a historic hotel that originally housed an ice rink in its basement for its first five years. The rink closed in 1934 and that space later became The Great Room, one of Europe’s largest ballrooms and a regular venue for prestigious London galas.
I arrived at the hotel’s discreet entrance off Park Place, which runs parallel to Park Lane, after a long indirect flight from New York and was understandably tired. I got in earlier than planned and my room was not yet ready, so staff escorted me to the Executive Lounge for refreshments while I waited. When my suite was prepared, the check-in was completed in the lounge and I was shown to a premium park-view suite on the fifth floor.
The check-in experience at Grosvenor House was smooth and welcoming, and by the time I reached my room I felt refreshed and in good spirits.
Guest Quarters: The suite offered a comfortable sitting room and a spacious bedroom and bathroom. The sitting room overlooked Hyde Park through two large windows and included a generous sofa, several overstuffed chairs, a coffee table, a large flat-screen TV and a substantial desk with convenient desktop outlets.
The bedroom featured a king-sized bed, another sizeable desk with outlets, a desk chair, an overstuffed armchair with an ottoman, and a dresser topped by a second large television. The bathroom had a roomy vanity, a tub/shower combination and a wall-mounted towel warmer—an appreciated detail regardless of the season. Toiletries provided were from Quercus.
Services/Amenities: The hotel gym is open 24 hours and is well equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights and strength machines. Grosvenor House is also a major meetings and events destination, offering The Great Room—the largest ballroom in Europe—along with an additional ballroom and around 30 flexible meeting rooms.
Dining options in the hotel are varied. I enjoyed an excellent meal at JW Steakhouse, an American-style steakhouse known for its high-quality steaks. The restaurant also houses The Bourbon Bar, which boasts an extensive bourbon selection.
The Experience: It is uncommon to conclude a stay could not have been improved, but that was my impression after two nights at Grosvenor House. The hotel is a Park Lane landmark with a location that suits both business and leisure travelers. The staff were consistently attentive and anticipatory, contributing greatly to a very pleasant stay. I would return to Grosvenor House without hesitation and recommend it to friends.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/Valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel
Mount Street and Park Lane
London W1K 7TN
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7499 6363
marriott.com