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JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
BACKGROUND First opened in 1929 and overlooking Hyde Park, JW Marriott Grosvenor House is one of London’s iconic properties, with its ballroom regularly playing host to major events. With versatile accommodation including suite options and plenty of interconnecting rooms, plus its proximity to the city’s major shopping districts, it’s a GCC traveller favourite and ideal for staycations mixing work meetings and family time.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Elegant, sophisticated and expansive, with a spacious lobby where people meet and chat as if at home. The art of hospitality is embraced at this hotel, with thoughtful service and attention to detail in an environment that’s both traditional and contemporary at the same time. It’s for these reasons that loyal guests return again and again, savouring the familiarity and the location.
WHERE IS IT? On Park Lane in the heart of the upscale Mayfair neighbourhood, surrounded by aristocratic homes and close to Oxford Street, Knightsbridge, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. It’s walking distance from Marble Arch tube station. Hotel parking is available at a charge.
ROOMS Travelling as a group of two adults and two children, we stayed in a fabulous Executive Suite, with two bedrooms (one king, one twin), two bathrooms (one with a bath and the other with a large walk-in shower) and large lounge with sofa, chairs, co ee table, work desk and plenty of amenities, from tea/co ee-making facilities and lots of bottled water to bathroom accessories, including a travel wellness gift pack. The kids’ amenities were fantastic, including mini robes and slippers and a selection of sweet treats. Perfect for short or long stays, you can use this suite as a base for a workcation. It’s spacious, with plenty of room to work or relax – a temporary home in the heart of the city.
BEST FOR Family ‘workcations’
DON’T MISS Afternoon tea at the Park Room
PRICE From £1,500 (US$1,997) for an Executive Suite, £515 ($686) for a Standard Room
CONTACT 86-90 Park Lane; marriott.com
FOOD AND DRINK The tranquil Park Room, overlooking Hyde Park, serves the British tradition of afternoon tea and is also the perfect spot for a hot drink or early evening aperitif after a busy day working, shopping or visiting local museums. JW Steakhouse serves prime cuts and also, breakfast, with a wide range of high-quality a la carte and bu et options on o er. Other venues include upscale culinary experiences at Corrigan’s Mayfair (modern British) and Ruya London (Turkish), plus the Red Bar and Bourbon Bar for drinks. If you’re craving Arabian fare, Al Hamra in Shepherd Market (alhamrarestaurant.co.uk) is our top pick for superb Lebanese cuisine
and a great atmosphere. It’s a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
BUSINESS This is one of London’s top events destinations with 23 event rooms and 29 breakout rooms. The highlight is The Great Room, first launched in 1929 as an Art Deco ice-skating rink, which today accommodates up to 2,000 guests. A host of suites at 86 Park Lane range from the 30-person capacity Boardroom Suite to the Ablemarle (up to 150).
LEISURE A fully equipped gym with a quiet space for meditation and yoga, plus the best of London on the hotel’s doorstep.
VERDICT This landmark hotel, steeped in history, remains a go-to property for solo business travellers or those travelling with their families. With great service, plenty of dining options, spacious accommodation and access to London landmarks, shopping, embassies, museums and much more, it’s a great base, plus the event space caters to gatherings big and small. Gemma Greenwood
