Tried & Tested

Hotel check: Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel

26 Feb 2015 by Tom Otley

BACKGROUND

First opened in 1929, Mayfair’s Grosvenor House was extensively refurbished when it became a JW Marriott hotel in 2008.

It has now begun another four-year renovation, starting with the executive lounge and the suites – the subject of this review.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The 494-room hotel is probably best known for having one of London’s biggest ballrooms.

It also has an impressive entrance and forecourt on Park Street with original Lutyens wrought-iron gates and a number of luxury cars parked inside.

The reception desk is always busy but is organised, so you generally don’t have to wait long. Check-in for the Executive rooms and suites can also be completed in the lounge, although you’d have to present yourself first at reception to gain access without a key card.

WHERE IS IT?

On Park Lane. Taxis drop you off around the back on Park Street.

ROOM FACILITIES

Entry-level Deluxe rooms are 20-29 sqm, Superior rooms 23-35 sqm, Executive rooms 35-40 sqm and Family rooms 45-50 sqm.

Wifi is free in public areas but costs £15 for 24 hours in the rooms. Smoking rooms are on the fourth floor. All have 40-inch flatscreen TVs, individual climate control, the Marriott Bed and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries.

Executive rooms and suites have access to the refurbished ground-floor executive lounge – it’s an impressive space with comfortable chairs, several pieces of artwork, a library and large high-definition screens, and serves breakfast.

The suites come in many shapes and sizes. All have either a queen or king-size bed and a separate living area. The entry-level category is Deluxe (45-50 sqm), followed by Superior (50-55 sqm).

Executive (50-70 sqm), Park View (67-80 sqm) and Premium Park View (75-100 sqm) suites have all been refurbished by GA Design.

They come with 300 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, down mattress toppers, duvets, and a choice of pillows. Toiletries are upgraded to Penhaligon’s, and free wifi and pressing of two items are included. Breakfast can also be taken in your room or in the JW Steakhouse.

Park View Suites (all Kings) have views over Park Lane to Hyde Park, while Premium Park View suites are at the corners of the hotel.

The refurbishment has added an elegant 1920s twist, with features including decorative fireplaces. These categories also come with one-way airport transfers, and a packing and unpacking service.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

The French brasserie that debuted when the JW Marriott opened has long gone – in its place is the busy JW Steakhouse.

Other options include the Park Room, Red bar, Bourbon bar and Corrigan’s Mayfair.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILTIES

Among the largest in central London, with 31 rooms – the ballroom is virtually fully booked every evening for the next 18 months if you’re thinking of holding an event for 1,200 people.

LEISURE FACILITIES

There is a 24-hour gym on the first floor.

VERDICT

The refurbished suites bode well for the new design, which is gradually being rolled out throughout the hotel.

If you are celebrating a special occasion, are wanting to impress, need room to work or simply have the budget to afford them, they are comfortable and spacious, and the hotel as a whole is excellent.
 

FACT FILE

  • HOW MANY ROOMS? 494 (496 when the two Royal suites are completed later this year) –168 Deluxe, 181 Superior, 74 Executive and ten Family rooms, and 11 Deluxe, ten Superior, 21 Executive, one Premium Executive, eight Park View and ten Premium Park View suites.
  • HIGHLIGHTS Suites overlooking Hyde Park command a premium but have superb views, in-room breakfast, lounge access and pressing.
  • PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in one of the refurbished suites in April started from £905 for the Executive category.
  • CONTACT Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott hotel; 86-90 Park Lane; tel+ 44 (0)20 7499 6363; marriott.co.uk

Tom Otley
 
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