What’s it like?
The Sheraton is one of the best-known of London hotels, an art deco hotel originally intended to be apartments when construction began in the early 20th century.
The multi-million pound renovation has taken many years, but has been worth the wait. Almost every area has been refurbished or completely replaced, and the art deco beauty of the interiors shines through all the more clearly for the work that has been done by interior designers MKV Design, in partnership with the Sheraton brand’s global design team.
The hotel has two entrances: on Park Lane and behind (where taxis will drop you off) on Brick Street.
This photo (above) makes it look like a nightclub or casino but actually it’s pretty tasteful, though there are black mirrored doors, behind which there is a fairly grand staircase leading up to all the room floors. During the stay I found the two lifts / elevators pretty slow and often busy, and so used the stairs as much as possible, though of course this might not be possible for everyone – particularly if you are on the higher floors.
Between Piccadilly and Brick Street on the ground floor is the hotel’s Palm Court Lounge, which is beautiful but best enjoyed with a cup of tea or something stronger in hand rather than dragging a wheelie bag through, especially with the stairs at either end of the room. So if you come in from the Piccadilly entrance, be warned.
The hotel has now been rebranded into the Sheraton’s “Grand” tier.
Starwood to rebrand Park Lane hotel under Sheraton Grand portfolio
Or as the brand has it “Sheraton Grand [is] the brand’s premier tier of hotels recognised for their enticing destinations, distinguished designs and excellence in service and guest experiences.”
Where is it?
On Piccadilly about equidistant between Hyde Park Corner underground station and Green Park (both on the Piccadilly Line for Heathrow). Both have steps / stairs to negotiate with your luggage, but Green Park has slightly fewer.
Room facilities:
The 303 rooms and suites all have high speed wifi throughout (no tiered pricing or need to be a member of the SPG or Marriott Rewards programme).
The hotel is in a kind of hollowed out U shape facing Green Park, and so only at the top of the U are there views of Green Park. The majority of rooms have views into the open courtyard above the Palm Court Lounge. This may help contribute to the fact that despite being on such a busy road, so many of the rooms enjoy quiet – rare for a central London location.
All rooms have been renovated and now have a cool elegance about them. New to the hotel are 43 Sheraton Club Rooms and suites which have access to the Sheraton Club Lounge on the ground floor next to the concierge desk at the rear entrance of the hotel. This Lounge has two rooms – one for dining and one for relaxing, though in the morning all are laid out for breakfast. In the evening you can sit anywhere and it’s a nice place to relax, though of course lacking any view.
The Club Rooms also include complimentary use of a private meeting room within the Lounge which can seat up to eight people.
The hotel has a relatively small number of suites – only 21, all having views over Green Park. Many of these also have the option of opening up onto adjoining rooms to accommodate large family groups.
Restaurants and bars
The main restaurant, accessible both from the front entrance and from Piccadilly is Italian restaurant, Mercante which offers fresh and seasonal dining for hotel guests and visitors alike. You can read a review of the business lunch offered
Restaurant review: Mercante, Sheraton Grand Park Lane
I ate in the 1920s themed bar Smith & Whistle, which serves cocktails and craft beers alongside “British-inspired sharing plates” which seems a contradiction, since most British people I know don’t like sharing their food. Outdoor dining is also available in both Mercante and Smith & Whistle though that is on the busy Piccadilly. The food was just as described and very welcome – I wasn’t very adventurous – having a burger and chips, but the list of real ales and drinks was very impressive, you can look at the menu here.
Business and meeting facilities:
The public spaces are why the hotel is so well-known, with the Grade II listed Art Deco Ballroom and Silver Gallery. They don’t make areas like this anymore. I’ve lost count of how many events I’ve been to in the various public spaces, but the night I stayed I walked through them once again (which was cheeky, because I’d not been invited to the event in there) and can confirm they are as vibrant and well used as ever, and also as stunning a backdrop as you could hope for in a central London hotel (and which make a virtue of having no natural light – like the rooms in the Grosvenor House, for instance).
Leisure facilities
The hotel has a good basement gym, which also makes good use of mirrors, lighting and wall designs. The location of the hotel means you are also close to Hyde Park (and Green Park) for a morning run.
The fitness centre at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
Verdict
The renovation is a great success – it keeps what was special about the hotel- the art deco theme, the Palm Court and the service, and improves it with modern rooms, free wifi and a good Cub Lounge (if you pay for access).
