insideKENT Magazine Issue 119 - March 2022 | Page 90

LONDON

SHERATON GRAND

LONDON PARK LANE

A GRAND EXPERIENCE CRAFTED IN THE HEART OF MAYFAIR
BY SAMANTHA READY
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1927 , THE SHERATON GRAND LONDON PARK LANE HAS BEEN THE EPITOME OF MAYFAIR GRANDEUR . LOCATED MERE STEPS FROM GREEN PARK , WITH UNRIVALLED VIEWS ACROSS ONE OF THE CAPITAL ’ S GREAT GREEN SPACES , FROM THE MOMENT I ARRIVED AT THE REVOLVING DOORS FRAMED BY MAGNIFICENT TOWERING COLUMNS , IT WAS HARD NOT TO BE SWEPT UP IN THE SENSORY DELIGHT OF TIMELESS ELEGANCE , BEAUTIFUL DECOR AND EFFORTLESS HOSPITALITY .
Accessible from both Piccadilly and Brick Street , entry by the former brings the most awe-struck first impressions . Grade II listed , the hotel simply oozes 1920 ’ s Art Deco glamour , sophistication and style , which is today neatly packaged up in a contemporary stay-and-dine offering .
Walking through the simply beautiful Palm Court , framed by original Art Deco features , staircases , jewel-hung lamps and also the location of the hotel ’ s acclaimed and resolutely Instagrammable afternoon tea , I was soon met by the efficient concierge team , swiftly checked in and then shown to the lift to ascend to my fifth floor superior room . Now , a slight word of warning , the lifts here are original and located across the Brick Street entranceway ; when calling one you need to watch the beautifully restored arrow hands hanging aside each set of doors to know which will appear first , and then you need to move like a whippet … While caught up in the moment of watching the arrow move slowly downwards and the beauty of the surroundings , the lift door promptly opened and then shut in seconds and whizzed skywards … without me . Apparently a very regular occurrence for newbies , it didn ’ t take long for it to return and finally take us to our sumptuous room .
Underpinned by the ethos : ‘ We invite . We welcome . We connect .’, the Sheraton Grand Park Lane offers a delightful mix of renovated bedrooms and suites that capture 1920 ’ s style with a host of modern amenities . Expect to find Art Deco headboards , cosy armchairs , 32 ” HD plasma TVs , Le Grand Bain toiletries , and the Sheraton Signature Experience Bed ( which was every bit as good as promised !) and , especially for my guest , Happy Birthday banners , balloons , a chilled bottle of Champagne and a birthday cake were poised ready to make for an even more memorable stay .
Part of Sheraton ’ s bespoke Missed Celebration Stay Experience , you can celebrate in style with loved ones whose birthdays , anniversaries , engagements or celebrations have been missed or impacted in recent times . The hotel will deliver a truly personalised experience befitting each and every individual ’ s needs - it was a fabulous surprise and perfect start to the rest of our stay .
Champagne quaffed , and celebratory mode in full swing it was time for dinner . Offering a memorable and diverse selection of restaurants and bars , the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane boasts not one but two Piccadilly-fronted restaurants : Mercante , which brings rustic , authentic Italian cooking to a refined Mayfair plate ( it is also location of breakfast for those lucky to be staying ), and Smith & Whistle , which is acclaimed for its modern cuisine , craft beers and showstopping cocktails . Aside from offering grand afternoon teas , the stunning Palm Court is also open for signature cocktails and evening dining in style .
Led by the stunning marble floor , my guest and I took our seats in the Palm Court . Nestled amongst rich tapestries , eyes forever glancing upwards to the ceiling and across to the original features that catch the light and dance , we delighted in a signature Pink Panther welcome cocktail before indulging in the delightful chicken Caesar salad with tender chicken breast , creamy Parmesan shavings and salty pancetta ; fresh mushroom and bacon carbonara with an indulgent cheese sauce ; crisp battered fish with chunky chips mushy peas and dill tartare ; and to finish , a classic baked vanilla cheesecake .
With friendly , attentive service , a host of dining options , and a grand heritage that ’ s evident throughout the building , the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is the ideal spot to make memories that will last a lifetime .
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Piccadilly London W1J 7BX www . marriott . co . uk / hotels / travel / longrsheraton-grand-london-park-lane
sheratongrandlondon
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