Step into a world of luxury and history at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, a hotel steeped in rich heritage and renowned for its grand spaces. This iconic landmark, once known as the Grosvenor House Hotel, has been a fixture in London’s Mayfair district since its opening in 1929. Its story is intertwined with the city’s social and architectural evolution, showcasing a journey from a grand aristocratic residence to a modern-day hospitality marvel.
From Aristocratic Residence to Hotel
Standing proudly across from Hyde Park, the hotel’s origins trace back to the 19th century, where the Grosvenor House residence of the Dukes of Westminster once stood. In the 1920s, the visionary Arthur Octavius Edwards saw the potential of this site and embarked on a project to transform it into a luxurious hotel. His vision was to create a space that would cater to the elite, and in 1929, the Grosvenor House Hotel opened its doors, marking a new chapter in London’s hospitality scene.
Edwards, the driving force behind this endeavor, presided over the hotel as its chairman for a decade, leaving a lasting impact on its early years. He played a key role in shaping its identity and setting the stage for its future success.
A Steadfast Leader: A.H. Jones
One of Edwards’ key collaborators, A.H. Jones, joined the Grosvenor House team in 1929. Initially employed as an accountant, Jones’s dedication and leadership soon propelled him to the position of general manager in 1936. Despite his wartime service with the Royal Artillery and the NAAFI, Jones remained steadfast at the helm of the hotel until his retirement in 1965, leaving a lasting legacy of stability and growth.
A Winged Legacy: The DH.88 Comet
The hotel gained international recognition in 1934 when Edwards named his de Havilland DH.88 Comet racing plane after it. This daring aircraft, piloted by Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm, went on to win the prestigious MacRobertson England-Australia Air Race, further cementing the Grosvenor House name in the annals of aviation history. The restored Comet, still sporting its original livery, now soars through the skies as part of the Shuttleworth Collection, a testament to the hotel’s association with this pioneering aircraft.
Steadfast Through War: A Sanctuary in Turbulent Times
While the world was engulfed in the turmoil of World War II, Grosvenor House stood strong. Its grand spaces provided a sanctuary for those caught in the conflict. The Great Room, the hotel’s majestic ballroom, was transformed into a haven for soldiers, first as the home of the Officers’ Sunday Club and later as the US officers’ mess. This transformation highlighted the hotel’s adaptability and its role as a focal point for the war effort. Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton, iconic figures of the Allied forces, graced the halls of Grosvenor House, adding another layer of historical significance to its legacy.
Expanding Horizons: A Grand Expansion
The original plan for Grosvenor House, envisioned by Edwards, was not fully realized until the 1950s. The hotel’s expansion, however, was met with a roadblock: Bruno, Baron Schröder, who held the lease of a neighboring property, refused to relinquish his claim. Schröder’s persistence delayed the hotel’s growth until his passing in 1940. Finally, in 1956, permission was granted to demolish the house, paving the way for a major expansion.
The addition of a 92-bedroom extension, inaugurated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Peter Thorneycroft, in 1957, marked a significant milestone in the hotel’s evolution. This expansion added a new dimension to Grosvenor House, solidifying its position as a leading hotel in London.
A Modern Renaissance: Renovations and Acquisitions
In 2008, Grosvenor House underwent a transformative four-year renovation and restoration, costing £142 million. This ambitious project encompassed a complete rejuvenation of its restaurants, guest rooms, health facilities, and public spaces. The outcome was a modern marvel, showcasing a harmonious blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury. The Great Room, Ballroom, Court Suite, restaurants, bars, meeting spaces, and 494 guest rooms now accommodate over 6,000 people, making it a versatile venue for a range of events.
The hotel’s ownership has also seen a series of transitions. In 2010, the Indian conglomerate Sahara India Pariwar acquired Grosvenor House from the Royal Bank of Scotland for a staggering £470 million. Sahara’s portfolio also included a controlling stake in New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel from 2012 to 2018, demonstrating their commitment to luxury hospitality ventures.
In 2017, Sahara India Pariwar turned down an offer of over £600 million for the hotel from British billionaires David and Frederick Barclay, before ultimately selling it to Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation for an undisclosed sum. However, the hotel’s current ownership lies with Katara Hospitality, a Qatari company owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, who purchased it in 2018 for an undisclosed amount.
A Legacy of Innovation: Pioneering Luxury and Hospitality
Grosvenor House’s impact on London’s hospitality landscape extends beyond its architectural grandeur. The hotel was a pioneer in its time, introducing innovations that set new standards for luxury. Notably, it was the first hotel in London to offer a separate bathroom and entrance lobby for each room, along with running iced water in every bathroom.
The hotel’s initial opening also saw the establishment of the International Sportsmen’s Club, highlighting its commitment to offering a range of amenities and activities for its guests. The hotel boasted facilities such as Turkish baths, a swimming pool, squash courts, and a gymnasium, making it a haven for leisure and recreation.
A Venue for Celebration: The Great Room’s Enduring Appeal
The Great Room, a distinct space from the hotel’s Ballroom, continues to be a focal point for London’s social scene. It is a venue of choice for prestigious events, hosting prominent awards evenings like The Asian Awards, Pride of Britain Awards, and the O2 Silver Clef Awards, as well as charity balls and other grand gatherings. Its grandeur has frequently graced British television screens, captivating audiences with its elegance and timeless allure.
The Great Room’s history extends back to its original purpose as an ice rink. The rink’s legacy is vividly remembered through the memory of Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II, learning to skate there as a child in 1933. The rink also hosted international ice hockey matches, with the Grosvenor House Canadian hockey team, composed of Canadians living in London, facing off against teams from the UK and Europe.
While the rink was converted into a banquet hall in 1935, its history continues to resonate within the hotel’s walls. The Great Room, with its capacity for 2,000 seated guests or 1,100 in a theater-style setting, stands as one of the largest ballrooms in Europe. The Royal Caledonian Ball, the world’s oldest charitable ball, has been held in this grand space since the 1930s, adding to its legacy as a venue for grand celebrations.
A Taste of Luxury: Corrigan’s Mayfair
The hotel’s culinary scene is further elevated by the presence of Corrigan’s Mayfair, a restaurant helmed by the renowned chef Richard Corrigan. This restaurant, situated within the hotel’s walls, adds another layer of sophistication to the Grosvenor House experience, offering a refined and delectable dining experience.
JW Marriott Grosvenor House London stands as a testament to enduring legacy and refined hospitality. Its rich history, from its aristocratic roots to its transformation into a modern-day icon, continues to captivate visitors and inspire a sense of wonder. With its luxurious accommodations, grand spaces, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the hotel remains a cornerstone of London’s vibrant social scene, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and a taste of modern luxury.
