Get ready to be swept away by the grandeur of the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London! This stunning hotel, nestled on the iconic Park Lane, offers a sophisticated escape in the heart of the city. While I’ve explored other luxurious hotels on this prestigious street, like the Intercontinental and Hilton, I’ve often been left underwhelmed by the high prices and lack of personal touch. However, my recent stay at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House proved to be a delightful surprise.
A Prime Location with a Touch of Tradition
While the hotel is a bit further down Park Lane than Hyde Park Corner, it’s still perfectly placed for exploring the city. A 10-minute stroll takes you to the Marble Arch tube station, and the area is a haven for foodies and night owls, with countless upscale restaurants and bars within a stone’s throw.
The hotel itself boasts two entrances – a Park Lane entrance and a more formal one on Park Street. If you’re carrying luggage, I’d recommend the Park Street entrance, as the Park Lane entrance has steps leading up to the reception.
A Grand Reception with a Queue
The lobby has a unique layout with entrances on both sides. While the space is certainly grand, I found the reception area a bit chaotic. There was a lengthy queue, and the “queue monitor” seemed more focused on apologies than actively assisting guests.
Despite the wait, the reception staff were friendly and informative once I reached the desk. They patiently explained my Marriott Platinum benefits and directed me to the lounge.
A Spacious and Elegant Room
While I didn’t receive an upgrade (the hotel was fully booked), I was pleasantly surprised by my Superior King room. It was spacious and beautifully decorated with a classic elegance, featuring neutral grey tones.
A large bench greeted you upon entry, providing ample space for luggage. The room also included a comfortable armchair, a king-size bed, and a spacious desk with a comfortable chair and power outlets.
The bathroom was equally impressive, with a large shower and a generous amount of storage space for toiletries. The shower was large, though I would have preferred a more luxurious shower head.
The toiletries were the familiar and delightful Aromatherapy Associates brand. There were also two bottles of water in the bathroom, which seemed a bit odd.
My room didn’t offer a view, but I didn’t mind, as city hotels often lack this feature. The room was exceptionally quiet, and the bed was unbelievably comfortable. The high-quality linens ensured a restful night’s sleep.
A Luxurious Lounge with Mixed Impressions
The hotel’s lounge is a popular spot for breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening drinks and canapés. I was looking forward to trying their afternoon tea, but it left me a bit disappointed.
The afternoon tea was strictly sweet, lacking the savoury sandwiches that are usually a staple in hotel lounges. The scones were decent, but I ended up skipping most of the other offerings.
The lounge’s modern and elegant décor was definitely a plus. However, the space can get quite crowded during meal times, making it tricky to find a table. It was practically deserted during the day when only soft drinks were served.
I enjoyed the breakfast service in the lounge, which was included with my Marriott Platinum membership. The selection was fairly standard for a 5-star lounge, but everything was beautifully presented and high quality. The friendly lounge staff were helpful, though they did run out of a few items.
A World of Culinary Delights
If you’re not lucky enough to have breakfast included, the lobby features a convenient Starbucks for your morning coffee. In the evenings, the lounge bar takes on a special ambiance, with a live pianist adding to the luxurious atmosphere.
For a more sophisticated drink experience, head to the Bourbon Bar. This bar offers over 300 rare bourbons, including pre-prohibition, single barrel, and small batch varieties. Knowledgeable bartenders are on hand to guide you through a series of innovative tasting flights, featuring their own Jim Beam single barrel. During my visit, a pianist was playing, creating a perfect ambiance for a relaxing drink.
If you’re looking for a spectacular view, the Cocktail Bar is the place to be. This glamorous bar overlooks Hyde Park and offers a selection of signature cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere.
For a true culinary adventure, book a table at JW Steakhouse. This signature restaurant features delectable steaks, fresh seafood, and sides. Enjoy all-day dining, including breakfast, and indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea at The Park Room.
A Well-Equipped Fitness Center and More
The hotel has a fully equipped 24-hour gym, complete with weights, cardio machines, and a dedicated space for meditation and yoga.
The property also boasts the luxurious SanRizz hair salon, offering a complete range of hair and beauty services.
Final Verdict: A Luxurious Stay with Exceptional Value
Of all the hotels I’ve stayed at on Park Lane, the JW Marriott Grosvenor House is my absolute favorite. The rooms are modern and appear to have been recently updated, and the space you get for the price is unbeatable.
I used points for my stay, paying 60,000 points per night, which I considered to be excellent value. During the Christmas season, room rates were typically around £350 per night or more.
The club lounge was a great place to relax and enjoy the complimentary services, although it can get quite busy. I’m eager to see what the evening offerings are like next time I visit.
If you’re not a Marriott elite member and want to enjoy perks like free breakfast, I recommend booking through a Marriott agent like Debonair. You’ll still earn Marriott points, and you’ll also receive other valuable benefits.
Overall, the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London is a luxurious and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a sophisticated and comfortable stay in the heart of London.
