This month was a winner! I’ve been entering competitions to win amazing prizes from The Guardian for years, and finally, my luck changed. I snagged a night at the stunning Grosvenor Hotel in London, which included a three-course pre-theatre meal and premium tickets to see Miss Atomic Bomb at St. James Theatre. Let’s just say, a staycation in London never looked this good!
A Victorian Gem with a Modern Touch
The Grosvenor Hotel, a four-star haven nestled on top of Victoria Station, boasts a rich history. Built in 1862 by Victorian railway pioneers, it exudes an air of grandeur. Stepping into the entrance hall feels like traveling back in time, with its towering ceilings, a breathtaking chandelier that could rival a Sia performance, and exquisite period details. A multi-million pound refurbishment has breathed new life into this timeless beauty, blending original charm with modern luxury. Did you know the Grosvenor was also home to London’s first working lift, powered by water?
A Dreamy Retreat: Our Executive King Room
Our home for the night was an Executive King Room on the fourth floor. While not as spacious as some other luxury suites I’ve stayed in, this room was a haven of comfort and style. The floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, highlighting the simple yet elegant décor with fun London-themed touches. But honestly, the real star of the show was the bed! It was a king-sized dream, and I was tempted to just dive in right away.
My Bathroom Goals: A Pinterest-Worthy Sanctuary
However, something else quickly caught my attention: the bathroom of my dreams! It was almost as big as my bedroom, with stunning white and black tiled décor worthy of a Pinterest board. But the real showstopper was the roll-top, freestanding bath. I have been yearning for a hotel stay with this type of bath, and I couldn’t resist indulging in a luxurious soak. The shower attachment allowed me to wash my hair in the bath, a real luxury. And let’s not forget the incredible Penhaligon’s complimentary toiletries – the shampoo and conditioner left my hair shining and smelling incredible.
A VIP Experience: The Executive Lounge
Feeling pampered was just the beginning. Our Executive King Room came with access to the exclusive Executive Lounge, a haven of comfort and quiet. The lounge was a charming space with plush seating and elegant decor – a great spot to relax or even catch up on work. It was blissfully quiet during my visit, with only a couple of other guests enjoying the peaceful ambiance. A friendly staff member greeted us upon arrival, offering to bring us drinks.
Between 5 pm and 9 pm, Happy Hour brought a delightful array of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and canapes. I indulged in a classic G&T, then moved on to the delectable canapés. The bruschetta was divine! It was hard to stop myself from devouring the entire platter. The selection also included a cheese board and hot snacks like chicken goujons and spring rolls. I truly felt like a VIP.
A Pre-Theatre Dinner That Fell Short
After a relaxing evening in the lounge, Conor arrived, and we were ready for our three-course pre-theatre dinner at The Grosvenor Arms restaurant. With the hotel already exceeding our expectations, we were hoping for a dining experience that would match the overall luxury. Unfortunately, the reality fell short.
The pre-theatre menu was limited, and I felt like my choices were somewhat restricted. I opted for the Somerset Brie and Caramelised Onion tart. While I enjoy both brie and pastry, this dish was disappointing. The pastry was unremarkable, and the onion chutney had a peculiar flavor that didn’t complement the brie. The leaves underneath were limp and soggy, not a promising start to the meal.
Conor’s homemade beef burger, while presented in a trendy open style with newsprint (a bit overdone these days), was also a bit of a letdown. He found it a tad dry, but otherwise not bad.
My Chicken and Chorizo pasta dish with blue cheese sauce was similarly unremarkable. The pasta, tomato sauce, and chorizo tasted like something I could easily make at home, not what you expect when dining out. The “sauce” was simply crumbled blue cheese, which wasn’t my favorite. On the plus side, it was a generous portion, and I couldn’t finish it all. Perhaps a blessing in disguise!
Dessert Delight: A Sweet Ending
Thankfully, dessert saved the day! The Grosvenor Arms’ Dark Chocolate Tart with Raspberry Romanoff Cream and Crushed Pistachio was a real treat. The chocolate tart was wonderfully rich, and the raspberry cream complemented the dark chocolate perfectly. It was the perfect ending to a mixed dining experience.
Breakfast Bliss: Redeeming the Restaurant
After a delightful evening at the theatre and a cozy night in our room, we were ready for breakfast at The Grosvenor Arms. Given our underwhelming dinner experience, we weren’t holding our breath, but thankfully, the breakfast buffet proved to be a pleasant surprise.
The Grosvenor Arms redeemed itself with a delicious spread of cooked Full English, pastries, cereal, cold meats, yoghurts, fruit, and much more. The sausage and bacon were both excellent, and I particularly enjoyed the potato croquettes.
A Luxurious Stay with a Caveat
The Grosvenor Hotel is a truly wonderful place to stay. The bedroom, that incredible bathroom, and the Executive Lounge all made us feel special and added a touch of luxury to our usually budget-conscious lifestyle. However, if you’re staying at the Grosvenor, I’d recommend avoiding the restaurant, especially the pre-theatre menu, and venturing out to explore the many other fantastic dining options Victoria has to offer.
The Grosvenor Hotel is located at 101 Buckingham Palace Road London SW1W 0SJ. For more information and bookings, visit their website here.
Our stay and dinner at The Grosvenor Hotel were complimentary as competition prize winners.
