Feeling incredibly lucky, I recently won a fantastic prize from The Guardian – a night’s stay at the luxurious Grosvenor Hotel in London, complete with a pre-theatre dinner and prime tickets to see Miss Atomic Bomb at St James Theatre. As a self-proclaimed city staycation enthusiast, this prize felt like a dream come true!
A Grand History with Modern Flair
Built in 1862 by Victorian railway pioneers, the four-star Grosvenor Hotel is a grand building with a rich history. Situated right on top of Victoria station, it’s incredibly convenient for travellers. Stepping into the hotel is like stepping back in time, with its high ceilings, stunning chandelier, and beautiful period features. Despite its historical charm, the hotel has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, seamlessly blending its original grandeur with modern luxury. Fun fact – the Grosvenor was home to London’s first-ever working lift, powered by water!
A Room with a View (and a Dreamy Bathroom)
Our Executive King Room on the fourth floor was a haven of comfort. While not as spacious as our previous Executive Suite at The Kingsley, it had floor-to-ceiling windows, simple but stylish decor with fun London-themed accents, and a huge king-size bed. But it was the bathroom that truly stole the show.
Imagine a bathroom bigger than my actual bedroom, complete with white and black tiled decor that would make any Pinterest user swoon. And then there’s the bathtub – my absolute dream come true! I’ve always wanted to stay in a hotel with a roll-top, freestanding tub, and I couldn’t resist indulging in a luxurious soak with my favorite bath bomb.
The bathroom wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was practical too. The shower attachment allowed me to properly wash my hair in the tub, and the complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries were a decadent treat. The shampoo and conditioner left my hair feeling shiny and smelling divine.
Feeling Like a VIP in the Executive Lounge
Feeling pampered and relaxed, I headed to the Executive Lounge, a perk exclusive to guests staying in Executive Rooms. This stylish space, with its plush seating and calming decor, is perfect for those needing a quiet workspace. During my visit, there were only a few other guests, making it a tranquil oasis.
But the real highlight of the Lounge is Happy Hour. From 5pm to 9pm, guests can enjoy complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks along with a tempting selection of canapes. I opted for a classic gin and tonic and then sampled the delicious bruschetta, which was simply divine. The Lounge also offered a cheeseboard and hot snacks like chicken goujons and spring rolls – a true VIP experience!
A Pre-theatre Dinner with Mixed Results
After a relaxing evening in the Lounge, Conor arrived just in time for our pre-theatre dinner at The Grosvenor Arms restaurant. While the overall experience had been fantastic so far, the dinner unfortunately didn’t quite live up to expectations.
We were presented with a limited pre-theatre menu, which wasn’t exactly brimming with options. I opted for the Somerset Brie and Caramelized Onion tart, hoping for a comforting pre-show treat. However, the pastry was underwhelming, and the onion chutney had a peculiar flavor that didn’t complement the brie. The lettuce underneath was also limp and soggy – not a good start.
Conor’s Homemade Beefburger was more successful, though still not perfect. The open-style presentation was cool, and the newsprint garnish added a touch of whimsy. While he found the burger slightly dry, he overall enjoyed it.
My Chicken and Chorizo pasta with blue cheese sauce was a bit of a mixed bag. While it was filling, the flavors were unremarkable – more like something I’d cook at home. The “blue cheese sauce” was just crumbled blue cheese, which I wasn’t a fan of.
Dessert saved the day. The Dark Chocolate Tart with Raspberry Romanoff Cream and Crushed Pistachio was a rich and decadent treat. The chocolate tart was wonderfully intense, perfectly balanced by the tartness of the raspberry cream. It was the perfect way to end the meal.
A Delicious Breakfast to Redeem the Restaurant
After enjoying Miss Atomic Bomb at St James Theatre, we returned to our room for a night of relaxation and movie watching. The next morning, we headed back downstairs to The Grosvenor Arms for breakfast.
Our previous dinner experience had left us a little apprehensive, but thankfully, the breakfast buffet redeemed the restaurant. With a wide selection of cooked Full English, pastries, cereal, cold meats, yoghurts, fruit, and more, there was something for everyone. The sausage and bacon were both delicious, and I particularly enjoyed the potato croquettes.
A Luxurious Stay with a Caveat
Overall, our stay at The Grosvenor Hotel was a truly luxurious experience. The bedroom, the dreamy bathroom, and the Executive Lounge all added a touch of magic to our trip. However, I would recommend avoiding the restaurant, especially the pre-theatre menu, and venturing out to explore the many other dining options Victoria has to offer.
The Grosvenor Hotel is a beautiful and historic hotel, perfect for those seeking a touch of luxury in the heart of London. If you’re looking for a memorable city stay, this hotel is definitely worth considering. Just remember to explore the diverse dining options Victoria has to offer!
The Grosvenor Hotel can be found at 101 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0SJ. For more information and bookings, visit their website.
Our stay and dinner at The Grosvenor Hotel were complimentary as competition prize winners, with no expectation of review.
