For our trip we had a two night stay in London. In the past London was a city in which I typically redeemed points whenever possible, though with the weak GBP, it's once again worth considering paying for stays in some instances. Last time I was in London I stayed at the Park Tower Knightsbridge,…
Continue reading: Review: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
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Nice review, interested me as I almost stayed there last year for a similar two night stop in London, but ended up using my Hilton card 2 free nights to stay at the Conrad across Green Park. Glad to see you took the Tube- it's probably 10 minutes longer than a taxi or Uber and about $75 cheaper.
One note- the hotel is not actually on Park Lane, although that's in the name. The main road it faces is Piccadilly.
This was my go to redemption for years in London when the fx was higher and the renovation was so badly needed (rooms were beyind sad) and to see it now is just Wow! I stayed in a newly renovated standard King room and it was lovely (review on my PhilaTravelGirl blog). It was still under construction at that time so to see your photos of the finished areas is great. Roman and his team have been good to address issues based on my experiences in the past.
a favorite almost hidden area is behind the hotel but access from Piccadilly is Shepards Market with pubs, cafes for breakfast and an Italian restaurant in the courtyard.
While the Sheraton was under renovation I redeemed at The Great Northern Hotel (couchette, smallest room) and loved that too - these two are my SPG preferred in London. I visit London a few times a year (for past 15yrs) and have so many favorite hotels that it's hard to choose - old favorite or new experience.
The park across from the hotel is Green Park, not Hyde Park. A 3 minute Walk across Green Park from the hotel will bring you to Buckingham Palace. The Park Lane is a great location for exploring central London. Hyde Park is a 5 minute walk west and Piccadilly Circus 10 minutes east.
Wow. I agree, the Sheraton Grand Park Lane does look much nicer than the Luxury Collection Park Tower Knightsbridge property--where we stayed in October. And the suite that you had looks far more nicely appointed and more luxurious than our Panoramic Suite at the PTK--even the bathroom is vastly nicer.
You didn't mention the normal food/beverage options at the Sheraton, and I'd be curious to learn how they compare--as that was a plus at the PTK. We did have a few service blunders at the PTK restaurant, but the food was to a very nice standard.
@DCJoe
"Glad to see you took the Tube- it’s probably 10 minutes longer than a taxi or Uber and about $75 cheaper."
You're underselling it. For a journey like this, the Tube is usually significantly faster than a taxi. And it's not unusual to pay £100 for the trip if there's much traffic (it's London: there often is) - against a Tube fare of c.£6.
The airport express railway - currently branded "Heathrow Express", but It becomes part of the new Elizabeth Line from c.2018 - is owned by the airport. Unsurprisingly they try to push tickets for their own railway. But, mile for mile, it's the most expensive railway in the world (the per mile cost was higher than that of Concord, of blessed memory, on a JFK-LHR run), and it terminates at Paddington, which is a pretty useless destination for most people, requiring them to change to the Tube...
Heathrow access to central London will be significantly improved when the Elizabeth Line (or, as it is currently called, Crossrail) opens.
Lucky - wow so many inaccuracies in this.
The hotel is on Piccadilly, not Park Lane (despite the name).
The view is of Green Park, not Hyde Park.
Did you actually do anything in London?
We stayed just 1-2 weeks before you. We also took the tube, awkward with a real piece of luggage getting on at 800 with the commuters. It was a fine stay but I disagree with you confusing the Hotel with a St. Regis. The decor must be one you love because I was rather disappointed in it - having lived the '70's as an adult. It is a style popular in Britain these days, ho-hum. I was with the Lounge (and restaurant breakfast) disappointed, I expect better and need a hot breakfast, a London hotel not doing proper bacon properly is disheartening! Personal preference matters, just because you don't care about breakfast means it's not so relevant. Very pleased with the suite, I was on 4 on the other wing with a slightly better view and almost no street noise save that coming from the bath window. The shower was amusing, not enough water and no enclosure made for a cool experience if you don't keep a hot room (mine is always kept very cool, regardless time of year. For those not having stayed at this hotel, it is a step up to the shower bath, the bath is conventional, but the shower is a European spray affair with a ceiling flower head with little pressure. The area outside the tub is the non-slip shower are, peculiar to say the least. The extra furniture at the end of the bed was a clutter, so we stuffed it into a corner, foolish to have a table and sofa at the foot of a bed when in the next room is another TV with two lounges. Lobby Bar with truly craft cocktails worth a visit. Cheers.
I've had afternoon tea with my daughter at the Palm Court (some English version of Groupon was doing a 2-for-1) during the Christmas season. Very proper, complete with a harp player, and excellent tea.
Spent 6 nights there in November (they had a deal going "book 4 nights, get 5th and 6th free, plus Citi Prestige free 4th night, so I got 6 for 3) and agree on almost all fronts! Great hotel, great rooms, fantastic location, terrible elevators. And as others have noted, it's on Picadilly and doesn't overlook Hyde Park, though it's close by.
Ben
"The Sheraton Grand has a pretty snazzy interior..." The context & pic suggests that should be 'exterior'
Nice review! My partner and I stayed here at the end of September as the rates were amazing. We had such a nice time and everyone we encountered that worked there was very nice and helpful. But those elevators my god! lol
Did you make it into Smith and Whistle? We ended up there nightly as we enjoy hotel bars and after a couple nights got to know the staff and manager (we were there a week). They were concocting their fall specials one night and they ended up having us sample all of them and wanted our opinions on them. Score! Free cocktails!
Glad you and Ford enjoyed the hotel as much as we did (minus your weird Hobo children episode).
How is this Sheraton a "Grand" property? Instead of a dumpy, tired, old Sheraton you get a slightly less dumpy Sheraton with club lounge food that is almost exclusively cheap carbs, cold cuts, bulk cereal, and bulk yogurt.
I found the customer service at this property to be hit or miss. I stayed here four different times and was delighted with my stay twice and had issues the two other times. This was before the renovation so hopefully they retrained the staff during this process.
There is one thing that sticks out about this hotel. The bar in the lobby area is outstanding and the bartender (I forget his name) makes the most incredible mojitos in the world. There were many folks stopping into the hotel just to say hi to him and order a drink.
Would really help if, even if you get upgraded, you could ask to see a standard room and take photos there. Great to see common areas (although if you don't have hotel elite status, seeing the food spread isn't very helpful to the rest of us), but would also like to see what a standard room looks like for those of us who aren't going to get upgraded. Thanks