Last updated: April 01, 2025
The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is iconic and a hotel you should stay at at least once in your lifetime. One of the old London greats and a fine example of art deco design, this Marriott property was known as the Park Lane hotel when it first opened in 1927, was renamed in 1997 when it was taken over, and given a further new lease of life in 2016 with a full luxury refurbishment.
The incredible ballroom in the hotel’s basement has seen many a London high society party while the stunning Tudor Rose suite now used for private events with its beautifully ornate ceilings and wood panelled walls was once an air raid shelter. If the walls could talk in this hotel, there’d certainly be some stories – that’s for sure!
Fast forward one hundred or so years since the steel unfinished structure of the hotel earned the Sheraton its nickname ‘the birdcage’ (honoured now through its Palm Court afternoon tea offering which is served in an ornate mini replica), the Grand Park Lane still exudes old school charm and glamour from every corner.
With the lobby and check in desks located by the Brick Street entrance along with the lifts up to the Sheraton’s many luxurious rooms and suites, the revolving doors on the Piccadilly side greet you with a gigantic table of fresh flowers which is a really beautiful welcome. Beyond the floral display, the art deco lobby stretches full length with sophisticated seating areas on raised platforms and the shimmering bar, fully lit and displaying a range of spirits, providing an eye-catching focal point. With Green Park on Sheraton’s Mayfair doorstep, you’re in the perfect spot for exploring Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Piccadilly and Leicester Square to name just a few.
Our room on the 10th floor – a huge suite, included a separate lounge area with comfortable sofas and chairs, feature fire place, elegant desk space and TV. In the bedroom, a feature King sized bed was framed by side tables while an expansive wall display included two ornate dalmations. I later learned that these dalmations are the mascots of the hotel and a nod to the film 101 Dalmations filmed in Green Park!
The bathroom stretched around two corners with a walk in shower area and enormous bath tub forming an all in one wet room, along with a full length wall mirror and vanity area on the opposite side of the double sinks and toilet.
While we could’ve enjoyed the luxury of our Sheraton suite all day, one of the benefits of staying in any of the executive room categories means you gain access to the executive lounge which is located just to the right of the check in desks. Key card access is required to get in this area of the hotel, beyond which is a large area split into two sections with plenty of nice nooks and crannies to settle into while you enjoy a range of complimentary offerings like afternoon tea, free hot and cold snacks and alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks. The lounge is open to adults and children and there’s also a large TV in here too, so it’s a really lively hub of activity.
There are several eating options at The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane and because we’d stocked up in the exec lounge, we had to push our restaurant reservation back an hour! Beautiful Italian eaterie Mercante is located on the Piccadilly side, and our table right at the window made for some brilliant people watching on one of the capital’s most famous streets. Paolo the restaurant manager is fabulous. Knowledgeable, informative, wine connoisseur and true foodie, he guided us through the menu and helped us select some incredible food. We loved the parmigiana with plenty of baked cheese pull and soft and squidgy aubergine, and the arancini balls stuffed with deliciousness. Andrew loved Paolo’s recommendation – the Milanese ossobuco with beef shin, saffron risotto, Amalfi lemon and gremolata – apparently a family favourite enjoyed by Paolo’s relatives in Sicily. Meanwhile I feasted on decadent lobster linguini – chunky fresh seafood and ribbons of homemade deliciousness. Mercante’s elegant interiors were just made for this upscale dining experience with ornate shelving, art deco finishes and flashes of rich shades of yellow.
As I was celebrating my birthday, I got the special treatment with a gorgeous birthday cheesecake – the plate covered in chocolate piping which spelled our my name! We headed to bed after one too many glasses of juicy plummy red wine – again one of Paolo’s suggestions which paired well with the ossobuco.
Catching a flight at 6am from Gatwick the next morning meant we missed breakfast but I’m certain we missed an absolute treat if dinner is anything to go by… one for next time. We also missed out on the chance to enjoy Smith and Whistle’s hospitality – offering a range of seasonal favourites, artisan beers and expertly crafted cocktails.
With its central location, excellent restaurant options and a reputation which exceeds itself, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is still as fine a hotel as it’s always been – elevated through its extensive refurbishment. While still retaining its original charm, this luxurious modern hotel has most definitely moved with the times ensuring you experience the old school glamour and contemporary London in one, along with the very best service.
