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As a grand dame of Piccadilly, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane exudes Art Deco opulence. This Grade II-listed hotel boasts refined Jazz Age styling; its Portland stone façade and mansard roofline add a touch of Parisian flair. That grandeur carries throughout the interior décor, evoking the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Taking centre stage is Palm Court’s striking stained-glass ceiling, flooding the space with soft, diffused light and drama. My friends and I lingered here for an afternoon tea, soaking in the art deco touches: sensuous curves in the ceiling, graceful palms emblazoned on lush purple carpets, large mirrors, burnished brass fixtures, and marble floors that reflect a golden glow. It’s easy to imagine ourselves transported to another era. The popular period drama Mr. Selfridge filmed scenes at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, no doubt drawn in by its authenticity.
Credit: Michelle Mullen
Afternoon Tea in Palm Court
For a quintessential London experience, we made time for afternoon tea in the hotel’s Palm Court. Savouries and sweets arrive on a striking birdcage-style stand that nods to the building’s original 1927 steel-frame architecture.
Delicate finger sandwiches (smoked salmon, creamy egg mayonnaise, and cucumber, chives & lemon cream cheese) gave way to the real highlight for us: warm, pillowy scones with thick clotted cream and seasonal preserves. The pastries were elegant and contemporary, including lemon meringue domes, raspberry-pistachio opera slices, and decadent chocolate-cherry cubes.
Credit: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
We found the tea list to be extensive, from classic Earl Grey to more adventurous choices like the surprisingly delicious chocolate chilli blend. But it’s the flawless service and meticulous attention to ritual, with every detail thoughtfully considered and perfectly paced, that made this afternoon tea at Palm Court an exceptional experience.
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane: Dining and Amenities
Bonvoy Platinum members and Premium guests have access to the Club Lounge which is a useful perk. As any traveller knows, sometimes you just need a quick bite between sightseeing. This spacious lounge is stocked with drinks and snacks all day long, as well as various breakfast offerings.
Right: Mercante brunch buffet, credit: Michelle Mullen
For a more substantial spread for breakfast, there’s the Italian-inspired restaurant Mercante. There you can order à la carte or browse the hearty brunch buffet including a traditional English breakfast or cooked-to-order omelettes. My personal favourite was the creamy cottage cheese topped with seasonal stewed fruit. Simple, yet perfect. Mercante also offers all-day dining featuring inventive Italian fare like Beetroot Risotto with goat’s blue cheese, Zucchine Fritte with Aioli Mayo, or Linguine Alle Vongole.
A Suite Fit for the Gilded Age
Credit: Jennifer Pearson
Our suite was a genuine retreat. A stylish chaise sat in front of the fireplace, inviting for a cosy evening wind-down, while the bathroom offered a huge soaking tub, a rain shower, and signature toiletries from Molton Brown. After an exceptional night’s sleep in the pillowy-soft bed (thanks to one of the quietest hotel rooms I’ve stayed in), I could enjoy a bit of a lie-in. No need to rush down for my morning caffeine as the in-room coffee maker had me covered.
Mayfair on Your Doorstep
The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane sits in the heart of Mayfair. You’ll find high-end shopping on Bond Street with flagship luxury boutiques such as Cartier, Chanel, and Burberry. Near the hotel are several upscale restaurants: for seafood, choose between the iconic Scott’s or newcomer Sexy Fish; for Michelin-starred Indian fare, Gymkhana is a must-try; and for continental classics, there’s the grand café, The Wolseley.
It’s only a short 10-minute walk through Green Park to arrive at Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard may be a bit touristy, but it’s a favourite activity for good reason – it’s an iconic British tradition! Green Park is worth slowing down for and not just passing through to the Palace. This Royal Park is one of the quieter parks in London. In the summer, relax in a deck chair to take in the wide-open green spaces with light dappling through the trees creating a welcome pause.
From the elegant surroundings to the exceptional service, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane strikes that rare balance, sophisticated without being stuffy. I would not hesitate to make it my home base on my next trip to London.
For more information and to book your stay, visit the Marriott website here.
Credit: Michelle Mullen
And to extend our pampering, we hired a private car service, Blacklane, to ferry us to the airport in style. Our driver arrived in a classy, sleek Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS. Prompt, professional, and the height of luxury – the back-seat massage feature alone made for a smooth ending to our London trip. Our chauffeur manoeuvred us through London traffic with ease, making the journey to the airport one final moment of indulgence during our stay in the capital.
After days spent navigating the Tube and London streets, the ease of a private transfer with Blacklane felt like a welcome luxury before the journey home.
