Walking past the London Marriott Park Lane at the top of Oxford Street it doesn’t look like much.
But if you step inside, be prepared for a very pleasant surprise, as this place serves up refined luxury from the get go.
The hotel – which boasts 152 rooms – underwent a £130 million overhaul a few years ago and today it boasts an alluring twinkle.
Think marble floors, a mix of contemporary arts, dark wood panelling and well-positioned down lighters.
The service is also flawless, from welcoming doormen to on-the-ball reception staff guiding you through the check in process.
I checked into the place on a Thursday night and got an upgrade to an executive suite on the 4th floor.
If you’re looking to push the boat out for a special occasion, I would highly recommend these rooms as an option.
The chic purple, cream and gold-coloured suites include sweeping views of Hyde Park if you get the right side, a nice lounge area and one of the best hotel bathrooms I’ve seen in a while.
In my marble-clad washroom I found sweet-smelling Floris products, an enormous tub and a Toto toilet complete with a heated seat and bidet option.
If you stay in the suites you also get access to the executive lounge on the ground floor, with culinary treats and drinks provided throughout the day.
I popped down to the cosy lounge in the early evening for a glass of red wine and a nibble of cheese.
There was a pot of tasty-looking chicken legs on offer but didn’t want to spoil my appetite before dinner.
On returning to my room later that evening I relished a dip in the big tub with a glass of champagne before wrapping up in my robe and nestling down for a very peaceful sleep.
I attempted to get the ‘myaway’ app via the television to work so I could play my music but like many hotel music systems, it proved to tricky to work out – even one of the butlers couldn’t work it – so I gave up and listened to the radio channels instead.
Back to the subject of winning features, the Marriott Park Lane is one of the only hotels on the capital’s famed strip with a swimming pool. Even the Dorchester doesn’t have one!
Before heading to breakfast the next morning, I popped down to the spa to check out the heated 12.5m pool and use the gym.
Despite it being a tight space, the hotel boasts a great mix of workout equipment and there is chilled water and fruit on offer.
After working up a sweat, I went for a dip in the peaceful pool, with the perfectly warmed water lulling me into a relaxed state.
The dimmed light, twinkling mosaic and reflective ceiling helped to further my feeling of calm.
On returning to my room, I had a quick wash in the rain shower with a dousing of Floris lotion and zoomed back down to the lounge for the breakfast buffet.
There was a good selection put out in the morning, with cooked goods on one side and cold snacks on the other. The diced pineapple was lovely and fresh and there was an assortment of nuts and berries to graze on.
We sat down for breakfast with the morning papers and revelled in the relaxed atmosphere.
After feeling amply satisfied it was time to leave the luxury of the Marriott Park Lane behind and catch a train from King’s Cross.
The Uber ride cost less than £10 and was just a short scoot away.
So, if you’re looking for a little luxury in the heart of London, I’d definitely recommend this spot as a top option.
The London Marriott Park Lane is located at 140 Park Lane London England W1K 7AA
To book a room call +44-20-7493-7000 or visit www.marriott.co.uk
