Review: Grosvenor House, London

Six years ago this correspondent reviewed the hotel, then a part of the Le Meridien rather than the Marriott chain, and the décor looked decidedly tired.

Now under new management, the popular minimalist chic has been successfully applied to this grand old London hotel.

The large saloon for taking a high-tea with scones and clotted cream is largely unchanged.

But on the other side of the Park Lane frontage a large brasserie called Bordeaux has been added which spills out on to an open air terrace.

For a late brunch this establishment offers such delights as duck eggs and Toulouse sausages, and is also popular for cocktails.

But Middle Eastern guests love their room service and again the Grosvenor House does not disappoint with an extensive menu for in-room dining.

Club level comfort

Stay in a room with access to the Executive Lounge and you hardly need to bother with room service.

A constant stream of snacks and beverages is provided, starting with a continental breakfast right through to champagne after five in the afternoon, and later midnight snacks.

The Junior Suites are a firm favourite with Arabian guests who tend to stay for weeks rather than days in the summer months.

These rooms have been completely updated with traditional furniture and the new beds and bedding that Marriott rolled out across its chain a few years back.

In the suites there are two flat-screen LCD-TVs with the hotel's own range of videos on demand, plus wireless internet access available for a modest fee in the rooms or for free in the Executive Lounge.

Service in the Grosvenor House is unobtrusive, and as in many five-star hotels today guests are often left to help themselves. For example, a coffee machine is now provided in the Executive Lounge whereas six years ago more staff were in evidence.

Service standards

I am not sure guests from the Middle East necessarily appreciate this innovation. One gentleman in national dress insisted on a staff member serving his coffee from the machine.

Perhaps Marriott could be criticised for cutting back on the human element of service which is part of what people expect from a great hotel.

It is a shame too that the art deco pool and spa area is still under refurbishment. But guests do have access to the swimming pool in the Marriott, Marble Arch nearby.

That said Grosvenor House sits on Park Lane in Mayfair and there is no finer summer address with Hyde Park opposite and the many pleasures of London on the doorstep.

It is an unbeatable location and that is why so many guests return each summer to the same spot like nesting birds.