45 Park Lane – Hotel Review

With caramel leather couches, dark timber-panelled walls and gleaming chrome flourishes, 45 Park Lane is a handsome beast of a hotel – the George Clooney of the hospitality world. Its soaring bright lobby is home to Wolfgang Puck's Cut restaurant – one of the best places for steak in London – while a staircase (next to the reception desk), complete with leather-clad railings, leads to Bar 45, a gorgeous Art Deco drinking den. The numeral in the hotel’s name not only stands for its street address, but also reflects the number of rooms, each featuring velvety wallpapers, work desks and marble bathrooms with under-floor heating.

The location

About an hour’s drive from Heathrow Airport, the hotel is located in the posh neighbourhood of Mayfair. The city’s green lungs, Hyde Park is just across the road, while the nearest tube station, Hyde Park Corner, is six minutes away. A 20-minute walk west of the hotel will deposit you at the city’s most revered department store, Harrods, while a similar walk in the opposite direction will take you to Oxford Circus.

The rooms

At 30-37 square metres, the entry-level Superior King Rooms are a bit small, but what they lack in size they make up for in style. An elegant palette of neutrals sets the scene for leather finishes and spotless mirrors, while features such as automatic blackout blinds and Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems add to creature comforts. To turn up the luxe factor (and if you want more space), check into one of the upper-level rooms – the Hyde Park Suite on the eighth floor offers a sprawling living room, private balcony and serene green 180-degree views.

Food and drinks

With sparkling chandeliers, elegant drapes and leather booths, the onsite Cut restaurant is one of the most exquisite places for steak in London, while Bar 45 (pictured above) is a lovely spot for drinks before or after a meal. But if you’re after something more traditional, 45 Park Lane’s sister property The Dorchester is just across the road and home to a great coterie of restaurants, bars and lounges. Opt for a traditional English afternoon tea in The Dorchester’s Promenade or book a table at the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant.

For business travellers

45 Park Lane is more boutique than business in nature, so head to The Dorchester across the road for all your corporate needs. The grande dame boasts a magnificent ballroom with an open plan, a penthouse with a roof garden for corporate shindigs and a suite named Crystal which can be used as a private dining space for up to 70 guests.

For wellness travellers

There’s no pool but there’s an excellent spa at The Dorchester, where the menu includes everything – from massages and facials to detox and exfoliation rituals.

The fab factor

Every room and suite features a work desk with a built-in vanity mirror – exquisitely designed and so practical, with leather trimmings, of course.

 

SEE ALSO: Read Before You Leave – London