Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living

Housed in an imposing building with a stone and brick facade and large windows overlooking Hyde Park, the five-pearl Grosvenor House Apartments may look classic from the outside, but interiors are decidedly contemporary and chic. A smart black-and-white color scheme with clean lines is seen throughout the property, both in common spaces and in rooms, while touches of lilac and orange plus large photos of London landmarks add some color. The centerpiece of the building is an impressive atrium topped with a seven-story high skylight that makes the space bright and appealing. Lined by plants and a low wall, the guests-only bar and restaurant is a quiet spot for mingling or for enjoying a drink or a bite. Decor in this space is similar to that found in other areas of the hotel, with a dark gray and black palette with orange accents. Hundreds of long, narrow windows with black shutters overlook the atrium, and a huge pale pink lamp hangs from the center of the glass roof. The small front desk area is on the second floor overlooking the atrium and has several clusters of seating with dark couches, armchairs, and coffee tables. This self-catering property is a draw for both business travelers and families, though the price tag is hefty.

The hotel is located on Park Lane, one of London’s most coveted addresses. There is a high concentration of luxury hotels and stores in the area, and right across the street from the hotel is lovely Hyde Park. Busy Oxford Street, located a 15-minute walk away, offers dozens of shops, from chain stores to high-end boutiques, and the famous Harrod’s can be reached in about 15 minutes by bus or cab. Major attractions such as the British Museum and Big Ben are each a 20-minute tube ride away. Marble Arch (served by the Central Line) and Hyde Park Corner (served by the Picadilly Line) can each be reached in about 10 minutes.

The Grosvenor House offers 130 units ranging from studios to five-bedroom apartments, all overlooking either the atrium or the pretty streets. Rooms are spacious and luxurious, with a chic anthracite gray and white scheme, king-size beds, and high-end amenities such as Nespresso machines, electric blinds, iPod docks, digital flat-screen TVs, and T London toiletries. Fully stocked kitchens are available in all room types and include gas stoves, fridges, washers, dishwashers, electric kettles, and sinks, and generous dining areas offer seating for at least as many guests as the apartment can sleep. Sleek bathrooms have a sexy feel, with dark floors, gray walls and countertops, mood lighting, and deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers with frosted glass doors. Wi-Fi is offered free of charge to all guests throughout the property. Penthouse guests have dedicated butlers and are offered free in-room hors d’oeuvres daily (the Penthouse also has a furnished balcony). Some rooms have Hyde Park views.

The Atrium is the hotel’s guest-only restaurant and lounge, offering an international menu with a few British comfort food items plus afternoon tea service. It is a popular spot for a quiet after work drink and for casual business meetings, and the couches by the fireplace are a favorite among couples. The fitness center is small but offers up-to-date equipment, personal trainer services, and free water and fruit. The hotel lacks a full spa, but in-room body treatments and salon services can be requested at the front desk (for a fee). The hotel draws mostly business travelers due to its many business-oriented services, which include free Wi-Fi, printing and copying services, 24/7 room service, car service, grocery shopping, and Heathrow VIP service (for Penthouse guests staying seven nights or more). In-room events can be arranged, and there are also several meeting spaces that guests can rent for a fee. Those traveling with kids get a welcome pack with toys, puzzles and games, and a children’s menu is available at Atrium.