London Marriott Hotel Regents Park

The London Marriott Hotel Regents Park was built in 1973 and features a brown brick facade gridded with simple white balconies. The interior offers a traditional, upscale English feel with high ceilings, brown wood accents, chesterfield sofas, recessed ceilings, and red and gold carpeting. Some of these details, though well maintained, feel a bit dated in style, but the hotel is in the process of a large-scale refurbishment. During our mid-2016 visit, a temporary reception area had been set up, as the main lobby was being refurbished, while guest rooms were next on the docket. One of the major benefits of this hotel's location outside of the heart of London is the sheer space, leaving room for facilities not typical at more compact hotels, such as a gym, indoor pool, and sauna. There's also plenty of meeting and event space, which attracts business guests, though families are common visitors as well.

This Marriott is tucked away on a relatively leafy road removed from the action of central London. The neighborhood has a local theater, a drama school, a few eateries, and various public facilities like a library and swimming center, but there isn't much tourist action. Still, the Swiss Cottage tube station (Jubilee line) is only a six-minute walk away, connecting guests fairly directly to sights like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, which take about 20 to 25 minutes to reach. Regents Park, home to the London Zoo, is just a four-minute drive or 15-minute walk from here. Heathrow Airport is about 45 minutes away via public transit (and about the same by car). Airport transfers and parking are available, but cost extra fees. 

Rooms at this Marriott are clean and comfortable, though the traditional decor can feel somewhat dated and generic, and includes golden wall-to-wall carpeting, red accents, and simple wooden furniture. Still, painted accent walls, framed photos, and white molding are tasteful details. During our mid-2016 visit, renovations were beginning on the lobby and were planned to continue into guest rooms, injecting the spaces with a more modern look. Bathrooms are also well maintained but somewhat dated in style, with beige tiled walls, mottled counters, and white fixtures. Most include shower/tub combos. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and include desks, gooseneck reading lights attached to headboards, and wardrobes with storage space, safes, and irons and ironing boards. There are also flat-screen TVs, but in-room Wi-Fi does not come standard with the room rate. Rooms include mini-fridges and coffee/tea service, while room service is available 24-hours. Bathrooms have hairdryers, while upgraded rooms offer high-end Acca Kappa toiletries. Rooms also have balconies, but views aren't particularly impressive from lower floors. Guests occasionally note exterior or interior noise, so light sleepers may want to bring earplugs. Rooms range in size from the entry-level Deluxe King (215 square feet or 20 square meters), to Doubles that sleep four (280 square feet or 26 square meters), to Superior Rooms (323 square feet or 30 square meters) and Studio Suites (484 square feet or 45 square meters). Some connecting rooms are available. Executive Rooms are no larger than Deluxe Rooms, but offer access to the exclusive Executive Lounge, which includes a free continental breakfast and other extras (note that children are not allowed in the Executive Lounge).

Unlike most central London hotels -- even upscale/luxury ones -- this property has extensive wellness facilities. There's a compact but well kept, modern gym with cardio equipment, including treadmills and ellipticals with individual screens, along with weight-lifting machines, free weights, exercise balls, yoga mats, and other workout paraphernalia. The gym features windows that overlook the indoor pool, which measures about 50 feet long (15 meters), though it's occasionally overrun with kids. There's also a sauna, plus the hotel offers spa treatments by arrangement, including massages, facials, and manis/pedis. The hotel has a good on-site Italian restaurant, Carluccio's, that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, and offers outdoor terrace seating. There are nice buffet and hot breakfast options, but they cost an extra fee. Room service is available 24-hours. Guest staying in executive-level rooms have exclusive access to an Executive Lounge, which offers a free continental breakfast along with snacks and drinks throughout the day (children are not permitted).The hotel has 10 event rooms, the largest of which can host a banquet of up to 300 guests. There's a 24-hour front desk along with a dedicated concierge staff. They can assist with recommendations, tickets, laundry and dry cleaning service, and more. Other amenities include an ATM machine in the lobby, airport transfers (for a fee), and parking (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, but incurs a charge for in-room use -- though Marriott Rewards Members can get it for free.