Park Grand London Hyde Park

From the street, Park Grand Hyde Park looks like a well-preserved slice of the Victorian era. A pale yellow building rises from groomed garden plots along wrought-iron gates. Columns and shaped shrubs greet guests at the entryway. The hotel itself sits just behind a hedge-lined parking area directly off the sidewalk. Inside, the Park Grand's decor fast-forwards centuries. Guests are introduced to a sleek and contemporary lobby consisting of smooth and shiny tile floors, a reception desk of frosted glass panels and wood, and a seating area filled with purple leather couches. Contemporary art hangs on the walls and bright singular lights drop from the ceiling. A selection of tour brochures rests in the corner, or guests can watch a few of the property’s permanent residents swim within their goldfish aquarium.

While everything has a decidedly modern feel, from the hallway carpets to the slightly minimalist style of the restaurant and bar, classic touches remain. Gold-leafed furniture and decor accents can be found in the hallways and other public spaces, and the warm, neutral color scheme provides a cozy vibe.

Surrounded by the busy area of the London Paddington transportation hub, Park Grand Hyde Park is lucky to be located off of a quiet side street. Although within one of the most convenient areas of London thanks to its walking distance to the London Paddington National Rail station as well as the Circle, District, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith & City Underground lines, the hotel's immediate area is fairly dead. Most guests will find they have to travel outside of the area to find attractions, restaurants, and bars. However, Hyde Park can be reached within a 10-minute walk from the property. For guests with kitchenettes, there is a local grocer, Sainsbury's, within walking distance. Heathrow Airport is around 25 minutes west by public transit and a bit more than 30 minutes away by car. Gatwick Airport is about 70 minutes south, while Stansted is 60 minutes northeast.

The 119-room Park Grand Hyde Park has several different unit types, including dual-level suites. However, many guests feel the lower-category and specifically basement-level rooms are extremely tight. If crammed Victorian-era sized quarters are a deal-breaker for you, upgrading above the Deluxe category can give you more space, and some of the higher-category rooms include free mini-bottles of wine, fruit baskets, and bathrobes and slippers. Typically, units have contemporary decor in pale warm tones with charcoal blue bedding and window treatments, tea and coffee-making facilities, and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. Some rooms may also include mini-kitchenettes for self-catering, small balconies, or false balconies. Wi-Fi is available, but is sometimes spotty in basement-level units.

The Park Grand has typical features available at an upper-mid-range property. While guests may find the location doesn't have many dining options, the hotel has room service and an on-site restaurant serving a free breakfast -- traditional English and continental, both buffet style. There’s also a chic bar serving cocktails, wine, and beer from the early evening hours. The venue has free Internet as well as a shared public computer functioning as the business center.