Park Grand London Lancaster Gate

This hotel is situated in an old Victorian house with an elegant cream exterior. The lobby has a spotless, high-shine white marble floor, and a black marble reception desk. The hall and stair carpets feature bold black and gray striping -- a motif that continues into the rooms. Owned by a small hotel group, it's worth noting this property's focus on customer service. Extra touches include a warm cleansing towel and glass of juice upon arrival, and a courtesy call made to every guest to check they are happy with their room. Those celebrating occasions during their stay may even receive special extras. The hotel lacks many lively areas for guests to relax, though, as the bar is part of the breakfast room, which the hotel calls the Craven Lounge. A far more chic and vintage space to unwind is available to Club Room guests only. The hotel is well suited for both business and leisure guests.

The hotel is located in Bayswater -- a busy area with lots of other hotels, plus restaurants and shops throughout the surrounding streets. It’s just a five-minute walk from London's splendid Hyde Park and lots of popular attractions are within a short walk. Kensington Palace is a 13-minute walk away, while the Princess Diana Memorial Playground takes eight minutes to reach, and the Serpentine Gallery is a 15-minute walk. The excellent shops and trendy All Star Lanes bowling center at Whiteleys are just 10 minutes away on foot. For getting further afield, both Paddington Station and Lancaster Gate Underground station are within a five-minute walk. Heathrow Airport takes around 25 minutes on the underground, or 40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.

Rooms at the Park Grand are available in Deluxe Single, Deluxe Double, Club Twin, or Club Double configurations. Decor is sleek and on the masculine side, with dark wood furniture and boldly striped fabrics in black and gray. Gray drapes hang over the window and the carpets have a fractal black and gray pattern. Moody London cityscapes hang on the walls and statement headboards with wide wood frames stand over the duvet-covered beds. All rooms have a minibar, microwave, electric kettle, safe, air-conditioning, iron and ironing board, 32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, and iPod dock. Some rooms, like the Single Room, are tiny and others have little room to move around the bed. Bathrooms are contemporary and stylish, with rainfall showerheads in walk-in showers or bathtub/shower combos, countertop basins, and wall-hung toilets. Wi-Fi is free. Club Rooms have nice extras such as free fruit and mineral water, bathrobes and slippers, and access to the Club Lounge. They also have king-size beds and premium bedding. 

The on-site restaurant at the Park Grand does not serve lunch or dinner, which is somewhat disappointing for a hotel in this category. A daily breakfast with a choice of a full English or continental option is available, and only some bookings include it in rates. The hotel also offers a popular afternoon tea, and an unusual chocolate afternoon tea which is often chosen for special celebrations. There’s a bar on-site as well with has a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, an extensive cocktail menu, and also serves snacks. Breakfast, snacks, and drinks can also be served in the hotel's garden in warmer weather. It's a small space that can only accommodate eight people, with dining tables and chairs. Those staying in Club Rooms have access to the lounge which has vintage tan leather seating, a computer, printer, and a selection of books and magazines. The hotel also offers a laundry service and has fast, free Wi-Fi throughout. Airport transfers can also be arranged for a fee. As mentioned before, the hotel goes out of its way for guests celebrating special occasions, and that attention to detail deserves mention as a valuable feature.