Why This London Hotel is Loved by UAE Citizens and Residents

"It's a timeless sanctuary for anyone aspiring a memorably London stay"

Posted on

5 November 2019

Contributed by

David Dunn

For many UAE residents and nationals seeking escape from the soaring summer temperatures of home the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has become a familiar address.

Then with its Art Deco elegance and celebrated location in the English capital, this is a timeless sanctuary for anyone aspiring a memorable London stay.

The “Roaring Twenties” are at the heart of the Sheraton Grand where distinctive Art Deco styling has been earnestly preserved and draws the eye from majestic façade to guest rooms and suites.

Positioned opposite the green oasis of Royal Green Park, the hotel occupies a prime spot on one of London’s best-known streets, a distinguishably dressed doorman in a long coat and black hat greeting arriving guests.

It’s a clue to the architectural opulence within this Mayfair favourite where five-star hospitality and classic detailing define an iconic property, originally opened in 1927.

Pictured: Palm Court, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

Public spaces and guest accommodation have undergone a careful renovation that has retained original elements of Art Deco glamour to ensure a charismatic escape from modern London’s bustle.

Decadent furnishing, elaborately patterned carpets, statement lighting, and a clock-like illuminated lift level counters speak of a different era.

Palm Court is where this is most evident. Graced by marble floors, tapestries, and cool ceiling details, this stunning open lounge is the setting for the Sheraton Grand’s renowned afternoon tea. It’s easy to picture some of the elegantly attired folk that doubtless occupied the same space down the decades.

Pictured: Mercante, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

Native Italian flavours fuel the dining experience at Mercante, an adjoining venue for breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner with a menu influenced by market available produce.

Guests can enjoy this inside the easy-going, sensitively themed main restaurant area or seated on a pavement terrace with park views.

Smith & Whistle, meanwhile, boasts English dishes and drinks – including with a drinks menu especially for dogs - served amid its own Insta-friendly retro styling. Club Room and Suite guests can also access the Sheraton Club Lounge.

Located on the ground floor beside the concierge, this calm and comfortable space serves complimentary breakfast as well as refreshments throughout the day.

Pictured: Smith & Whistle, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

This is also where you’ll discover the ZZZ-list, a curated library designed to help guests enjoy better sleep, with many titles chosen specifically for Middle Eastern visitors.

It partnered with London’s oldest bookseller and a sleep expert and psychologist to assemble a collection of 30 fiction/non-fiction books meant to ease travellers into a peaceful slumber.

The choices follow a unique set of guidelines, such as the use of short sentences and concluding chapters meeting the brain’s desire for completeness and can be read in the lounge or your room.

“Falling asleep in a bed that isn’t your own can be difficult and the ever growing use of smartphones and tablet computers during evening hours can cause sleep disturbances – meaning those staying in a hotel sometimes find it harder to get to sleep,” says expert Dr David Lewis.

Pictured: ZZZ-list Library, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

However, add a paperback from the ZZZ-list to the Sheraton’s ‘Signature Sleep Experience’, featuring innovative bedding and fragrance collections, and you should be off before you know it.

“We are lucky enough to have a number of international guests, so it was really important for us that the ZZZ-list included stories relevant to all cultures,” says hotel General Manager Justin Pinchbeck.

He confirms the Sheraton Grand’s popularity with Gulf visitors, not least UAE families, plenty of which were enjoying the hotel during our stay.

In fact, Justin cites a “loyal base of Emirati regulars”, to the extent the hotel recently ran a month-long promotion to mark Emirati Women’s Day.

“The GCC is one of our strongest markets,” continues the GM.

“Not only are we located in Mayfair, one of the most sought-after destinations of GCC guests - renowned for its luxury shopping and restaurants and overlooking Green Park - our property is also fully equipped to welcome Middle Eastern guests, ensuring they feel right at home.”

Pictured: Club Room, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

And while offering the perfect sanctuary from the noise of the capital, the Sheraton Grand is a perfect base for exploring one of London’s primary luxury shopping districts.

You are within a comfortable walk of the boutiques of Bond Street or a longer stroll to bustling tourist hotspots such as Piccadilly, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Leicester Square.

You are within easy reach of the latest gems at Tiffany’s or world-class sculptures at the Royal Academy of Art.

And as members of the elite "Les Clefs d'Or", the Sheraton Grand’s concierge staff can guide you there. You’ll also find them a fountain of knowledge for everything from dinner reservations to theatre tickets and even floral arrangements.

To find out more about rooms, availability and prices at the hotel, visit www.marriott.com