London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [129]
LondonMarriott Park Lane.
££££–£££££ | The ornate facade and beautiful interior of this swanky Marriott date to 1919; today its useful location at the Oxford Street end of Park Lane gives access to great shopping on Bond Street and lovely strolls through Hyde Park. In spite of its size, the hotel has a boutique feel. The sizeable bedrooms are standard Marriott fare, with neutral decor, comfortable mattresses, and lots of business accoutrements. The 140 Park Lane bar has its own cocktail, the Crantini 140, a heady mix of white cranberries, vodka, and Cointreau. Pros: great location; big bedrooms. Cons: a bit nondescript; very busy streets outside. TripAdvisor: “breakfasts are very good,” “perfect for a weekend,” “great location.” | 140 Park La., Mayfair | W1K 7AA | 020/7493–7000 | www.marriott.co.uk | 148 rooms, 9 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, pool, gym, spa, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Marble Arch
The Montcalm.
££££–£££££ | A traditional grand hotel at the edge of Park Lane, the Montcalm gears itself to both business and leisure travelers in search of luxury. It might have a modern look, but it has an old-fashioned attitude; it’s the kind of place that calls a gym a “gym recreation area.” Rooms are contemporary, though, decorated in tones of toffee and cream, with comfortable king-size beds. The marble bathrooms are not big, but they do have soothing rain showers. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, MP3 docking stations, and free fresh fruit and bottled water. The bar, Barre Noire, is a pleasant place to meet a few locals over a martini, and the Vetro restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine. The small spa—”wellness center”—has a workout pool, and relaxing treatment rooms where you can have the day’s cares worked out of your shoulders by somebody else. Pros: great location off Park Lane; dedication to luxury and comfort. Cons: old-fashioned approach might seem stuffy to some. TripAdvisor: “staff were friendly and professional,” “décor is modern and stylish,” “better choices in the area.” | 34–40 Great Cumberland Pl., Mayfair | W1H 7TW | 0207/402–4288 | www.montcalm.co.uk | 170 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator (some), DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, pool, gym, spa, laundry service | AE, MC, V | Breakfast | Station: Marble Arch
No. 5 Maddox Street.
££££–£££££ | It doesn’t get more boutique than this. With 12 luxury suites, each filled with everything you could ever need, this hotel is a great option for those who tire quickly of traditional travel. Room service caters to every whim, delivering groceries and lending out CDs, DVDs, or even a bicycle. Deluxe suites have balconies and working fireplaces. All rooms are decorated with subtle, Asian-inspired touches like bamboo and delicate art. The tiny kitchens are stocked with everything from cookies to herbal tea. Guests have access to a nearby health club. Pros: handy kitchens get you out of restaurants; everything can be delivered to your door. Cons: you can feel isolated, as there’s no communal lobby. TripAdvisor: “London’s hidden gem,” “best location in London,” “great for self catering.” | 5 Maddox St., Mayfair | W1S 2QD | 020/7647–0200 | www.living-rooms.co.uk | 12 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen, refrigerator, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: room service, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Oxford Circus
MARYLEBONE
22 York Street.
££ | This Georgian town house has a cozy, family feel with