The park mentioned in the name of the hotel is none other than Hyde Park. It’s that iconic open space that, along with Regents Park, has provided both Londoners and visitors with some much-needed breathing space. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are a walk away from the Royal Park Hotel but it is also thankfully close to public transport links for those occasions when travel by foot is a step too far: Paddington Station with both rail and Underground, and a famous bear, in one direction and Lancaster Gate tube in the other. It’s only 15 minutes from Heathrow on the Heathrow Express. An ideal location for overseas guests.
Royal Park Hotel is an early-Victorian building comprising three restored mid 19th-century Grade II listed townhouses, of the style so often seen in period dramas. Iron railings, a short flight of steps to black glossy doors, polished brass nameplates, pillars, and sash windows all contrive to give the impression of traditional English opulence and charm, and there is an interior that continues that stylish theme.
The reception area is a light and spacious hall with tiled floor and an imposing sideboard which acts as the hotel honour bar. Stairs to the lower ground floor lead to the courtyard garden, a welcome addition to any city hotel. A cosy garden for a cup of afternoon tea or an evening glass of champagne and a brace of canapés, both fizz and nibbles coming with the compliments of the manager.
We were shown to our 1st floor suite. A charming room with a lofty four-poster bed which will be considered a romantic asset by all but those who suffer from vertigo or those much under average height. Impressive, and one of the most comfortable beds I have ever graced. Cinnamon-coloured walls and high ceilings were complemented by well-chosen oil paintings.
A small ante-room acted as both TV room and breakfast room for the duration of our stay. A table with two chairs, and French doors onto a small balcony with a view over trees to similarly historic town houses. It’s a surprisingly tranquil corner of the capital.
I had some work to do so was pleased to learn that Wi-Fi was available in the bedroom along with a desk with power points, as one would expect from a luxury hotel. And a second TV in the bedroom for the use of unreasonable partners who would prefer an evening sans World Cup.
The bathroom was large and sported two Victorian-style basins with limestone surrounds, UK and US bathroom shaver outlets, full bath with limestone tiles and some rather nice toiletries which I confess I was driven to snaffle. Not a habit which I would ordinarily condone but I consider it a compliment to the good taste of the hotel management. A separate WC with the same antique porcelain added to the luxury.
Plenty of wardrobe space here along with dressing gowns and slippers. Another cupboard contained the well-stocked mini-bar and safe deposit box. Several polished wood chests of drawers gave enough storage for even the most dedicated shopaholic.
The Royal Park Hotel doesn’t have a restaurant but Thierry Tomasin’s Angelus Restaurant does the honours for private dining. Tomasin was chief sommelier at Le Gavroche before becoming the General Manager at the celebrated Aubergine Restaurant in Chelsea, prior to opening Angelus in 2008. What could be better than a sumptuous dinner served in your room?
We slept like logs but had no worries about the lack of a dining room here. We had ordered our breakfast the afternoon before. It arrived at the designated hour along with the morning papers. We chose to have a light bite this morning with the Park Breakfast: lots of hot toast and conserves, orange juice, large pot of tea, muesli, yoghurt and warm croissants. For those visitors who have heard so much about the celebrated British breakfast, The Royal Park has a very decent Full English Breakfast. Nice to see an à la carte selection with enough choice to satisfy any dietary needs or preferences. Porridge with spicy apple compote and maple syrup sounds divine on a cold London morning, but a French friend who often visits the hotel is in love with soft-boiled eggs and buttered soldiers. The aforementioned soldiers are not members of HM armed forces but fingers of bread for dipping into golden-yoked egg.
We had a fitting end to a thoroughly relaxing break. This hotel is a perfect bolthole for visitors from out of town, and beyond these shores.
The Royal Park Hotel overview:
48 elegantly furnished rooms and suites
24-hour room service and Concierge service
Great for access to Central London and West End including Oxford Street and Notting Hill
Fully equipped meeting room
Private dining available in all rooms
Private garden terrace
15 minutes from Heathrow on the Heathrow Express
Complementary Wi-Fi Internet for all guests
The Royal Park Hotel
3 Westbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, London W2 3UL
Tel. 44 (0)20 7479 6600
Fax: 44 (0)20 7479 6601
Email: info@theroyalpark.com
Visit The Royal Park Hotel here
Hotel review by Chrissie Walker © 2018