InterContinental London Park Lane by IHG — Hotel in London

I recently had my first stay at the InterContinental London Park Lane, using an Ambassador complimentary night voucher, and it exceeded my expectations in many ways. As someone who values detailed reviews, I aim to provide insights that fellow travelers might find helpful.

IHG and Ambassador Status

From the moment I arrived, my IHG Ambassador status was recognized, with a seamless check-in experience. I chose the welcome drink voucher over the points, though I was a bit disappointed that the voucher was restricted to the house wine. The staff upgraded me from a Mayfair Classic to a Mayfair Premium room with a park view, and a late checkout was offered without me even needing to request it. It was a nice touch and demonstrated great attention to loyalty benefits.

Special Occasion Notes

The hotel noted my wife's birthday on the booking and went the extra mile by placing a cake and a personalized card in our room upon arrival. It was a thoughtful gesture that truly enhanced the experience.

Room Experience

The Mayfair Premium room was excellent, with a recently renovated look that was spotless throughout. The modern décor, mood lighting, and plenty of charging points made the space both functional and stylish. The bathroom, while compact and featuring just a shower, was immaculate, with well-maintained fixtures and audio streaming from the TV. I appreciated the small turn-down service each evening—it’s those little touches that add to the luxury feel. Even with a park view room near the road, the sound insulation was top-notch, with only the faintest noise from passing sirens. The windows could be opened slightly for some fresh air (if you can call London air fresh) which was a nice option and one I really like.

Service

Every staff member I encountered was friendly and professional, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay. Their attentiveness stood out and contributed significantly to the overall experience.

Breakfast at Theo Randall’s

Breakfast was served at Theo Randall's restaurant and, while the setting was pleasant and well-managed despite being busy, it fell a little short of the 5-star expectations. Although the selection was good, some aspects could be improved. The juices not 100% freshly squeezed, and the bread options were somewhat limited. Additionally, some of the cooked items, such as bacon and sausages, were pre-prepared rather than made to order. However, there were still some freshly cooked options available, like omelets and eggs upon request. Special recognition goes to one of the staff members, a bald French gentleman, who provided exceptional service at breakfast with genuine warmth. He was truly a credit to the hotel.

Location

The hotel’s location is unbeatable, nestled between Hyde Park and Green Park, making it perfect for exploring London’s top attractions. It’s about a 20-minute walk to Oxford Street and Bond Street, and around 30 minutes to Covent Garden. Shepherd Market, just an 8-minute walk away, offers a charming selection of boutique restaurants and pubs if you prefer to stay local.

Arc Bar and Dining

The Arc Bar, located near the main foyer, was a lovely spot for a drink. The bar food was excellent, with a newly updated menu (as of mid-October 2024). The staff was diligent about asking guests if they had any allergies, which was reassuring. It’s a convenient and pleasant place to unwind after a day out in the city.

Club Lounge

I didn’t get a chance to use the Club Lounge, as the afternoon tea style offerings aren’t my preference. From what I’ve heard and read, it’s highly recommended and offers an exceptional experience for those who enjoy that type of thing.

To and from the Hotel to Heathrow

Closest Tube is Green park. Its about 5 mins walk. Uber to Heathrow averaged about £50-£70 one way at the times I looked at. Obviously the benefit is door to door. Other options are a quick cab to Bond Street Tube (Davies St) (£8/15 depending on time of day) and use the Elizabeth line - takes about 30 mins - you can use a bank card to tap on and off. Tapping is cheaper than buying a ticket @ approx. £13.50 one way. Otherwise you need to take a cab to Paddington and can avail of the Heathrow Express. (this was the most expensive option if you are 2 more more people).

Overall Verdict

For a first-time stay, the InterContinental London Park Lane delivered a luxurious and memorable experience. The thoughtful service, fantastic location, and well-appointed rooms (at least the mayfair floors) make it an excellent choice for those looking to explore London in style. While breakfast could use a few improvements to meet 5-star expectations fully, the positives far outweighed any minor shortcomings.

I'd certainly...

It saddens me greatly to have to revise my review of this property after being a guest here over a 25 year span. When I first walked though the door of the Intercontinental London Park Lane it was a true 5 Star property. The amenities were of the highest caliber, the linens were Frette, the world finest, the concierge - Conrado - had an attention to detail like none other and overall, the staff were outstanding. What has occurred over that 25 year span, mostly under the guidance of the current General Manager Alvaro Rey, who’s been the GM since 2009, has been a stellar property decline year on year to a state that it’s hardly recognizable on this, probably my last stay. The linens which once used to be of the world’s finest quality are now just mediocre. The full lengths frette robes, once luxurious and soft, are now less than knee length and feel like you put on a burlap bag. if your most unlucky enough to be assigned an interior room, all you’ll see is a dismal and peeling roof that once used to be a beautiful patina green and impeccably maintained. While I remember when the hotel rooms were renovate now some 10-15 years ago - what used to be full of nostalgia, fine woods, and classic furnishings, is now akin to nothing more than a regular room at any general hotel property with, quite frankly, half the furnishings missing in my current suite where the living room looks almost barren. I recall a day when guest were treated with the utmost respect and attention to detail - for example I inquired with Conrado to purchase 2 new Frette full length robes. He special ordered them for me from Frette, embroider with the intercontinental logo, and had them shipped to my home in another country. I gladly paid what was charged - I believe $250 each at the time many years ago - however the price was reasonable in regards to the service provided and the base cost of the robes. Conversely, this evening as an example, I realized that I’d failed to acquire gifts for 4 individuals during my current stay. I called down to the concierges desk not getting an answer after multiple rings. I then rang the operator inquiring if there was a possibility of purchasing 4 boxes of the sea salt truffles like the one that had been left in my room upon arrival. She transferred me back to the concierge who finally picked up on the 10-12 ring. After asking the same question of him, he transferred me right back to the operator. How can one even make this up? I reiterated to her my inquiry and to her benefit she said she would find an answer for me and ring back. Keep in mind that I attempted to procure these same truffles which were available at John Lewis’ for 11 pounds per box and several other retailers at a very similar price or a few pence less. When the operator rang me back she indicated that guest services would be willing to sell me 4 boxes at 50 pounds each. Yes, you read that correctly - 5 times the retail price - retail, not wholesale for which they’re procured. Keep in mind, I have been a regular customer of this property for over 25 years and the highest level member in the IHG brand and this property, once stellar in guest services, wanted to literally rob and take advantage at every opportunity. Deplorable and despicable for any property to try and take advantage of any guest - regardless of their loyalty - but especially of a top level guest that has loyal to a property for over 25 years. I’ll reiterate, what once was one of the finest properties London had to offer - a true 5 Star gem - pales in comparison to what it is today - a typical run of the mill property that apparently attempts to rob guests at every opportunity, has linens and robes that look like they came from the second hand store, and room furnishings that apparently are in such short supply, they’d rather just leave the suite looking vacant as opposed to furnishing it fully as their advertisements and pictures portray on their current website while continuing to charge a premium price similar to that of the true 5 star historical properties...

I recently had my first stay at the InterContinental London Park Lane, using an Ambassador complimentary night voucher. It exceeded my expectations in many ways. As someone who values detailed reviews, I aim to provide insights that fellow travelers might find helpful.

IHG and Ambassador Status - From the moment I arrived, my IHG Ambassador status was recognized. I chose the welcome drink voucher over the 600 points, though I was a bit disappointed that the drinks voucher was restricted to the house wine. Upgrade from a Mayfair Classic to a Mayfair Premium room with a park view. Late checkout offered without needing to request it.

Special Occasion Notes - The hotel noted my wife's birthday on the booking and went the extra mile by placing a cake and a personalized card in our room upon arrival. A thoughtful gesture that truly enhanced the experience.

Room Experience - The Mayfair Premium room was excellent, a recently renovated look that was spotless throughout. The modern decor, mood lighting, and plenty of charging points made the space both functional and stylish. The bathroom, small, with shower was immaculate, with well-maintained fixtures and audio streaming from the TV. I appreciated the small turn-down service each evening—it’s those little touches that add to the luxury feel. Even with a park view room near the road, the sound insulation was top-notch, only the faintest noise from passing sirens. The windows could be opened slightly for some fresh air (if you can call London air fresh).

Service - Every staff member I encountered was friendly and professional, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay. Their attentiveness stood out and contributed significantly to the overall experience.

Breakfast at Theo Randall’s - Breakfast was served at Theo Randall's restaurant While the setting was pleasant it fell short of the 5-star expectations. Although the selection was good, some aspects could be improved. The juices weren't freshly squeezed, and the bread options were somewhat limited. Additionally, some of the cooked items, such as bacon and sausages, were pre-prepared rather than made to order. There were still some freshly cooked options available, like omelets and eggs upon request. Special recognition goes to one of the staff members, a bald French gentleman, who provided exceptional service with genuine warmth. He was truly a credit to the hotel.

Location - The hotel’s location is unbeatable, nestled between Hyde Park and Green Park. It’s about a 20-minute walk to Oxford Street and Bond Street, and around 30 minutes to Covent Garden. Shepherd Market, just an 8-minute walk away, offers a charming selection of boutique restaurants and pubs if you prefer to stay local.

Arc Bar and Dining - The Arc Bar, located near the main foyer, was a lovely spot for a drink. The bar food was excellent, with a newly updated menu (as of mid-October 2024). The staff was diligent about asking guests if they had any allergies, which was reassuring.

Club Lounge - I didn’t get a chance to use the Club Lounge, as the afternoon tea style offerings aren’t my preference.

To and from the Hotel to Heathrow - Closest Tube is Green park. 5 mins walk. Uber to Heathrow averaged about £60 one-way. Other options are a quick cab to Bond Street Tube (Davies St) (£8/15 depending on time of day) and use the Elizabeth line - takes about 30 mins - you can tap on and off. Tapping is cheaper than buying a ticket approx £13.50 one way. Alternatively a cab to Paddington and the Heathrow Express. (most expensive option if you are 2 more more people).

Overall Verdict - While breakfast could use a few improvements to meet 5-star expectations fully, the positives far outweighed any minor shortcomings. Though there are other upscale hotels nearby offering what I'd imagine are similar high-end experiences I'd certainly...