Dec 23, 2015, 3:00 am
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, London, United Kingdom [Master Thread]
May 23, 2014, 9:25 am
#361
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
This is on their web page:HOTEL RENOVATION BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 2014
Beginning September 1, 2014, the hotel will be undergoing a transformation. We are very excited to be making a major investment in the hotel which will result in completely renovated guest rooms and public areas. During the period of the renovation, the hotel will remain open and will continue to offer all of its current services.
Beginning September 1, 2014, the hotel will be undergoing a transformation. We are very excited to be making a major investment in the hotel which will result in completely renovated guest rooms and public areas. During the period of the renovation, the hotel will remain open and will continue to offer all of its current services.
May 27, 2014, 6:39 pm
#364
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Programs: Star Alliance Gold, Skyteam E+, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,032
Looking forward to see it as well...
Just had a great 2-night stay here earlier this month, great suite and great service
I guess, once renovated, this hotel could fit perfectly into the Luxury Collection portfolio. Would feel more like a LC than a Sheraton. If not, I do hope they will add a club lounge.
Just had a great 2-night stay here earlier this month, great suite and great service
I guess, once renovated, this hotel could fit perfectly into the Luxury Collection portfolio. Would feel more like a LC than a Sheraton. If not, I do hope they will add a club lounge.
May 27, 2014, 9:41 pm
#365
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: New York, NY USA
Programs: DL DM/ 2MM, BA Silver, Amtrak Select Executive, SPG Life Plat/Amb, Fairmont Preferred
Posts: 1,056
I like the property. Service has been great (I stayed ~100 nights over past 2 years).
Of course needs refurb. I hope they can get rooms up to snuff while keeping some the art deco touches, and the ageless electronic fireplaces in the suites. Amazingly, when one of them was malfunctioning the engineer was able to fix it forthwith.
But yes as we all know it does need a root-and-branch refreshening...
Of course needs refurb. I hope they can get rooms up to snuff while keeping some the art deco touches, and the ageless electronic fireplaces in the suites. Amazingly, when one of them was malfunctioning the engineer was able to fix it forthwith.
But yes as we all know it does need a root-and-branch refreshening...
Jun 17, 2014, 2:32 pm
#366
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 425
This is on their web page:HOTEL RENOVATION BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 2014
Beginning September 1, 2014, the hotel will be undergoing a transformation. We are very excited to be making a major investment in the hotel which will result in completely renovated guest rooms and public areas. During the period of the renovation, the hotel will remain open and will continue to offer all of its current services.
Beginning September 1, 2014, the hotel will be undergoing a transformation. We are very excited to be making a major investment in the hotel which will result in completely renovated guest rooms and public areas. During the period of the renovation, the hotel will remain open and will continue to offer all of its current services.
Jun 17, 2014, 2:50 pm
#367
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,922
Jul 27, 2014, 12:12 pm
#368
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor Area
Programs: UA Million Miler, BonVoyLifetime Platinum, UA Platinum, President's Club,
Posts: 1,494
I'm here at Park Lane and I've heard Fall for the renovation. It's been ridiculously hot in the hotel with many guests complaining about the nonexistent AC. I had engineering in here and he said that he had to go to the roof to even check on the AC but I never heard back. The consensus is that the AC doesn't work here and never did. It's just a fan, as it is an old building.
The suite I'm in is lovely, the staff is courteous, and I adore the bathroom. That said, in London's rare moment of real heat/humidity, it's quite difficult to sleep or spend time in the room. This is my 4th and last night and I'm relieved.
I've run into several guests who run the gamut from infuriated to irritated. At the front desk I met a man who was demanding points and his internet taken off his bill b/c of the AC problem, and a woman in the lift who was irate. I do think, as they advertise AC, that some sort of deal or compensation is understandable. (Try going 4 nights with no more than 3 hours sleep a night & dealing with health issues that are compounded by heat. It's not what guests sigh up for.) But the staff is so kind & apologetic & helpful.
I feel like I shouldn't complain b/c the staff has always gone above and beyond for me, and I got a lovely upgrade to either a junior suite or a large room with a Park View. (I'm not sure what the category is but it's a very nice room.) They bring water every day and the staff is SO KIND. If I wasn't staying on my own dime I'd switch to Meridien, but honestly with the crappy exchange rate and the prepay promo I chose, I just can't afford it.
I was lucky to get a fan when I checked in and I leave tomorrow for Sheraton Skyline which, if I recall right, HAS air conditioning. You can turn the fan on in the room but it honestly makes it more stuffy. These old buildings have character and are lovely, especially the art deco bathrooms. I'd love to stay here in the Fall or Winter.
The engineer who came yesterday said that the renovation is going to cost millions and will include AC. I'm glad. The ONLY problem I've had during this ONE stay is the AC. Never before have I had a problem.
If the website hadn't mentioned they had AC I would've had to stay elsewhere due to health reasons. Instead, I got out for my interview, spent money I didn't have to attend the theatre twice, and get out early each day before the heat hits. I take icy baths each night before bed and wash my hair, something I learned during the NYC Blackout. Then I take cool baths in the am to wake up and chill out again.
It's amazing to me that the hallways and corridors are cool, but the rooms are so darned stuffy and almost unlivable. I sleep on top of the covers with the small fan blowing directly on me, but I'm getting a heck of a back spasm from laying in the right position.
This renovation is much-needed if only for the AC! As much loyalty as I have for this property, and that's a LOT over the past decade, I do have to say that if you're used to a cool room, or an average temperature, be careful booking here for the remainder of the summer. The rooms are much warmer than outside, and the windows are such that you cannot get a breeze in.
That said, I'll be back. As soon as the AC is installed, and hoping that the rates don't go up too much. The special citrus cream they have for scones during Afternoon Tea is worth the stay alone! That and the incredible staff. I do know the room service people are tired of bringing ice 3x a day and I'm down close to 30 pounds tipping them, but when the AC is non-existent, you only HAVE ice.
Great property, fantastic staff, wonderful location. Looking forward to the renovation!
The suite I'm in is lovely, the staff is courteous, and I adore the bathroom. That said, in London's rare moment of real heat/humidity, it's quite difficult to sleep or spend time in the room. This is my 4th and last night and I'm relieved.
I've run into several guests who run the gamut from infuriated to irritated. At the front desk I met a man who was demanding points and his internet taken off his bill b/c of the AC problem, and a woman in the lift who was irate. I do think, as they advertise AC, that some sort of deal or compensation is understandable. (Try going 4 nights with no more than 3 hours sleep a night & dealing with health issues that are compounded by heat. It's not what guests sigh up for.) But the staff is so kind & apologetic & helpful.
I feel like I shouldn't complain b/c the staff has always gone above and beyond for me, and I got a lovely upgrade to either a junior suite or a large room with a Park View. (I'm not sure what the category is but it's a very nice room.) They bring water every day and the staff is SO KIND. If I wasn't staying on my own dime I'd switch to Meridien, but honestly with the crappy exchange rate and the prepay promo I chose, I just can't afford it.
I was lucky to get a fan when I checked in and I leave tomorrow for Sheraton Skyline which, if I recall right, HAS air conditioning. You can turn the fan on in the room but it honestly makes it more stuffy. These old buildings have character and are lovely, especially the art deco bathrooms. I'd love to stay here in the Fall or Winter.
The engineer who came yesterday said that the renovation is going to cost millions and will include AC. I'm glad. The ONLY problem I've had during this ONE stay is the AC. Never before have I had a problem.
If the website hadn't mentioned they had AC I would've had to stay elsewhere due to health reasons. Instead, I got out for my interview, spent money I didn't have to attend the theatre twice, and get out early each day before the heat hits. I take icy baths each night before bed and wash my hair, something I learned during the NYC Blackout. Then I take cool baths in the am to wake up and chill out again.
It's amazing to me that the hallways and corridors are cool, but the rooms are so darned stuffy and almost unlivable. I sleep on top of the covers with the small fan blowing directly on me, but I'm getting a heck of a back spasm from laying in the right position.
This renovation is much-needed if only for the AC! As much loyalty as I have for this property, and that's a LOT over the past decade, I do have to say that if you're used to a cool room, or an average temperature, be careful booking here for the remainder of the summer. The rooms are much warmer than outside, and the windows are such that you cannot get a breeze in.
That said, I'll be back. As soon as the AC is installed, and hoping that the rates don't go up too much. The special citrus cream they have for scones during Afternoon Tea is worth the stay alone! That and the incredible staff. I do know the room service people are tired of bringing ice 3x a day and I'm down close to 30 pounds tipping them, but when the AC is non-existent, you only HAVE ice.
Great property, fantastic staff, wonderful location. Looking forward to the renovation!
Aug 18, 2014, 4:11 pm
#369
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,021
At this property now and I have remembered why I usually stay at the Park Tower or the Aloft in London.
I'm here for 2 nights and up to late yesterday evening there were all room types available. As of this morning, just Classic and Executive rooms. I was checking in around 7 pm and no upgrade showing on my reservation and I could smell an issue with an upgrade coming. (I've had this here in the past, hence I have avoided the place for a while.) SPG.com was showing Executive rooms just before I arrived, so I called the hotel and spoke to someone for room rates and availability. I was offered Classic and Executive rooms for a 2 night stay, so that answered that question in advance.
At check-in I get greeted and welcomed as a Platinum. I'm also told that there are not any upgrades available. I mention that I could see Executive Rooms were available online, so could I not perhaps have one of those? The response was that those rooms are available, but smaller than the room you have and only feature a Queen bed, rather than a King. They assumed that I would prefer a larger room and a King bed. I'm travelling alone, so asked for the Executive room as I would rather have something with AC as I genuinely do prefer to sleep in a room with AC. That they started a 3 or 4 minute attempt by the member of staff to keep me in the allocated room as it is 'nicer' 'bigger' 'quieter' and a few other selected reasons. I pushed for the Exec room for the AC as she did say that the Classic room only had ventilation via a window, which I wanted to avoid if an alternative was available.
3 minutes later after searching on the system, there is a room available and I am booked in to it. Breakfast and internet all sorted as well, so off I head up.
To celebrate the year of my birth, the room appears to be stuck in 1974. At least I don't think it has seen a paint brush or a deep clean since that year anyway. Chipped and mis-painted walls and skirting boards are on display. The carpet is dirty at the edges and there is dust and dirt on some of the various pieces of furniture in the room. The bedroom is also a masterpiece of planning. The room is large and there is a work desk. Unfortunately the work desk is not close enough to allow you to plug a laptop in from one of the various sockets dotted around the room. The wired internet isn't working, but the wifi fortunately is ok. The TV is 180 degrees behind the work desk, thus ensuring that workers aren't distracted by TV entertainment - very kind of them to keep us workers on track. There is also a coffee table that comes with a coffee stain underneath the magazines. The bedroom door doesn't shut properly as it doesn't fit the frame properly, but I have wedged it closed with a footstool.
There is a small reception corridor running between the main door to the room, which then links the bedroom and the bathroom, as well as having a couple of wardrobes. One of the wardrobes is dirty and dusty with an ill fitting door. (Spot the theme.) Typically that is the one that is set-up for the hanging of clothes.
The bathroom is large and has a good stock of toiletries and extras. Sadly that is the end of the good news. The toilet is dirty, with a delightful black tide mark at the water line. It clearly hasn't seen a scrubbing brush in a number of months. Underneath the toilet seat is another set of black marks, presumably to keep the tide mark company. There are a number of ring marks from glasses on top of the marble area above the toilet, but there are no glassed in the bathroom (or the room for that matter), so who knows how long they have been there. I made an attempt at cleaning them and they were barely disappearing. I may need to call in specialists to date this dirt.
The shower is the feature attraction of the corner bath. The bath is generally clean, except for the rusting metal features dial to lift the bath plug up and down. The plug itself is covered in a layer of something, possibly dirt, possibly limescale, possibly cleaning fluid that hasn't been washed off. Whatever it is, it should be cleaner. The hotel has kindly also provided me with an in-bathroom disco, thanks to the flickering light that brings a touch of 70s glamour to the room. Oh and the towel rail (which is set to 'Glass blowing heat') can't be switched off, so if you stray a couple of inches too far on entering the bathroom you are branded with a souvenir from the Sheraton Park Lane.
I did pop down and spoke to a member of staff 3 hours ago who was going to get a duty manager to get in contact with me as I wanted to give them a tour of the room that time forgot. Sadly I think the hotel Delorean is out of action, as they haven't managed to join me in 1974. It looks like the only way to head back in time is by using my room key
I'm done for the day and heading to bed. Hopefully I may find a brave enough duty manager to join me in the room that time forgot tomorrow. Until then, I will continue with my Life on Mars experience at the SPL.
Until next time, this is your time travelling correspondent signing off.
I'm here for 2 nights and up to late yesterday evening there were all room types available. As of this morning, just Classic and Executive rooms. I was checking in around 7 pm and no upgrade showing on my reservation and I could smell an issue with an upgrade coming. (I've had this here in the past, hence I have avoided the place for a while.) SPG.com was showing Executive rooms just before I arrived, so I called the hotel and spoke to someone for room rates and availability. I was offered Classic and Executive rooms for a 2 night stay, so that answered that question in advance.
At check-in I get greeted and welcomed as a Platinum. I'm also told that there are not any upgrades available. I mention that I could see Executive Rooms were available online, so could I not perhaps have one of those? The response was that those rooms are available, but smaller than the room you have and only feature a Queen bed, rather than a King. They assumed that I would prefer a larger room and a King bed. I'm travelling alone, so asked for the Executive room as I would rather have something with AC as I genuinely do prefer to sleep in a room with AC. That they started a 3 or 4 minute attempt by the member of staff to keep me in the allocated room as it is 'nicer' 'bigger' 'quieter' and a few other selected reasons. I pushed for the Exec room for the AC as she did say that the Classic room only had ventilation via a window, which I wanted to avoid if an alternative was available.
3 minutes later after searching on the system, there is a room available and I am booked in to it. Breakfast and internet all sorted as well, so off I head up.
To celebrate the year of my birth, the room appears to be stuck in 1974. At least I don't think it has seen a paint brush or a deep clean since that year anyway. Chipped and mis-painted walls and skirting boards are on display. The carpet is dirty at the edges and there is dust and dirt on some of the various pieces of furniture in the room. The bedroom is also a masterpiece of planning. The room is large and there is a work desk. Unfortunately the work desk is not close enough to allow you to plug a laptop in from one of the various sockets dotted around the room. The wired internet isn't working, but the wifi fortunately is ok. The TV is 180 degrees behind the work desk, thus ensuring that workers aren't distracted by TV entertainment - very kind of them to keep us workers on track. There is also a coffee table that comes with a coffee stain underneath the magazines. The bedroom door doesn't shut properly as it doesn't fit the frame properly, but I have wedged it closed with a footstool.
There is a small reception corridor running between the main door to the room, which then links the bedroom and the bathroom, as well as having a couple of wardrobes. One of the wardrobes is dirty and dusty with an ill fitting door. (Spot the theme.) Typically that is the one that is set-up for the hanging of clothes.
The bathroom is large and has a good stock of toiletries and extras. Sadly that is the end of the good news. The toilet is dirty, with a delightful black tide mark at the water line. It clearly hasn't seen a scrubbing brush in a number of months. Underneath the toilet seat is another set of black marks, presumably to keep the tide mark company. There are a number of ring marks from glasses on top of the marble area above the toilet, but there are no glassed in the bathroom (or the room for that matter), so who knows how long they have been there. I made an attempt at cleaning them and they were barely disappearing. I may need to call in specialists to date this dirt.
The shower is the feature attraction of the corner bath. The bath is generally clean, except for the rusting metal features dial to lift the bath plug up and down. The plug itself is covered in a layer of something, possibly dirt, possibly limescale, possibly cleaning fluid that hasn't been washed off. Whatever it is, it should be cleaner. The hotel has kindly also provided me with an in-bathroom disco, thanks to the flickering light that brings a touch of 70s glamour to the room. Oh and the towel rail (which is set to 'Glass blowing heat') can't be switched off, so if you stray a couple of inches too far on entering the bathroom you are branded with a souvenir from the Sheraton Park Lane.
I did pop down and spoke to a member of staff 3 hours ago who was going to get a duty manager to get in contact with me as I wanted to give them a tour of the room that time forgot. Sadly I think the hotel Delorean is out of action, as they haven't managed to join me in 1974. It looks like the only way to head back in time is by using my room key
I'm done for the day and heading to bed. Hopefully I may find a brave enough duty manager to join me in the room that time forgot tomorrow. Until then, I will continue with my Life on Mars experience at the SPL.
Until next time, this is your time travelling correspondent signing off.
Aug 18, 2014, 4:54 pm
#371
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,021
He has been here for the best part of a week now and has the look of Munch's 'The Scream' about him. Not sure if that is down to the hotel, or the project he is working on though.
As for the FD staffer, she didn't say the original room was nicer....just bigger. Size isn't everything you know
Aug 18, 2014, 5:29 pm
#372
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,990
Seriously, I think we're all looking forward to the renovations.
Cheers,
Aug 19, 2014, 12:42 am
#374
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,021
Sorry, that's my summary of it, although it makes me look inconsistent! 
It was every reason under the sun, which I summarised collectively as 'nicer' - She didn't actually say it was nicer though...just bigger, king bedded etc etc. To be honest, it could be palatial, but if it didn't have air conditioning I still would prefer this room on that basis.
Now it is morning I can add a few more things and I will hold off from a couple of gripes that came to light, just to add a bit of balance:
1) There was a newspaper outside my room. It's a small service thing, but often it gets missed, so that was a good start.
2) Breakfast was a decent enough spread, but the service was very good. Friendly staff, quick to clear things and observe what is going on at various table. The gentleman who appeared to be the service manager was excellent and checking on all the guests and filling in any immediate needs that he could see.
3) The Palm Court. At 6:30am it was empty and I had chance to appreciate the space, which is a beautiful area and well maintained.
As for the 18 months for renovations, that sounds reasonable. It is a large hotel and some of the rooms will need a lot of work doing to them, along with some of the public areas. They are also doing the renovations whilst keeping the hotel open, so that will add to the time too. Will certainly be a challenging project for a hotel of this size, with a hotel of this nature.
It was every reason under the sun, which I summarised collectively as 'nicer' - She didn't actually say it was nicer though...just bigger, king bedded etc etc. To be honest, it could be palatial, but if it didn't have air conditioning I still would prefer this room on that basis. Now it is morning I can add a few more things and I will hold off from a couple of gripes that came to light, just to add a bit of balance:
1) There was a newspaper outside my room. It's a small service thing, but often it gets missed, so that was a good start.
2) Breakfast was a decent enough spread, but the service was very good. Friendly staff, quick to clear things and observe what is going on at various table. The gentleman who appeared to be the service manager was excellent and checking on all the guests and filling in any immediate needs that he could see.
3) The Palm Court. At 6:30am it was empty and I had chance to appreciate the space, which is a beautiful area and well maintained.
As for the 18 months for renovations, that sounds reasonable. It is a large hotel and some of the rooms will need a lot of work doing to them, along with some of the public areas. They are also doing the renovations whilst keeping the hotel open, so that will add to the time too. Will certainly be a challenging project for a hotel of this size, with a hotel of this nature.
Aug 19, 2014, 3:34 am
#375
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,678
at that point i had decided that i would avoid this property if other choices were available but it looks like i will be back here for 5 nights towards the end of the year....the rest of my traveling party is staying here so i would have a hard time convincing my client to put me up at another property....
i hope the renovations don't cause too much of a problem & they can keep the dust & noise levels to a minimum....