Hi All,

To anticipate a likely comment I know that I could have included this in the myriad of London related threads, but (obviously) have decided not to. I think it offers a somewhat different take on the differences between these two hotels and, with London being arguably the most popular overseas destination for Americans (if not for other nationalities), I thought it warranted its own thread.

After having always stayed at the Park Lane Sheraton when in London (at least twice a year), I decided to try something different and stay at the Belgravia Sheraton on a two night stay last month. Overall, I enjoyed both properties and would be happy to stay at either. Note this is not so much a trip report as it is a comparisom if the two properties.

Platinum Treatment

I was upgraded at the Belgravia to a studio suite on the 7th floor (room 708) without having to ask. I was given a bottle of wine as a Platinum amentity. At the Park Lane, I am usually upgraded to a junior suite, but on my most recent stay, I was only given a park view room (to be fair, I could have waited for a suite to open up, but I chose not to). As a Platinum amenity, I have been given fruit and chocolates. For me, the amenity at the Park Lane is better, but your mileage may vary.

Location

I gotta go with the Park Lane for this one, although you cannot wrong with either property. Located on Piccadilly, the Park Lane is more "in the action" and is just a few feet from the Green Park Tube station. Being across the street from Green Park helps, and the Park Lane is a short walk from Piccadilly Circus, Jermyn Street, Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square and St. James Park. The Belgravia is located in Belgravia and is a ten minute walk to the Knightsbridge Tube Station and Harrods. Sloane Square Tube Station is also nearby. Belgravia is a pleasant neighborhood in which to walk, but I think there is morte to do around the Park Lane.

Overall Ambiance

The Belgravia advertises itself as a boutique hotel, and it definately has that feeling. Check-in is done at a sit down desk with a glass of champagne or water. The lobby is smaller and less grand than the Park Lane, but feel far more intimate. The Park Lane's check-in lobby is more grand and the Palm Court is nice, but gives the impression that its best days are behind it (a renovation would help this).

Room Quality

The Belgravia wins hands down on this one. My room was very clean and did not at all look to be in need of a renovation. The bed was soft and a duvet. The Park Lane beds still, on my last stay, used the natty old wool blankets, which I personnally hate. The Belgravia room was much brighter than the Park Lane rooms, being done in yellow and light blue. The Belgravia studio suite featured a couch, a coffee table and a lounge chair in the sitting area, much the same as offered at the Park Lane. It is just much newer and fresher at the Belgravia.

Bathroom

The Park Lane is the clear winner in this category. The white marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub at the Park Lane beats the rather standard bathroom with a joint shower/bath at the Belgravia. The rainmaker showerhead at the Park Lane stole my heart long ago.

Conclusion

Like I said, I like both properties and would happily stay in either. If the Park Lane were to be renovated, it would be my choice. Until it is, the better quality of the Belgravia rooms puts it on equal footing.