Here is the reply I received to my query about the dress code:
Dear Lexdevil,
Thank you kindly for your email and choosing the Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel for your upcoming stay.
I am delighted to hear you have read such positive feedback about the hotel and I am more than confident that your stay will be a relaxing and enjoyable one.
Indeed we have a dress code for our executive lounge which is “casual elegance” as you have read online. We like to describe this dress code this way as it is suited to the JW brand’s “approachable luxury”. By this we mean we kindly ask our guests to be dressed according to the time of the day and season. Simply put we will not expect a dinner jacket but at the same time sportswear is discouraged. I hope this clarifies any queries you had about our dress code.
Myself and the team of Grosvenor House are looking forward to your arrival this Thursday.
I would like to wish you a pleasant journey to our hotel and remain at your disposal for any further enquiries.
Kindest regards,
XXXX XXXX | Senior Guest Relations Manager | Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel
Definitely friendly, but I don't think it clarifies much at all. I assume that it means that greater formality is expected in the evening, but it really gives no guidance as to what level of "luxury" will be required of us. My son and husband both have khakis, but I don't think my son's grey suede Vans and trendy t-shirts will fly in the evening. I've got a few blouses, but only jeans (dark wash, black, and navy) for the bottom half. I've got two pairs of comfy walking shoes that cost a mint, but they are neither elegant nor luxurious (though they are definitely casual and approachable). Perhaps my Ally Capellino bag will earn me a pass...who knows...
I really want to try the JW. At the same time, I will not find it "relaxing" or "enjoyable" worrying about what to wear to the lounge. I also don't think that I would be anywhere near as calm and understanding as
Lane412000 were I asked to leave the lounge. I managed to restore my back up booking at the Marriott Park Lane, where I have had no issues with the lounge. Sometime over the next few days I'll figure out which room to cancel.
All of my interactions with the JW have been pleasant and helpful, but this issue and the uncertainty surrounding it makes me feel unwelcome. I know this is not their intent, but it is simply how I feel. My personal style is pretty butch and I do not own the sorts of things that are markers of elegance and luxury for women. Throwing on pearls and a pair of pumps or the proverbial "little black dress" would make me feel uncomfortable. I would be much happier with more specific guidelines (for example: no shorts, no sweats, no tank tops). I wish that there were some way to know that black jeans, a blouse, and walking shoes would pass muster, but as there does not appear to be, I am left with a tough decision to make.
My inelegant shoe options:
and
What do you think? I'm not buying new shoes; these are all I packed. No pedicure either.