So you’re looking at the London Marriott on Grosvenor Square – honestly, this place surprised me more than I expected it would. I mean, it’s a Marriott, so you kind of know what you’re getting into, but there’s something about being right on one of London’s most elegant garden squares that elevates the whole experience. The building itself has this classic red-brick thing going on that actually fits the neighborhood perfectly, and when you walk out the front door, you’re literally staring at that gorgeous central garden (which, fun fact, used to house the American Embassy until they moved to Nine Elms a few years back).
The location is honestly what makes this place special – you’re a three-minute walk from Bond Street tube, which means Oxford Street shopping is right there, but you’re also tucked away enough that you don’t get the chaos of tourist crowds outside your window. I love that you can pop over to Mount Street for some of the best dining in Mayfair, or just wander through the quiet residential streets behind the hotel where you’ll see those quintessential London townhouses that cost more than most people’s houses. The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a five-star Marriott – well-appointed, comfortable beds, decent size by London standards (which, let’s be real, isn’t saying much). What I appreciated was the attention to soundproofing; even facing the square, traffic noise from Park Lane doesn’t really penetrate. The marble bathrooms are actually pretty luxurious, and there’s something satisfying about having a proper bathtub when you’ve been walking around London all day.
Here’s the thing though – with a 7.9 rating, you’re not looking at perfection, and I think that’s fair. The service can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on who’s working (typical big hotel issues), and the restaurant is fine but not somewhere you’d make a special trip to. Parking is valet-only and will cost you, but honestly, if you’re staying in Mayfair, you probably shouldn’t be driving anyway. The real value here is the combination of location and reliability – you know you’re getting a solid, comfortable stay in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods. It’s not the most characterful boutique experience you could have in London, but sometimes you want that Marriott consistency when you’re dealing with jet lag and just need everything to work smoothly. Plus, there’s something undeniably cool about having your morning coffee while looking out at a garden square that’s been there since the 1720s – it’s like having a little slice of London history right outside your window.