Look, I’ve walked past the Sheraton Grand on Piccadilly more times than I can count, but actually staying there? That’s a different story entirely. The thing about this place is its location – you’re literally at the corner where all of London’s energy converges. I mean, you step out the front door and Green Park is right there (perfect for morning runs, by the way), while Piccadilly Circus is maybe a three-minute walk if you’re moving slowly.
What struck me first wasn’t the lobby – though it’s impressive in that understated British way – but how the staff actually seemed to know what they were doing. Check-in was smooth, none of that awkward hovering while they figure out your reservation. The rooms, honestly, they’ve got this thing down to a science. Mine faced the park side, which I’d definitely recommend because Piccadilly can get pretty intense with the traffic noise, especially if you’re trying to sleep past 7 AM. The beds are those massive, sink-into-forever types that make you question your own mattress at home, and the bathroom – well, let’s just say the shower pressure could probably power a small turbine.
Here’s what you need to know about the area though: you’re in the heart of everything, which is both brilliant and exhausting. Fortnum & Mason is literally across the street (dangerous for your wallet), and if you’re into that whole afternoon tea thing, you’ve got about fifteen world-class options within a ten-minute walk. The hotel’s restaurant scene is solid – not groundbreaking, but you know what you’re getting. What I really appreciated was how they handle the evening crowd; the bar area gets lively but never turns into that awful tourist circus you see at some of the flashier places in Covent Garden. The concierge team actually knows their stuff too – asked them about getting to a pretty obscure gallery in Bermondsey and they had detailed directions within minutes, including which Tube line to avoid during rush hour. That’s the kind of local knowledge that makes a difference when you’re trying to squeeze the most out of a London trip.