You know what hits you first at the InterContinental on Park Lane? The lobby actually feels like old London money – not the stuffy kind, but the type where everything’s been done right for decades. I mean, you’re literally on Hamilton Place, which is basically where Mayfair decides to show off to Hyde Park, and this hotel gets that balance perfectly.
The thing about this location is you’re in the thick of everything without feeling trampled by tourists. Sure, you’ll hear the occasional Lamborghini revving down Park Lane (honestly, it’s part of the charm), but step inside and there’s this immediate sense of calm. The rooms – well, they’re what you’d expect from a proper 5-star, but with actual personality. Large windows that frame Hyde Park like living paintings, and the bathrooms have those deep tubs that make you wonder why you ever settled for a shower-only life. The 8.2 rating makes sense when you stay here; it’s not trying to be trendy or revolutionary, just genuinely excellent at being a luxury hotel.
What I really appreciate is how they handle the small stuff that matters. Check-in is smooth even during busy periods – and trust me, anywhere this close to Harrods and the designer shops on Bond Street gets busy. The concierge team actually knows London, not just the obvious recommendations. They’ll point you toward the quieter entrance to Hyde Park for morning runs, or mention that Shepherd Market (just a quick walk through some lovely mews streets) has better pubs than the tourist traps. The Wellington Arch is practically next door if you’re into that sort of sightseeing, but honestly, just wandering this neighborhood is entertainment enough.
Parking can be a bit of a puzzle – this is central London after all – but they sort it out without making you feel like you’re asking for a miracle. The restaurant situation is solid, though you’re surrounded by some of London’s best dining, so you might find yourself eating out more than staying in. One small thing that caught me attention: the elevators can get crowded during peak times, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker when you’re staying somewhere that puts you within walking distance of Green Park tube station and basically everything that makes London worth visiting. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re living in London rather than just passing through it.