ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Flying into London early comes with its ups and downs, as I typically anticipate waiting in a sort of limbo until my room is ready. But Paul from The Peninsula London was already waiting at London Heathrow with a smile, and he drove us to the hotel in a luxury car, complete with massagers, while we chatted away. Circling into the iconic courtyard was a treat in itself (Paul pointed out some of the other top-class cars), and staff at check-in warmly welcomed us, offering our tired and dehydrated selves some water. We were escorted up to our room immediately.

© The Peninsula London

GUEST QUARTERS: The hotel upgraded us to a Grand Premier Park Suite, an elegant and spacious suite complete with commanding views of Hyde Park, a living and work space, massive walk-in closet, separate bedroom, and a bathroom with separate vanities and soaking tub with its own television (which was used to relax and watch TPC Sawgrass). Two of the living room windows were deep-set with cushions, from which we watched the park and street below.

Like all Peninsula properties, everything can be controlled via iPads placed throughout the suite, meaning we could open and close curtains, control lighting and temperature, and make any number of bookings to on-site amenities. One of my favorite aspects of the suite was the workspace, backed by a dark wood bookshelf lined with classic literature. We also thoroughly enjoyed the suite’s Valet Box, which saw staff promptly press a shirt in time for dinner. Turndown service with water, chocolate and slippers each night transitioned us from the lively London streets to the peace of our suite. One especially thoughtful touch occurred when I had set my smudged sunglasses on the table, only to return to find a glasses cloth discreetly placed next to them for me to use.

© The Peninsula London

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Each morning we returned for breakfast to the opulent lobby, serving a wide range of all-day dishes. Avocado toast with poached eggs with a latte was particularly tasty. One evening we ventured up to Brooklands Bar via an elevator mimicking ascending the sky in a hot-air balloon. This aviation-inspired space offers panoramic views of Belgravia and artifacts behind glass cases alongside craft cocktails and light bites. I strongly recommend the fragrant Napier-Railton and refreshing Sunbeam Blue Bird.

The hotel also houses a restaurant of the same name; and while we didn’t dine there, we did enjoy a fantastic dinner at on-site Canton Blue. Wagyu ribeye, kung pao chicken, baked barbecued pork buns and fried noodles transported us to Southeast China. I didn’t bring a swimsuit, but I ventured to the pool and gym to sneak a peek. My guest did take a dip and spent an hour there, soaking in the classical music which played underwater while he swam, with light panels above simulating natural sunlight changes as the day progressed. The hotel is also home to a spa, meeting and event spaces, a café, and Little Blue Noodle Bar.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• It’s London luxury at its finest, situated in the heart of Belgravia with quiet and spacious suites and rooms with expansive windows and The Peninsula’s high standard of service.
• Brooklands Bar is a must, incorporating the most iconic inventions from aviation and automobiles to create a unique and sophisticated spot for drinks and views.
• Canton Blue’s authentic dishes and cocktails are ideal for an intimate evening, bringing flavor and the right amount of spice to London.

THE PENINSULA LONDON
1 Grosvenor Place
London SW1X 7HJ
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 3959 2888