InterContinental London Park Lane

Luxury Hotels

- Tom Otley

BACKGROUND First opened in 1975, the InterContinental has been through numerous refurbishments in the intervening years, and recently won Best Business Hotel in the UK at the Business Traveller Awards. The latest multimillion-pound renovation is by RPW Design and is just reaching completion this spring.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? No matter whether you are checking in, meeting someone or dining at one of the restaurants, at least two liveried and friendly doormen are there to greet you. Before you’ve taken a few steps into reception, there’s someone else smiling as they enquire if they can help, so that’s good security, but also a great welcome. The long reception desk is immediately ahead, the Theo Randall restaurant is to the right, and the lounge and bar to the left. Check-in was quick and we were in the room only two minutes after entering the hotel.

WHERE IS IT? On Hyde Park Corner at the junction with Piccadilly and Park Lane, although the entrance is around the back on the quieter Hamilton Place. The hotel is well located for transport connections west to Knightsbridge and, ultimately, Heathrow, via the Piccadilly Line (45 minutes), while a short walk or bus ride will take you to the shops.