InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel

Since the dissolution of the Savoy Group, this hotel has joined forces with The Berkeley and The Connaught (the latter was closed for refurbishment at inspection) to form the formidable Maybourne Group. This property remains among the most impressive of London's classic deluxe hotels, but it has slipped a half a notch since the last inspection, falling behind the Ritz Hotel, The Berkeley and The Dorchester. The main complaints here revolve around service and maintenance; in spite of the overt polishing evident in most areas of the hotel, there appears to be a lot of sweeping-under-the-rug going on here. Many of the accommodations are freshly renovated, but charging the same rates for the aging, unrenovated units feels like tomfoolery. Still, this hotel retains a more cultivated British air than the Dorchester, which makes it more appealing to traditionalists. But overall, the accommodations and public areas at the latter are more engaging and feel more in touch with modern London's heartbeat. That said, Claridge's hotel's art-deco flair, its Gordon Ramsay offshoot and the Macanudo Bar are among the sexiest sights in the city.



The elegant 19th-century brick building's art-deco interior architecture is of impeccable authenticity. The decor, however, disperses liberal contemporary designer accents alongside the period Erte-era appointments. The palatial air-conditioned public rooms shine with inlaid marble floors, fluted pilasters, chandeliers and museum-quality seating. The Front Hall forsakes Edwardian froufrou in favor of art-deco lines made dramatic by a sweeping grand staircase. The meticulously restored foyer is a rendezvous for the capital's elite, with a Dale Chihuly light sculpture (chandelier) made of more than 800 pieces of hand-blown glass. Graceful waiters serve light meals and cocktails, and as always, a quartet serenades each afternoon at tea, perhaps the most elaborate in London. The adjoining Reading Room is a stunning example of 1930s gentility, with lacquered columns, nostalgic art, and drum-tight art-deco-inspired seating worthy of a show at the Guggenheim.



Chef Gordon Ramsay continues to get raves (and rants) for his creative contemporary French cuisine. The exceptional food rivals the extravagant decor, displaying steely pastel walls as a subtle backdrop to plum and walnut seating and delicate chandeliers done in pleated, tiered pumpkin linen. Although reservations are still recommended, Mr. Ramsay's recent corporate growth spurt—he has opened a number of flashy Ramsay restaurants in London over the past two years—has diluted this subsidiary's prestige and popularity.



This hotel functions flawlessly at the top, a sovereign among London's most formidable hotels. It remains the haunt of royalty, three exiled kings and a queen, but less well-known guests may feel underwhelmed. Despite its size, it conveys the warmth of a lavish cosmopolitan home, and though all are welcome, the chronically casual may prefer an address less ceremonious (and rack rates less formidable) than Claridge's.