There are certain buildings in London that seem to carry their history with a quiet confidence, as though the city has moved around them rather than through them. The Palm Court and The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane are two of those places.
Arriving along Piccadilly, I was immediately struck by the building’s presence. From across Green Park, its pale stone façade rises with symmetry and intention, softened by the greenery that frames it. It feels unmistakably rooted in another era — structured, deliberate, and quietly imposing. And yet, stepping inside, that sense of grandeur softens almost instantly, revealing something more measured and considered.
Thanks to the recent reopening of its refurbished Palm Court, the hotel has managed to bring a fresh perspective to its Art Deco heritage by placing greater emphasis on one of its most iconic spaces, thereby redefining the experience to centre around it.
Location
To stay here is to position yourself in one of London’s most enviable corners. Stepping out onto Piccadilly, Green Park sits directly opposite, offering an immediate sense of openness that feels rare in such a central setting.
I found myself pulled in different directions each time I left the hotel — one moment heading towards Knightsbridge, with Harrods and Harvey Nichols just a short walk away, and the next moving towards Regent Street and Bond Street, where the pace of the city shifts into something more energetic. The West End is equally close, making evenings feel effortless rather than planned.
The Hotel & Its Character
The newly renovated Palm Court is situated at the heart of the hotel, a space that immediately catches the eye of anyone entering the hotel for the first time, almost inevitably drawing one’s gaze upwards to admire the beauty of its iconic 1927 stained-glass dome. Seeing this during the day, as natural light streams through the glass, envelops you in an elegant and warm atmosphere.
This renovation brings a new energy to the space, whilst always maintaining its original identity. The redesign is inspired by the work of textile designer Marion Dorn, featuring rich and varied textures, brass details and geometric patterns that evoke the glamour of the 1920s.
It’s not just about the visual elements; what really defines the space and gives it its character is the atmosphere they’ve created around it. That sense of continuity between past and present, where contemporary elements blend perfectly with the venue’s history, is with you from the moment you arrive, and it is precisely this that makes it so special.
The Palm Court feels alive at different times of the day; it starts out bright and open in the morning and gradually transforms into a more intimate and enveloping space in the afternoon, always inviting anyone to pause and take it in, as if time had stood still. It is this versatility that reinforces its role as the true heart of the hotel, a space that is not merely observed but experienced.
Room – Suite 710, Park View Suite
Reaching the upper floors, the atmosphere shifts almost immediately. The energy of the public spaces fades, replaced by something quieter and more private.
Opening the door to Suite 710, it was the light that caught my attention first. As a corner suite, the room feels open from the outset, with windows on multiple sides drawing you towards them almost instinctively.
From above, Green Park stretches out in a canopy of soft green, creating a sense of space that feels almost unexpected in such a central location. Beyond the treetops, the city begins to rise — the Shard standing sharp against the skyline, the London Eye turning slowly in the distance, and further along, the outline of Big Ben anchoring the horizon.
What struck me most was the sense of calm the suite exudes. Despite its central location, you can feel an unexpected sense of peace and tranquillity, as if you’d left the noise of the city far behind. The layout of the room is perfect: I can enjoy both more open spaces and more private, enclosed areas, whilst maintaining a clear separation between the living room and the bedroom.
The way in which they have managed to reflect the hotel’s Art Deco heritage in this space, in a subtle yet distinct manner, creates a refined atmosphere without being over the top. Clean lines, soft textures, high-quality materials… All of this helps me feel that my suite is a safe haven where I can unwind, whether it’s with a hot coffee in the morning facing the park as the sun rises, or as a retreat to wind down at the end of the day.
Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court
Returning to the Palm Court for afternoon tea offered a completely different perspective of the space. The tea arrived in tiers, composed rather than elaborate, with sandwiches, warm scones, and pastries offering a balanced selection.
A glass of Pommery champagne added a subtle lift, while the overall experience remained calm and unhurried. This, this sense of peace, is what truly defines the experience. There is no rush between courses; each element arrives with enough space so that it can be properly enjoyed by the guests and therefore allowing the afternoon to unfold naturally.
The introduction of a new afternoon tea, inspired by the refined glamour of the Jazz Age, adds a further layer to the experience. The offering feels carefully considered rather than excessive, with details that align seamlessly with the setting. Among its standout elements, I want to highlight the Golden Lemon Meringue Dome, a direct nod to the Palm Court’s iconic ceiling, balancing bright citrus with a light, elegant sweetness.
Live piano music gently underpins the experience, adding a sense of occasion without ever becoming intrusive. The result is a setting that feels both timeless and quietly contemporary, where tradition is not reimagined, but subtly refined.
Sheraton Club Lounge
Guests staying in Club Rooms or Suites will have access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, a more exclusive area within the hotel that offers an additional level of both comfort and privacy. This space will be open all day, where guests can enjoy an exclusive selection of services and refreshments: from breakfast to start the morning to afternoon drinks, combining the functionality and elegance that characterise the hotel. The Lounge has been opened with the intention of being a discreet extension of the overall hotel experience, for those seeking to enjoy a more leisurely pace during their stay.
Overall
There are venues in London that don’t need to undergo a complete transformation or reinvent themselves to remain relevant in today’s landscape. A clear example of this is the Palm Court at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, which has reopened its doors following a refurbishment, with a contemporary feel that is nonetheless rooted in its history. From the very first moment, from the very first glance, the space conveys a sense of balance: the blend of tradition and modernity, where you can sense the care and attention to every detail, reinforcing what made it special before rather than transforming it.
For more information, visit: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
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All images courtesy of Annabel Boden.