Checking into the Grand Royale London Hyde Park

The last time I stayed in London for my mom’s birthday I had found the most perfect hotel in The Grand Royale London Hyde Park. The reason why I chose this hotel was mostly for the location, which I’ll get into later, but it was also reasonable, had great reviews, and looked to be brimming with the elegance of old-world London. It did not disappoint! Keep reading for my review of The Grand Royale London Hyde Park.

A Gorgeous Hotel

The Grand Royale London Hyde Park was built at the turn of the 20th century and has a somewhat mysterious and infamous back story. It was supposedly commissioned by the then-Prince of Wales (who would go on to become King Edward VII) as a love-nest and home for his former mistress, the actress Lillie Langtry. However, this has never been confirmed.

Not long after it was bought by a merchant banker who employed architects Mews and Davis, known for designing the Ritz Hotels in London and Paris, to renovate the building. Included in the renovation was the addition of a private theater, now known as the theater bar, on the upper ground floor of the hotel. Gorgeous! In 1966 the house was converted into a hotel, and the rest is history!

Location

As I mentioned, what originally drew me to this hotel was its location. Found at the end of a quiet neighborhood (seriously, it looks like Mary Poppins is about to float down from the sky here), it is right off of Kensington Gardens, just a short walk from Kensington Palace which was at the top of our list of must-dos. Across the Gardens is Harrods, another highlight of our trip, and there was a Primark down the street where we ended up having to buy another suitcase for all of the great shopping we did. Not part of the original appeal, but it was a nice bonus.

Amenities

We booked a Superior Double room and found it very spacious and clean. While the lobby and common rooms harken back to the days of Edwardian England, the amenities and technology found in the rooms are perfect for the modern-day traveler. The desk and bedside tables have built-in outlets for all of your devices, including USB ports which will save you from needing too many power adapters. I particularly loved how the bathroom floor was heated. Seriously, It was hard for me to say goodbye to that feature.

Another nice touch, most room packages come with a plate of fresh fruit and mineral water on top of your typical coffee, tea, and cocoa packets. Because I had made a note on our booking that my mom was celebrating her birthday, we also found a personalized card and a small chocolate cake in our room when we checked in – and it was absolutely delicious!

Customer Service

The staff was always extremely polite and accommodating, ready to aid any guest in need. While we didn’t actually need much, we always had a pleasant time conversing with the front desk attendants as well as the breakfast room staff.

Breakfast Options

Depending on which package you book, you can opt to include breakfast in your stay. As a travel blogger, I always go back and forth on whether you should do this because sometimes it can limit you in your ability to explore a new city. After all, I love discovering a charming breakfast place. However we opted for breakfast at the hotel and I am so glad we did. Not only was it delicious, they had quite the spread available for guests. Yes, they offered the traditional English breakfast, but if that isn’t your cup of tea, you have options. Also, the breakfast room is beautiful, with tall ceilings, chandeliers, and lots of natural light.

The Final Word

It has been five years and my mom and I still talk about how wonderful The Grand Royale Hyde Park was. We would absolutely stay here next time we get to London (hopefully in the next year or so). Between the ideal location, the gorgeous lobby with crystal chandeliers, the comfortable beds and modern conveniences available in the rooms, this boutique hotel has it all for your trip to London.

Click here if you’re interested in booking your stay at The Grand Royale Hyde Park. And make sure you check out the 17 things you must do during your London vacation!