The Hotel: Situated on London’s Park Lane, close to Hyde Park Corner and Green Park tube stations. The 150-guestroom hotel has superb views over Hyde Park.
The Check-in: The check-in process was swift, with the receptionist escorting me to the room and taking time to explain about the facilities and amenities.
The Room: My Park Suite had great views of Hyde Park through full-length windows. The king-size bed was not over-dominating in a very spacious room which also offered good seating and a large wide-screen TV situated on the facing wall. Other amenities included an iPod docking station, iron and ironing board and hairdryer. A minibar offered a range of drinks and snacks. There was a range of Shambhala toiletries in the bathroom.
The Business: The hotel has six meeting rooms including the Como Penthouse Suite with impressive views from the 10th floor. The largest meeting space, The White Room, can accommodate 80 people theatre-style while Met Space can take 40. Three smaller rooms offer boardroom-style meetings. There is wifi internet available throughout – a code is provided by reception to access it.
The Facilities: The hotel’s Nobu restaurant serves high-quality Peruvian-Japanese cuisine while the iconic Met Bar is, as ever, the place to be seen enjoying early evening cocktails or Champagne late into the night. The Met Bar also serves a selection of food from lunchtime through until 3am. The Como Shambhala Urban Escape presents a well-equipped gym, steam room and treatment rooms where a range of therapies are available. While there is no on-site parking, valet parking is available. Alternatively, one of Park Lane's many secure car parks is just a short walk away.
The verdict: A good experience from start to finish. The welcome at reception was warm and genuine and one was immediately made to feel at home. The hotel’s prime position at the foot of Park Lane is a big plus, with easy access to nearby tube stations.
The details: The Metropolitan, Park Lane, London. A range of rooms and suites are available with best available rates starting from £229; advance purchase rates also available, from £195. Tel: 020 7447 1047; see: www.metropolitan.london.como.bz David Clare
