THE HOTEL
Dating from 1913, The Washington Mayfair has an Art Deco heritage that lives on today in the decor. It’s in Curzon Street, close to Park Lane, Piccadilly and Hyde Park. Green Park tube is a three-minute walk away. This four-star hotel has 178 rooms, including 18 suites and a two-bedroom Penthouse Suite.
THE CHECK-IN
Manager Dipesh and his team gave me a VIP welcome at the reception desk in the corner of a large lobby. The lobby has numerous bright red leather sofas, plants and a separate concierge desk with an array of guides and lifestyle magazines for guests to enjoy, including Visit USA, a tourism guide published by BMI, the parent of The Business Travel Magazine. I grabbed that, a Tatler and a London theatre guide but then found more magazines on the coffee table in my suite. I took a few of them to read on the train home!
THE ROOM
I was lucky enough to be upgraded to the signature George Washington Suite, which comes with its own adjoining glass-walled meeting/dining room, comfortably seating eight people. It also has a lounge, separate bedroom and a marble bathroom. It was spacious and homeley and felt more like an apartment than a hotel suite. Apart from having my own personal meeting room, other highlights included the powerful shower, mist-free mirror and plentiful power sockets at desk height. Printed cards explained how to turn on the Sky TV, which was a bit complicated but I eventually worked it out. A welcome tray had fresh fruit, chocolates and a large glass bottle of still water. Soundproofing was good and I had a sound night’s sleep.
THE FACILITIES
Madisons Restaurant has a wall of double height windows, which let in plenty of light for breakfast and lunch and for its popular afternoon tea (£45 per person). It’s a big space but candles and clever lighting make it feel more intimate in the evenings.
I was going to an awards ceremony close by but before I left I had time for a well-made mojito and a bowl of mixed nuts in Madisons Bar. The bar was buzzing with guests, some clearly on business. All cocktails are £15.
As well as the meeting room attached to my suite, there are three other meeting rooms in the hotel – the Fairfax, Winchester and Richmond Suites, accommodating up to 300 guests in reception style. A small gym is open from 7am to 10pm daily but there are no windows. A key for gym access is required and can be requested at reception.
THE VERDICT
The Washington has an enviable location but is less expensive (and less formal) than some of its neighbours in Park Lane.
THE DETAILS
Rooms start at £235 per night while the George Washington Suite starts at £494, which is worth the extra for the use of the meeting room.
