What a tower! What a view! What a great way to witness London looming large!
Park Tower Knightsbridge is fantastically positioned. It’s tucked away off the main road but wonderfully close to Harrods, London’s world-famous luxury store. Harvey Nichols, Princess Diana’s favorite store, is even nearer … it’s literally just outside. And then there’s Hyde Park, London’s main retreat of greenery, across the road. And South Kensington’s array of museums is only a short walk away.
This unique and iconic soaring circular tower was opened 50 years ago by Prime Minister Edward Heath and is part of the Luxury Collection Hotels group.
On entering the spacious, marble-floored foyer, I enjoyed the glorious decor within. So fresh and so light. For hanging from its oval coffered ceiling is a spectacular crystal and porcelain chandelier. And the wall behind the reception features sculptural reliefs of Hyde Park’s rose garden.
In the next-door room called Knightsbridge Lounge, there are sumptuous silk wall coverings that are hand-painted and embroidered with magnolia trees. This is the heart of the hotel which is graced by a vast imposing and impressive tear-dropped chandelier. Effulgent and magnificent. It’s here that Afternoon Tea is served daily. It’s all very elegant and sophisticated. Classical music escorted me along the soft celadon carpet and up the spiralling staircase allowing me to stop and take everything in. So important and such a restful and timeless feel in defiance of the pressures of city life.
As for the rooms, it’s all about the view. There are 271 of them with a starting rate of 450 US dollars. There are the cheaper Classic rooms that take up the lower levels of the hotel. The more expensive rooms climb also in height with the Executive and Panoramic Suites on floors 8-16. It all culminates with the Penthouse Suites on the 17th floor with the most sweeping of all views of Hyde Park and London’s skyline. It was truly mesmeric as I identified iconic landmarks from St. Paul’s to Big Ben, from the Palaces of Westminster to more recent structures such as The Shard.
My penthouse suite was wonderfully light and right at the top, on the 17th floor. It had a creative use of shapes and angles and had aesthetically pleasing finishes. There were handcrafted furnishings and examples of modern refinement throughout. The furnishings were of lacquer panelled rosewood. It was like being on a yacht. The natural tones harmonised with the trees of Hyde Park outside. The autumnal colours also blended with London’s falling leaves. From the 17th floor, lording it all from above, I looked down upon the unseen rooftops of London’s smart neighbourhoods below. I loved my deep soaking tub with its pillows in my sleek marble bathroom with Le Chemin By Byredo products.
As for the hotel’s restaurant: it’s part of the cosy Hyde Bar. With its wood panelling and leather chairs, it’s rather like an old-school members club. This gives it all a refreshingly low-key vibe. From my table in my cozy corner, I selected from the broad menu. There’s a brasserie-style element, with club sandwiches and a wagyu beef burger. All were served with super generous help. Before starters, there are beautifully cooked Bar Bites. I chose some charcoal-grilled salmon kebabs that assuaged my hunger. And I loved my Wagyu beefburger. It’s all the rage about this new beef. Sometimes however it’s the old favourites that make for the best dessert and what better, and more indulgent, than the Classic Tiramisu gateau with mascarpone and coffee.
Breakfast was on the first floor in The Trianon (meaning the ‘third room’) with its earthy colours and crescent shape. The floor-to-ceiling windows opened invitingly out onto a terrace that featured a charming herb garden comprising rosemary, thyme, sage, and basil, all of which the chef regularly uses in the kitchen. Here I looked right over Lowndes Square which is quintessential Belgravia, London’s grandest, poshest residential district along with Mayfair.
Those seeking exercise before or after their meal can utilize the basement gym or, for fresh air, the delights of Hyde Park bang opposite. The hotel is especially sought after by a Middle Eastern clientele and, though not particularly child-friendly, is a central hotel that exudes total and tasteful luxury.
