The Grosvenor Hotel was easy to find, just a couple of minutes walk from Victoria station. The architecture of the building is splendid and the huge entrance hall impressive. The corridors are wide, airy and quiet. We were quickly seen on arrival and immediately taken care of. We had arrived too early as the room was not ready but drinks were available in the executive lounge where we happily and comfortably waited for a few minutes to recover from our journey. The courteous and friendly staff warmly spoke of ‘the lovely room’ agreeing it was their favourite. We hadn’t seen it but were already excited by it. The ‘Cora Pearl Suite’, described as a ‘courtesan’s boudoir’ in honour of the hotel’s most infamous visitor, did not disappoint. The room was spacious, luxuriously appointed and sumptuously yet tastefully decorated in rococo style. Everything hinted at indulgence and opulence such as chandeliers, drapes, the chaise longue and the rapid fill infinity bath. Hedonism befits such a room from the chilled wine and fruit waiting for our arrival, to the Elemis toiletries provided. There was even a hint of titillation with its feather trimmed cushions and lampshades, erotic pictures and, erm, nipple tassels. Pity we had planned an afternoon theatre trip! . Of course, modern expectations of a high end hotel were not forgotten with its air conditioning, Wi-Fi access and LED TV, in this case mirror fronted, and made our stay even more comfortable. Dinner in the evening was preceded by a while in the equally comfortable and elegantly furnished executive lounge echoing the splendour of the building. The meal in the Grand Imperial restaurant was fine dining, Cantonese style. Knowledgeable staff were attentive and efficient. Food arrived quickly. We started with the dim sum, beautifully presented and tasty. It was so good we had it twice! The restaurant speciality of lobster was delectable and the chicken in black bean sauce divine. This was served with a selection of Chinese veg and fine crispy noodles. A great bottle of house wine – wines started at £22 a bottle to £350 – complemented this well and we finished on a light and refreshing mango pudding. We had a leisurely morning breakfast supplemented by a selection of papers and books and sadly then had to depart. What a wonderful experience this was. I would say this is a great weekend for anyone wishing to impress a partner, celebrate something (our 30th anniversary as it happened) or as a business incentive or gift. Certainly way above a run-of-the-mill spa weekend. This was truly memorable and special with great food, gorgeous surroundings and fun too.
