Glass finds elegance at London’s Four Seasons Park Lane

WHEN one thinks of luxury hotels, it’s only natural for Four Seasons to come to mind. Having opened its first property in 1961, the Canadian-based company has taken over the world with its sparkling resorts.

Offering delicious cuisine, spacious rooms and unparalleled service, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has mastered the art of hospitality. And upon entering Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, the company’s commitment to care becomes even more evident.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

As one of its three UK-based hotels, Four Seasons Park Lane boasts an impressive location. Based in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel underwent a series of renovations in 2021, which further transformed the London location into an oasis of luxury. A

s we enter the lobby, opulent chandeliers meet plush red furnishing and a grand piano in an effortless display of elegance. Meanwhile, gentle murmurings from Pavyllon London – the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant – float through the air.

I leave the lobby with high expectations for the rest of my stay and ascend the hotel’s eleven floors to reach my suite – one of Four Seasons signature Junior Conservatories. Stepping foot into my abode for the night, the hotel’s art-deco aesthetic and sophisticated interiors immediately make me feel at home, not to mention the ground coffee and British cream sweet treat to enjoy upon arrival.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

From a minibar stocked with some of the finest snacks to a private balcony overlooking London’s iconic skyline, the hotel has it planned to perfection. Embellished with delicate minutiae such as lacquered walnut wood panels on the wall and crispy soft linens, I’m ready to settle in for the night. However, not before visiting the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Helmed by Chef Yannick Alléno, the acclaimed French three-starred chef, Pavyllon London received its first Michelin star this year – just six months after opening. But this is no surprise for Alléno. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious chefs, Alléno holds 16 Michelin stars across his 17 restaurants. Alléno has worked tirelessly to reinvent modern French cuisine since setting his sights on being a chef at the age of eight. And it shows.

Opting for a steamed comet cheese soufflé as my starter, the restaurant’s unique gastronomic approach is clear. Smoky, soft and flavourful, the soufflé pairs perfectly with its celeriac sauce. Calling upon a plethora of techniques such as extraction, fermentation and cryoconcentration to extract distinct flavours, Alléno’s craft and expertise are exact.

For my main, I choose Pavyllon’s green lasagne with Bolognese and a Parmesan cheese crust. Providing hearty comfort and familiarity, the main course goes down a treat. But make no mistake, this is no ordinary lasagne. Having been carefully adapted to exemplify the restaurant’s culinary prowess, the dish intertwines the Parmesan’s sharpness with tender meat to create a delectable outcome.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Following the main, Pavyllon’s staff recommend the Berries “Méli-Mélo” with sugar-free meringue. Combining lemon verbena with Génépi jelly, vanilla cream and sorrel sorbet, each mouthful is a burst of fruity fresh goodness. An ideal light denouement to the meal.

Regarding cuisine, it would be rude to not mention Pavyllon’s breakfast menu. After indulging in a peaceful night’s sleep, what better start to the morning than an abundant breakfast offering? It’s impossible to resist with fresh açai bowls, chia puddings, waffles, pancakes, savoury sandwiches, and more on the menu.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Expressing the extent of Four Seasons’ attention to detail is difficult. As I leave the hotel feeling refreshed and invigorated, the hotel manages to deliver across all fronts.

From intimate private chambers to the staff’s holistic warm-heartedness, it truly epitomises luxury generosity. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is truly a sanctuary of respite in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

by Sophie Richardson

Room prices start at £924 per night based on two people sharing a double room. For more information and to book, please visit here.