THE art deco exterior of 45 Park Lane wraps around the corner of London’s Park Lane and Stanhope Gate, facing its grown-up and more formal sister, The Dorchester. At night this hotel comes to life like an icon on Park Lane with rows of bright lights hugging its curvaceous structure.
The exterior of 45 Park Lane. Photograph: Adam Parker
45 Park Lane is Ideally located a few minutes’ walk from Mayfair and the exclusive designer shops on Mount Street. Shepherd Market with its quirky boutiques and ancient watering holes is in the vicinity and it’s a brisk 10 minutes to Oxford Street. And if you are seeking open green spaces, Hyde Park, one of the Royal Parks spanning over 350 acres, is just across the street.
The lobby at 45 Park Lane. Photograph: Adam Parker
As I enter the hotel’s revolving doors, I am immediately made to feel like a movie star, with smiling faces attending to me as if I am the only guest. I’m struck by the bright and airy entrance, the towering art deco light installation, and the contemporary works of art curated by Ackerman Studios.
The cozy tan leather chairs coordinate with the shiny marble floor, and a black-lacquered LED staircase leads up the first floor, where the glitzy Bar 45 is located. It’s well known for its huge selection of Negroni cocktails, courtesy of bar manager Francesco Orefici, who is leading the celebrations of the cocktail’s 100th year.
The Bar at 45 Park Lane. Photograph: Adam Parker
All 45’s silent rooms and suites have a view over the canopy of trees in Hyde Park, and the indulgent corner suit has its own balcony with 360-degree views over Hyde Park and Park Lane. My suite is furnished with bespoke Italian upholstery, deep pile carpets and electric curtains and blinds that simultaneously close every window. I smile to myself as I switch on the TV the size one entire wall. Although I probably never want to leave this room, there is a gym downstairs and guests have use of the Dorchester’s spa.
Park Lane Suite sitting room. Photograph: Adam Parker
Hyde Park Suite bathroom. Photograph: Adam Parker
The hotel is home to the world-renowned chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck and his first restaurant in Europe, CUT. The restaurant’s swanky interior evokes a club-like ambiance and a complete collection of Damien Hirst’s Diamond Dust Psalms series adorns the wood-paneled walls. The broad menu features a huge selection of Wagyu beef and a choice of poultry and dishes from the sea, with accompaniments including a luscious list of salads and a host of tempting sides (including the best-ever creamed spinach with fried organic eggs).
Cut Out BAR 45’s Negroni trolley
Since August 2020, the restaurant has launched its new alfresco concept aptly named CUT Out, which creates an opportunity for guests to enjoy fine dining together with drinks from the Bar 45 Negroni trolley within a cozy corner of Curzon Street. In the heart of buzzy Mayfair, CUT Out makes the ideal spot within a candle lit setting to watch the sun go down over the city. Rest assured, you can still be guaranteed the exceptional American cuisine synonymous with CUT Out, served up in equally synonymous extravagant portions.
CUT Out in the evening
And September sees the arrival of Jamie Shears, the hotel’s newly appointed executive chef. Shears plans to develop Cut’s menu by focusing on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, in addition to incorporating fish from his home-town in Devon. He also has plan to elevate the vegetarian and vegan offering, and source the restaurant’s renowned wagyu beef right here in the UK.
by Amanda Bernstein
Prices start at £750 per night for a deluxe King room inclusive of VAT and breakfast for two.
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