Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes, Baker Street

By Nick Elvin

You could almost miss the Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes hotel, tucked away among the shops and cafés of bustling Baker Street.

Its outside tables and the view straight through into the bar area hint that it is a restaurant, rather than part of a large, global group of hotels, but that adds to its appeal. It’s an intimate boutique hotel, not an overbearing behemoth like many chain hotels.

Art from around the world adorns the walls of the softly lit interior, but you’ll also see more than a few depictions of the man after whom the hotel is named. Perhaps you’ll spy a cartoon of Holmes and Watson at work, turn a corner and see a photo of actor Basil Rathbone in character, or just glance an elementary motif of his famous pipe. After all, the hotel is only a stone's throw from 221b Baker Street…

The four star hotel has 119 rooms, including superior and executive rooms, executive studio suites and loft suites. I stayed in a loft suite - split-level with smart, contemporary furnishings. The bedroom area, which overlooks the lounge, featured a comfortable king-size bed, and the adjoining bathroom boasted a roll top deep bath and double walk in shower.

Throughout the suite I could make the lighting as bright or soft as I wanted, and with the addition of air conditioning I could create the perfect environment. The suite also featured computer points, two televisions, coffee/tea making facilities and a second bathroom. I didn’t see a copy of the Gideon’s Bible in the bedside drawer, just three volumes of Sherlock Holmes adventures.

The hotel is home to Sherlock’s Grill, a restaurant serving modern European cuisine from an open-plan kitchen. Like the rest of the hotel this AA Rosette-winning eatery is cosy and soft-lit, while the menu offers excellent choice.

I chose a starter of tender baby squid inventively stuffed with chorizo and feta, accompanied by a roast red onion and chicory salad. For main course I chose roast mallard duck breast, caramelized plums, braised red cabbage and baby spinach, accompanied by dreamy, creamy mashed potato.

There was just enough room for a dessert of dark chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream.

It was a joy to eat at Sherlock’s Grill, especially because the delicious fare was enhanced by friendly and efficient service, a delicious Pinot Grigio and a relaxed ambience.

The hotel bar – Sherlock’s Bar - is a great place for an after-dinner drink. It is open to the public until 11pm, and then reverts to a quieter, residents-only mode. It offers cocktails, coffees and wines, as well as light meals, and you can also sit outside to enjoy the buzz of one of London’s best-know thoroughfares. Alternatively, there are plenty of places within walking distance to try.

If you’re looking to truly unwind, the hotel offers a lounge, from where you can order coffee or tea. If that’s not relaxing enough, you can visit the hotel’s health club, where you can choose from an extensive range of Swedish massages and facials, muscle de-stresses and hot stone treatments, as well as a sauna. However, if you’ve energy to burn there’s also a small gym.

The hotel is conveniently located for the shops of Marylebone High Street and Oxford Street, as well as attractions such as Madame Tussauds, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Regents Park and Hyde Park.

You also have easy access to the capital’s main transport hubs, as the hotel is just a short walk from Baker Street station. Whether you’re visiting from afar, or just have a quick tube journey home like I did, this makes an already relaxing stay even more stress free.

Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes London
108 Baker Street
London W1U 6LJ
T: 020 7486 6161
www.parkplazasherlockholmes.com

PRICES (as of May 2009):
Room rates from £105 (excluding VAT).
Sherlock’s Grill: Three courses about £35 per person (excluding wine).