The Royal Park Hotel, Hyde Park – Review

Just a stone`s throw from one of the world`s most famous parks and Landmarks, Hyde Park, is the luxurious haven of The Royal Park Hotel. With 48 individually designed and crafted antique rooms, handmade beds and stunning limestone or marble bathrooms, this is a rather charming and unique hotel experience.

This boutique destination is comprised of three stunning 19th Century listed townhouses; because of this it oozes a sense of British class and stature from the outset. Ideally placed, it close to key transport links such as Paddington station and Lancaster gate, therefore making it a great place for a fleeting visit or an extended stay. This really is a wonderful hotel for Romantic breaks, a business trip or just a quick city stop over.

One word I would probably use to describe The Royal Park is quirky. Something about the hotel is oddly charming and yet I can`t quite work it out. Maybe it`s the attention to detail and the way it throws you back to the 19th century as your walk in. Whatever it is, it worked for me.

The classic style lobby was manned by some extremely friendly and chatty staff, who gave us a warm welcome. This was a trend that carried on during our stay and we had impeccable service throughout.

Each room features an exquisite hand crafted Bellestrata bed, elegant his and hers marble sinks and Pantaglion toiletries, just as a little treat. Wi-fi is also provided, making it ideal for those looking to surf the web or keep in contact with the office. Again the style was classical and charming to boot.

Breakfast is also a relaxed and rewarding affair at The Royal Park. We had breakfast in our adjoining lounge and I have to say, it was one of the most relaxing I have had for a while. I would highly recommend the Eggs benedict, as this was the perfect way for us to begin our Sunday morning and was just a delight to eat. As usual, this was delivered promptly and with a smile. The menu is pretty all encompassing and will hit the spot, I promise.

`Tiers of Joy` Afternoon Tea

But there is more to The Royal Park than its basic hotel credentials. In fact, it is doing something rather special with its Afternoon Teas!

Moving from the bottom, the `Tiers of Joy` afternoon tea selection begins with a classic English finger sandwich selection. This ranges from egg and cress, smoked salmon and cucumber – each sandwich has the elegance and flavour that you would associate with a high end afternoon tea and make for a surprisingly delicate start to what becomes a real gastronomic treat.

Tier two is the most traditional and see freshly baked scones, team up with lashings (and lashings more for me) of cream and a selection of truly delightful fruit jams and preserves.

To complete the `Tiers of Joy` degustation menu, sweet delights such as: light as air raspberry macaroons and a papaya and lime fruit cup. The petit fours are all made in house and really showcased a beautiful range of flavours and danced on the palette. Our particular favourite combined the sharp zing of raspberry with the mellowness of pistachio.

The Royal Park claims that it has redefined the traditional afternoon tea with this degustation menu, called `Tiers of Joy`. From our experience of the basic afternoon tea option, we can see great potential in this indulgent offering. It was memorable, fun and a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.

However, where the `Tiers of Joy` menu really begins to shine is in its premium packages, which aim to mix the best of champagne and tea for a truly memorable experience. Taking a modern twist on the traditional afternoon tea concept, each tier is served individually with matching Taittinger champagnes: from the classic Taittinger Brut Reserve to the contemporary Taittinger Nocturne Sec or an assortment of Tregothnan teas which complement each course. The choices here are fabulous, whether you would like an early grey or a chamomile tea, the Tregothnan teas are stunning from start to finish.

One tea however, the Jasmine flowering tea, was quite an aesthetic treat and is certainly something I would recommend. Excuse my crude photography!

`Tiers of Joy` is available each day from 3.00pm-6.00pm at The Royal Park. The degustation menu including a range of specially selected Taittinger champagnes starts from £40 per person or with the range of Tregothnan tea option from £25 per person.

Why not do something at The Royal Park for Mother`s Day?

The Royal Park`s Mother`s Day gift package is a twin package for a mum and her daughter and is available for room reservations for 9th-10th March. The Royal Park, combined with modern facilities, sumptuous and elegant furnishings, makes for a stylish and sophisticated city break.

Including:

Champagne afternoon tea
• Complimentary in-room Penhaligon toiletry gift set for the mother
• One night`s stay in a boutique Twin Suite
The Mother`s Day gift package is available for just £199 including VAT.

http://www.theroyalpark.com/