London Marriott on Grosvenor Square – a name that carries with it the weight of legacy and a rather refined sense of comfort. This was the very first London Marriott to welcome guests, setting the benchmark for the brand’s British ambitions. Over time, it has quietly evolved into a sanctuary of calm in the midst of Mayfair’s elegant bustle.
Following a recent refurbishment, the hotel’s once-dim lobby now gleams with natural light, thanks to an architectural rethink that has replaced heavy interiors with a fresh, open-air feeling. The makeover extends beyond the light fixtures. Marble floors, Art Deco-inspired accents, and a general sense of polished understatement create a space that manages to feel timeless, yet unmistakably modern. The suites – generously proportioned and remarkably quiet – continue this theme with plush furnishings, elegant décor, and marble bathrooms that make your stay feel grand.
The exclusive guests of the hotel can retreat to the enhanced M Club Lounge, a serene enclave where you can enjoy a quiet drink or a discreet meeting. For those intent on maintaining their fitness regime, the gym is well-equipped and blessedly uncrowded. Breakfast, too, is a peaceful affair here – served in a light-filled setting that encourages a slower start to the day.
Yet, for all its soothing comfort, London Marriott’s real magnetism lies beyond the turn-down service and marble baths. It’s the kind of place where a stay isn’t complete without a table booked at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay – a strikingly atmospheric restaurant that elevates contemporary Asian cuisine far above the typical Mayfair offering.
Besides the regular menus, there are two standout ways to experience Lucky Cat at its finest. For a truly memorable evening, guests can privately book a chef-served feast – an immersive experience where the kitchen takes centre stage and dishes are served with theatrical flair, tailored to suit the evening’s mood. Alternatively, one can opt for a seat at the Omakase-style bar, where the chef curates the meal on your behalf, selecting the best from the day’s menu and presenting it piece by piece in an atmosphere charged with energy and anticipation.
Back at the regular tables, the standards continue high. The chef’s selection picks from some of the best dishes on the à la carte menu. It opens with the kind of confident touch you’d expect: salted edamame as a prelude, followed by moreish crispy baby squid lightly dressed in salt & vinegar with a tickle of shichimi and Szechuan pepper. The yellowtail tartare arrives crowned with caviar and seeped in bright yuzu – a dish that’s incredibly light and refreshing.
Next comes sushi, with the selection offering an elegant array that’s almost too beautiful to eat. A favourite on the menu, the bonito fried duck leg bao with spicy hoisin and cucumber is unapologetically indulgent. An entire meal of these dumplings wouldn’t be too much. Mushroom tempura, scallops with yuzu and sweetcorn, and the Korean spiced black cod with gochujang are all executed with precision, each bite delivering a punch of layered flavour.
Larger plates like the ribeye with Thai chimichurri and the egg fried rice, mixed at table and enriched with XO sauce and a slow-cooked egg provide the kind of comfort food that still manages to feel extravagant. And then finally, the cherry blossom & chocolate delice is worth lingering over – delicate, nuanced, and finished with whisky ice cream that leaves a lasting impression.
And there’s even more to London Marriott – the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill offers a stylish yet casual atmosphere inspired by iconic American grills, and The Luggage Room Bar, with its Bentley Boys-inspired charm, is a snug spot for cocktails. But it’s Lucky Cat that truly sets this Mayfair address apart. Come for the comfort, stay for the sushi – and let the chefs take it from there.
