What's the story? Not just a glitzy address, 45 Park Lane is the newly opened younger, cooler sibling of The Dorchester hotel. Located next door to the grande dame, it's more of a boutique affair, with 45 rooms (a coincidence?) and one restaurant (headed by a celebrity chef) packaged in a more modern design than The Dorch.
What's the design concept? It's an homage to art-deco glamour, as evidenced by the eye-catching entrance, clad in curved metal, and the lobby, dominated by a striking, oversized light fixture. A theatrically illuminated staircase leads to a mezzanine-level bar. The hotel's furniture is all rounded, glossy black lacquer and gleaming chrome. You'll feel as though you've walked on to a lavish Hollywood set.
Who's checking in? Mainly film industry types (there's a media room, for screenings) and fashionistas - a large gaggle were in situ for London Fashion Week last month. Brad and Angelina have spent the night here.
What are the rooms like? Bigger than average for central London - apparently, the standard-size rooms are the largest in Mayfair, at 35 square metres. All of them overlook Hyde Park while the penthouse, due to open at the end of this month, has a panoramic view of London and a wraparound terrace to enjoy it from.
Despite the 1930s feel, this is no museum piece - in fact, it's gadget heaven. A vast Bang & Olufsen television is 'the latest on the market', according to my 'host' (there are no stuffy butlers here). At every turn he points me towards touch screens, which control just about everything in the room. There are light settings galore - five alone for the bathroom.
What are the bathrooms like? Impressively large, furnished in luxurious marble and well stocked with generous-sized bottles of Aromatherapy Associates goodies. Plus, there's a 'bath menu' from which to choose jet-lag or relaxation potions at GBP20 (HK$240) a pop. The mirror above the double basins incorporates a TV, but I was more impressed by the inclusion of a full-length looking glass - often absent in hotel rooms.