Cinema Suite at the Intercontinental Park Lane

By tikichris Last edited 169 months ago
Cinema Suite at the Intercontinental Park Lane

Hovering sumptuously over Hyde Park Corner with commanding views of the park and Knightsbridge, the Intercontinental Park Lane's 112sqm Cinema Suite is one of four signature designer suites and another 56 less posh but nonetheless swank designer suites introduced by the hotel after its recent £76 million refurbishment. The suite represents the very epitome of urban luxury … but at a price beyond the reach of all but the super rich.

For £3000 per night (plus VAT), the Cinema Suite comes with its own private screening room for six viewers, dressed with burgundy pleated silk for a “theatrical feel” and kitted out with the latest surround sound system and hand-made designer speakers from Artcoustic. A film library with more than 250 titles, dining area for six, kitchenette and plenty more amenities (including entry with free eats and booze to the exclusive 7th floor club) guarantee occupants will have a home-away-from-palatial-home feel.

Invited by the Intercontinental, Londonist shimmied over to Mayfair earlier this week for a slumber party in style. The plush screening room was indeed awesome, but its chunky Crestron touchpanel remote control was rather wonky with a battery too low to function when we checked in. It took an albeit gracious visit from one of the hotel's butlers (yes, butlers) and about an hour's wait before we could watch a movie. For the price, paying guests might expect instant movie-time gratification.

The film library is well chosen with something for just about everyone. Londonist opted for Pulp Fiction and Mary Poppins. We found the huge screen and killer sound added up to a most dynamic experience, with fully reclining - and especially cushy - seats ensuring optimal viewing pleasure. While watching the flicks, we enjoyed glancing out the window below the screen to catch glimpses of a large British flag flapping in the wind above Hertford House (home of the Wallace Collection).

As for the non-screening bits of the suite, we were (for the most part) impressed with our accommodation. Our bed induced a most restful sleep but was occasionally compromised by the constant din of traffic buzzing round Hyde Park Corner below. It should also be noted that the Cinema Suite's 6th floor location has it next to smoker-friendly rooms. We think being able to smoke inside at a luxury hotel is decadently novel and kinda retro; however, waking up in the morning to the smell of someone smoking in the neighbouring room was off putting. Still, after a lingering wash in the roomy bathroom's rain shower with body jets followed by a bathrobed plop down on the massive sofa in the suite's open-plan living space, all was forgiven.

Who's this swish suite for? Well, Londonist had our original date to visit bumped by a member of the Royal Family keen for a cinematic overnight. Can we recommend? If you can afford it, go for it. It's certainly the most extravagantly fun night-in with some DVDs that we've ever had.

Last Updated 12 February 2010