Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes Hotel
108 Baker St., London, W1U 6LJ, England, London, EnglandWhy We Like It
The Park Plaza chain has locations across London, but the beauty of the Sherlock Holmes Hotel is its individuality. The townhouse building helps set it apart and the warm, cozy interiors are anything but generic. The location is great for business and close enough to the West End to be convenient enough to explore on foot. It’s a neat package with everything you could want from a mid-range hotel.
Fodor's Expert Review
Situated in a solidly business-oriented area of Central London, the Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes can still rely on the tenuous links to the fictional detective to distract from the workaday nature of the area. The Baker Street location means it’s sited on the same street as the fictional former abode of Alfred Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes (221b Baker Street), which might hold some appeal for super fans. The hotel also boasts Regent’s Park on its doorstep, and beyond the pretty townhouse façade, this considered property holds plenty of character and warmth.
Tip In keeping with the hotel's literary links to mystery-if only by name only-it hosts regular murder mystery nights for guests who want to don a deerstalker hat and play Sherlock Holmes for an evening.
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Room
Contemporary rooms are decorated in neutral tones and come with dark wood writing desks (for those budding Conan Doyles) and wall art to create a cozy, homely space. Standard rooms are on the small side and some windows are small, however, some of those on the top floor look out over rooftop views which feel faintly Victorian if you peer out with Sherlock Holmes on your mind.
Bathroom
Elegant, tile clad bathrooms feature bathtub showers and complimentary toiletries. They are, however, extremely small.
You Should Know Not all guests will appreciate the frosted sliding glass doors on some bathrooms which aren't as private as, say, a proper, solid door.
Lobby
The lobby is decorated in swathes of beige and light wood panelling, opening into the lounge bar next door.
Spa
The Aurora Spa can accommodate guests looking for a massage and therapeutic treatments. Located on the basement floor, the wellness suite also comes with a sauna and steam room.
Gym
The hotel’s fitness center is well-equipped with cardio machines and free weights.
Dining
The Sherlock Grill is a solid choice should you not want to leave the hotel for your meals. Expect charcoal grilled steaks and other classics.
Drinking
The Sherlock Bar has you covered whatever the season. There’s a homely open fire for chill winter evenings and al fresco seating on Baker Street for London’s answer to continental café culture come summer.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Thanks to traffic clogged Baker Street, the hotel doesn’t have the most attractive area immediately outside it, but a short walk takes you into Marylebone where the quiet streets hold their fair share of boutiques, restaurants and bars. Baker Street Station is just a short walk for Tube connections into the West End and Marylebone Station offers national rail travel. The area is primarily known for business but Oxford Street and a range of famous sights are still close by.
Restaurants
If you’re tired of the grill, try nearby Bill’s Baker Street (4-minute walk), where all-day dining means you can stop in for the pancakes for brunch on one day and head back the same evening for burgers. Alternatively, try the excellent Carousel (5-minute walk), a contemporary European restaurant that regularly changes up the menu with its merry-go-round of guest chefs.