Historic London Grandeur: The Lanesborough – Hotel Review

London isn’t short of a grand heritage hotel, but what makes The Lanesborough special is its Regency-era architecture and prime position on Hyde Park Corner. Beginning life in the 18th century as a country house on the edge of London before becoming St George’s Hospital, and only later transforming into the hotel we know today, a decade ago the property underwent a meticulous two-year renovation by the late interior designer Alberto Pinto, reopening in 2015 with a renewed sense of splendour.

Inside, high ceilings, sweeping corridors and richly dressed interiors, alongside Oetker Collection’s hallmark service, create the feeling of a grand private residence offering a glimpse of London from another time. Lauren Ho checks in.

Hotel Review: The Lanesborough, London

The Lanesborough

STAY

The Lanesborough is home to 93 rooms and suites, each designed with the level of detail Alberto Pinto was known for. As such, handcrafted furnishings, layered fabrics and period-inspired detailing reference the building’s past, while a sense of richness is revealed through embroidered accents and bold colours from deep greens to soft creams. 

A butler button means round-the-clock service, whether you need garments pressed, last-minute reservation changes or tea delivered on demand. 

Many of the suites have views across Hyde Park or towards Wellington Arch and include return airport transfers, a 60-minute jetlag massage, and flexible check in and check out times. The seven-bedroom Royal Suite – one of London’s largest – unfolds over its own wing with two living rooms, a 12-seat dining table and a study.

The Lanesborough

DO

The Lanesborough’s location is one of its greatest draws, with Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Buckingham Palace just a short stroll away. 

Back at the hotel, especially on a rainy London day, the Lanesborough Club & Spa spans 18,000 square feet and – open to local members – offers a range of treatments by names such as Dr Galyna, GROUND Wellbeing and The Luxury Aesthetics Group. There is also a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suites and relaxation areas, and because of the club’s size, even on busy days it retains a sense of calm and exclusivity.

The Lanesborough

EAT

At the heart of the hotel’s dining experience, The Lanesborough Grill sits within a glass-roofed conservatory-style room – a former open courtyard – that is especially lovely in the morning over boiled eggs and soldiers and a pot of tea. The lunch and dinner menu is shaped by seasonal British ingredients with dishes such as the grilled wild turbot with Scottish girolles or English sirloin served with bone marrow and oxtail.

In celebration of Bridgerton season 4, when the clock strikes midday The Lanesborough Grill ushers in a very special Lady Whistledown approved afternoon tea. Expect finger sandwiches, savoury nibbles and delicately crafted sweet treats all inspired by a new season of action with all the elegance and drama fitting of the Ton.

Nearby, the Library bar is one of the city’s long-standing favourites, where cocktails are on offer alongside cognacs dating back to the 1770s. The hotel’s historic Wine Cellar, which dates back to 1719, can be booked for private dining, while the recently added Negroni Salon – which serves a variety of negronis alongside snacks like truffle fries or crispy squid with lemon aioli – is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink.

The Lanesborough

THE FINAL WORD

In a part of London defined by landmarks and tradition, The Lanesborough holds its own with a blend of heritage and modernity that keeps it current, supported by a level of service that’s intuitive and attentive, setting it apart in London’s luxury hotel scene.

BOOK IT

Rates at The Lanesborough start from £955 per night for a Deluxe Room on a B&B basis. oetkerhotels.com