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Our Review of The Lanesborough London

Pre-Arrival: Setting the Tone for Luxury

The Lanesborough excels at ensuring a guest’s experience begins well before they step through its doors. Their concierge team reached out ahead of our visit to confirm our preferences, arrange transportation, and inquire about any special requests. For travelers flying into one of London’s airports, the hotel offers private airport transfers, which can be arranged through our Hotel Plus service. While complimentary transportation is not included with your stay, the service features luxury vehicles and professional drivers who promise a smooth journey. We recommend this service for international travelers who just got off a long-haul flight.

We opted to travel to London via train from Paris. From there, a short cab ride brought us directly to the hotel. The Lanesborough is very close to Hyde Park Corner, making it easy to reach no matter your mode of transport.

Arrival Experience: A Warm Welcome

Upon arrival at The Lanesborough, we were greeted by the sight of its classic Regency façade and welcomed with the utmost care. From the doormen’s warm smiles to the polished check-in process, every moment felt designed to make us feel valued.

The property’s attention to detail was immediately evident when we entered our room. Waiting for us were thoughtful welcome treats:

  • A raspberry tartlet, elegantly plated.
  • Delicate macarons in vibrant colors.
  • A bouquet of fresh flowers.
  • A custom Lanesborough tote bag with our initials embroidered—a thoughtful and luxurious souvenir epitomizing the hotel’s personalized approach.

Our personal butler met us in the room, introduced himself, and provided a full tour of the suite. He explained every feature, from the lighting controls to the minibar, and even outlined how to best use the room’s traditional fixtures. While The Lanesborough retains its timeless British charm, the room’s technology is less high-tech compared to properties like Four Seasons. Guests who value simplicity over automation will feel at home here.

Charming House Cat

Meet Lilibet! Did you know that every Oetker Collection property we stayed at (Brenners Park, Le Bristol Paris, The Lanesborough) all has a dedicated house cat that lives at each hotel? They have become quite famous on social media over the years, with guests looking for an opportunity to spend time with them.

The Rooms: Sophistication in Every Detail

We stayed in an Executive Junior Suite, which stood out for its spacious layout, natural light, and refined Regency decor. The plush bedding, elegant furnishings, and beautiful moldings created a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere.

During a site inspection, we viewed a few other rooms, though availability was limited due to high occupancy. With only 93 rooms and suites, The Lanesborough offers exclusivity, making each room feel like a private retreat. For those seeking a blend of tradition and luxury, this hotel is an excellent choice.

Dining Higlights

The Lanesborough offers several dining options that cater to various tastes:

  • The Lanesborough Grill: We enjoyed an excellent dinner here, with the Beef Wellington being the standout dish.
  • Afternoon Tea: Their Bridgerton-themed tea is a must-try, with intricate details and a menu inspired by Regency England.
  • In-Room Dining: Breakfast was delivered promptly and presented perfectly, making for a relaxed start to our day.

Activities and Location: A Gateway to London

The Lanesborough’s location at Hyde Park Corner is ideal for exploring London. We enjoyed several activities, including:

  • Local Pub Visit: A short walk brought us to Grenadier, a historic pub tucked away in a charming neighborhood.
  • Private Black Cab Tour: Organized by Queen of Clubs, this personalized tour allowed us to explore London’s iconic sights at our own pace.
  • Buckingham Palace Tour: Just a stone’s throw from the hotel, this landmark is a must-see for first-time visitors.

The Spa

This was undoubtedly one of Allie’s top three spa experiences: 1) Lymphatic massage at Sanctuary Scottsdale, 2) Private spa island at Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa, and 3) This facial at The Lanesborough. Her facial specialist exceeded all expectations. The spa environment is tranquil, and the therapists are incredibly skilled.

Unique Amenities and Promotions

Through our Hotel-Only service, we can book your stay for the exact same rate you find online, with the added benefit of booking your stay with us. We charge zero fees through this service; it is completely complimentary!

As part of the Oetker Collection, The Lanesborough offers exclusive perks through its Pearl Partner program, including:

  • A guaranteed one-category room upgrade is available upon booking (subject to availability).
  • Daily full breakfast for two.
  • €100 food and beverage or spa credit, with a bonus of €200 for stays of two nights or more.
  • Priority access to the courtesy car (based on availability).
  • “Time is Luxury” amenity: Flexible 6 am check-in and 6 pm check-out times, confirmed in advance.

Pearl Partner benefits can generally be combined with any rates you’ll find directly with The Lanesborough. The upgrades through Pearl Partner are also prioritized over upgrades through other programs, so you’ll want to use Pearl Partner over a program like Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. As a Pearl Partner agency, we can make Pearl Partner bookings on your behalf.

For a more personalized touch on your trip, you can work with our Hotel Plus team to assist with any reservations, activity scheduling, concierge assistance, and more. Once your stay is booked through us, you will automatically receive exclusive and complimentary perks that you can indulge in throughout your stay.

To book your stay, use our complimentary booking tool, or fill out a Travel Request Form.

Who Would Love The Lanesborough?

This property is ideal for:

  • Travelers who appreciate classic British elegance with a Regency flair.
  • Couples seeking a romantic escape.
  • Food enthusiasts who are eager to savor fine dining and unique tea experiences.
  • History buffs and Bridgerton fans drawn to its aesthetic.

One of our clients, a gentleman in his 30s, shared his experience:

“Also gotta say, The Lanesborough is my new favorite hotel in London. I’ve stayed at almost every true 5* hotel in the city at this point, some many times over, and none of them come even close to The Lanesborough. Best hotel I’ve stayed at in London by a mile, wish I had stayed for more than one night and will be staying here for personal trips to London from now on.

However, those who prefer ultra-modern design or high-tech room features may find other properties more aligned with their preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Lanesborough offers a quintessential London experience, blending timeless charm, attentive service, and a prime location. With its thoughtful touches and commitment to luxury, it’s a standout property for anyone seeking an unforgettable stay in the heart of the city. Whether it’s your first visit to London or your tenth, The Lanesborough ensures every guest feels like royalty.

If you’re still exploring your options, we have several resources to help you, including our complimentary booking tool, a Preferred Hotels Map, and Hotel Reviews. Let us use our expertise to craft your perfect escape to London today!

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