THE LANESBOROUGH

During my latest visit to the British capital, I had the privilege of experiencing this neoclassical masterpiece firsthand. As someone who has spent years exploring the intersection of luxury, culture, and design across the world’s most glamorous destinations, I can confidently say that The Lanesborough remains in a class of its own.

From the moment you approach the stately exterior—once a grand country mansion in the 18th century—you’re transported. The hotel, which opened in 1991, underwent a transformative renovation under the late interior designer Alberto Pinto. The result? A spectacular blend of Regency opulence and modern technology. Think gilded moldings, silk wall panels, oil paintings, and dazzling chandeliers—seamlessly interwoven with in-room tablets and smart lighting. It’s an atmosphere of refined grandeur without the weight of pretension.

But what truly defines The Lanesborough isn’t its design—it’s the soul found in its staff and service philosophy. London is not short on luxurious accommodations, but here, service reaches another stratum. Unique in the city, every room includes 24-hour butler service. Yes, a real, live butler—one who remembers your preferred tea in the morning and ensures you have the perfect umbrella when the clouds roll in. I witnessed butlers assisting families with bedtime stories and travelers with wardrobe fixes. There’s an anticipatory magic to the hospitality here, making each guest feel not just served, but genuinely cared for.

My suite—sumptuously appointed in soft pastels and handpicked antiques—was a retreat in every sense. Beyond its plush bed and expansive marble bath, it offered the kind of calm and quiet that money alone can’t buy. The Royal Suite, meanwhile, is truly fit for modern-day aristocracy. Sprawling over nearly 5,000 square feet with a private entrance and panoramic views, it’s less a hotel room and more a residence worthy of royalty or visiting dignitaries.  

My suite—sumptuously appointed in soft pastels and handpicked antiques—was a retreat in every sense. Beyond its plush bed and expansive marble bath, it offered the kind of calm and quiet that money alone can’t buy. The Royal Suite, meanwhile, is truly fit for modern-day aristocracy. Sprawling over nearly 5,000 square feet with a private entrance and panoramic views, it’s less a hotel room and more a residence worthy of royalty or visiting dignitaries. 

Dining at the hotel is an experience unto itself. At The Lanesborough Grill, Executive Chef Shay Cooper redefines British cuisine with bold creativity and precision. The Grill’s dining room, with its soaring skylight and Corinthian columns, is visually arresting yet never intimidating. Whether you’re a solo traveler or enjoying an evening out, the ambiance strikes the right balance between stately and sociable.

Afternoon Tea, served daily is a destination in itself. With pastries as delicate as they are decadent and an expansive tea list curated by in-house experts, it strikes the balance between indulgence and elegance. In summer months, the tea service offers a tranquil moment amid the city buzz.  

And then, there’s location. With Harrods a short stroll away and Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Soho within easy reach, The Lanesborough offers enviable access to the best of London.  

And then, there’s location. With Harrods a short stroll away and Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Soho within easy reach, The Lanesborough offers enviable access to the best of London.  

As transatlantic travel surges again, The Lanesborough answers our modern craving for experience-rich luxury with the comforting cadence of tradition. It doesn’t just appeal to American guests—it anticipates their expectations and elevates them, wrapping each stay in a warm embrace of heritage and hospitality.  

Perhaps the final endorsement belongs to Lilibet, the house cat, who can be found sunning herself by a window watching the hustle and bustle of London from a five-star perch.  

The Lanesborough rises above all others as a soulful sanctuary, where every detail is deliberate, every interaction meaningful, and every stay unforgettable. It is, quite simply, London at its most graceful—and at its most welcoming. 

To learn more, or book your stay, please
visit oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough