Royal Lancaster London Refurb Lives Up To Expectations

I was in London to attend an Awards ceremony for recently joined B4 Members, G-Smatt Europe so it was an excellent opportunity to stay at Royal Lancaster London, one of B4’s most regularly reviewed hotels over the past 12 years. Stunning, simply stunning.

Overlooking Hyde Park, the hotel’s status as one of London’s most iconic establishments has never been in doubt, but following this considerable investment, it has certainly cemented its status. From the impressive entrance hall, through to the new Hyde Lobby Bar and rooms, Royal Lancaster London has certainly surpassed expectations, both internally and externally.

Having secured my parking space just over the road in Sussex Mews, I made my away across Westbourne Street and was rather taken aback with the hotel’s new façade – quite dangerous when you’re crossing a notoriously busy street!

The entire frontage of the hotel has been remodelled and the exterior architecture now features a dramatic 8-metre high glazed frontage revealing an impressive double-height reception space. The showpiece of the lobby is a palatial sweeping staircase made of 300 square meters of white Carrara marble which wraps around to the first floor.

Once inside, the wonderful Hyde Lobby Bar is an impressive new addition with the hotel’s most discerning guests in mind with champagne, cocktails, coffee and light cuisine served throughout the day.

The cocktail menu has been meticulously created and includes signature cocktails to reflect the history of the iconic hotel. The Great Gats-bee features Chivas 18, cherry brandy and honey syrup collected from the hotel’s very own rooftop honey farm (£12); while The Italian Job cocktail is made with Beefeater 24 Gin, Martini Rosso, Campari and Aperol (£12) – a salute to the original 1968 Italian Job film which included scenes filmed in front of Royal Lancaster London. For a touch of extra indulgence, the hotel has created its own aromatic Royal Lancaster Gin which will be served in the bar’s speciality Gin Martini (£12).

“Overlooking Hyde Park, the hotel’s status as one of London’s most iconic establishments has never been in doubt, but following this considerable investment, it has certainly cemented its status”

During daylight hours, the bar is the perfect place to enjoy refined light cuisine. The alluring aroma of freshly ground coffee permeates the space each morning courtesy of the gold artesian Victoria Arduino press coffee machine. The breakfast menu features Homebaked Danish pastries (£2 each or £5 per trio); Granola with Greek yogurt, honey and berries (£6); Mango kiwi, strawberry and passion fruit salad (£8); Three pieces of Cruffin with smoked bacon and mature cheddar, or Somerset Brie, spinach, tomato and mushroom (£5).

The redesign of the impressive 18-storey hotel encompasses the complete refurbishment of all 411 guestrooms and suites. Every guestroom has fantastic view across London and my room was no exception. The views are unbelievable but don’t detract from the consideration which has been put into designing incredibly stylish rooms with every need taken into account.

Room categories start with the Classic Double Room at 20 square meters, priced from £219 per night. All of the guest rooms have Handy phones, hidden international plug sockets, bath robes, slippers, The White Company toiletries, waterfall showers and under floor heating in the bathrooms. TVs show over 138 international channels and 33 radio stations are available.

General Manager Sally Beck said: “The hotel has had a rich and celebrated past, having opened as one of the most chic hotels in London in 1967. 50 years later, Royal Lancaster London will reopen in 2017 to once again be one of the most stylish hotels in the capital. Our Thai owner, Khun Jatuporn Sihanatkathakul has been directly involved in the new design which exudes mid-century glamour and understated elegance synonymous with London. We are looking forward to the next 50 years.”

Royal Lancaster London is one of the largest banqueting venues in Europe with a capacity of 3,000 guests across its 16 refurbished meetings and events spaces. These include the renowned Nine Kings and Westbourne Suites holding 2,400 guests collectively for a seated dinner.

All in all a great visit – the hotel was simply superb in every aspect and G-Smatt won Technological Innovation of the Year at The London Construction Awards. Full marks to both!

www.royallancaster.com