By Mike Gallemore
Returning to the Royal Lancaster London last month turned out to be a wonderful experience. Having recently unveiled its brand-new design, following an £85 million renovation, I was delighted to see that they had enhanced the atmosphere of this prestigious hotel overlooking Hyde Park.
The opulent new entrance has created an elegant, welcoming, friendly area and with the colourful Christmas tree it has been transformed into a homely hotel. The concept and design was created by London-based Studio Proof and they haven’t missed a beat in making the spacious Royal Lancaster a relaxing and comfortable haven. The happy, friendly staff, in all areas of the hotel, ensure that guests receive celebrity service. The entire frontage of the hotel has been remodelled and the exterior frontage now features a dramatic 8-metre high glazed façade, revealing an impressive double-height reception space. The showpiece of the lobby is an impressive, palatial sweeping staircase made of 300 square metres of white Carrara marble, which wraps around to the first floor.
Famous Royal Park
The ‘white’ marble-themed Hyde Bar echoes the name of London’s most famous Royal park, where Champagne, cocktails, coffee and light cuisine are served throughout the day. The redesign of the towering 18-storey hotel encompasses the complete refurbishment of all 411 guestrooms and suites. Every guestroom has far-reaching views across London and Hyde Park, emphasising the light and airy feeling of open space combined with luxurious comfort. Room categories start with the Classic Double Room at 20 square metres, 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 underfloor heating in the bathrooms.
The TVs show more than 138 international channels, and 33 radio stations are available. The first stage of the refurbishment commenced in 2015 with the redesign of Nipa Thai, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. The grand opening is well underway, as the majority of the hotel is completely renovated. Royal Lancaster London will be finalised in May 2019, following a soft re-design of The Lounge Bar and The Park Room on the first floor.
‘Rich and Celebrated Past’
General Manager Sally Beck says: “The hotel has had a rich and celebrated past, having opened as one of London’s most chic hotels in 1967. Now, 50 years later, Royal Lancaster London will reopen in 2019 to once again become 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.” As one of the most iconic hotels in the Capital, Royal Lancaster London has an illustrious history. Michael Caine has attended events here, along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and countless members of the Royal Family.
The hotel also famously hosted the after-party of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine film premiere, which The Beatles’ attended in the Yellow Submarine Nightclub. 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 facilities, including the renowned Nine Kings and Westbourne Suites, holding 2,400 guests collectively for a seated dinner. Royal Lancaster is the ideal location for families on Christmas sightseeing trips, being directly opposite Hyde Park and with the Central Line Underground station just round the corner from the hotel.
Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
Tel: 020 7551 6000 or visit www.royallancaster.com
