Built in the swinging sixties and having seen many an iconic moment pass through its doors including the filming of “The Italian Job” and the premier party of “The Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles, The Royal Lancaster London really is a must on your bucket list of hotels to visit in the Capital. Having undergone an £80 million renovation last year this luxurious hotel holds an envious position close to the bustling shopping districts of Oxford and Bond Street, internationally famed West End theatres, museums and tourist attractions and with Hyde Park just on its doorstep, you’ll be in your element.
The lobby is the epitome of elegance, a vast light space with marble floors,luxurious dark wood walls, gold shelves, plush velvet chairs and gorgeous bold flower displays, first impressions are everything and the Royal Lancaster London certainly get this right.
Boasting 411 rooms from classic to suites, all designed with luxury and style in mind, offering guests’ unfettered views across London’s open space and skyline. We were lucky enough to stay in a spacious Executive Double room (it was more like a small suite) on the 18th floor (Executive rooms are housed on the upper four floors of the hotel) with of course the most breath-taking panoramic views.Dark wood walls, a peacock blue velvet sofa, neutral soft furnishings,sumptuous crisp white bed linen, quirky accessories including a paper Mache dog made from Beano comics, along with a Nespresso coffee machine, electronic blinds, and a feature mirrored wall behind the bed, giving the sense of even more space. The marbled bathroom was just as opulent with its large walk in shower, and complimentary White Company toiletries, you almost feel you are entering your own personal spa sanctuary.
After spending the afternoon shopping (when in London it has to be done!), we headed back to the hotel to relax in the lounge bar for a couple of cocktails before having dinner in the hotel’s award winning Thai restaurant ‘Nipa Thai’an oriental gem in the heart of the capital, combining outstanding traditional cuisine and subtle authentic décor with a warm, welcoming ambience – bringing the soul of Thailand to London. The restaurant showcases original Thai artifacts within a beautifully paneled teak interior.
Like all the staff within the hotel, the staff at Nipa were no exception and were friendly and helpful.
Studying the menu over a glass of cold champagne and some Thai prawn crackers, we decided on the Ruam Mitr (a selection of Thai starters to share), these included spring rolls, Thai fishcakes, chicken and beef satay, deep fried prawn dumplings and steamed dumplings with rice wrappers, accompanied with a variety of dipping sauces – simply delicious.
The mains were just as flavorsome and authentic and included Kai Phad (chicken and mushrooms with cashew nuts in a light soy and oyster sauce), Phad Kiew Warn Ta Lay (mixed seafood, Thai aubergine and basil poached in a spicy and rich green coconut curry).
With intense flavours using only the freshest ingredients, Head Chef, Mrs. Nongyao Thoopchoi’s cooking reflects a rich mix of the traditional dishes of Thailand’s central region whilst blending in a variety of regional specialties making dining here a truly divine experience.
Then came dessert, a refreshing platter of carved Thai fruits and a white chocolate roulade with lychee sorbet, the fresh sorbet complimented the creamy chocolate roulade impeccably – The perfect end to a meal that was faultless in taste, presentation and service.
Retiring to our room, the magnificent view of the London skyline at night greeted us;with all its shiny glittering lights it seemed a crime to shut the blinds on such a sight.
Breakfast the next morning takes place in the Park restaurant, offering a choice of Continental and English dishes and situated strategically in a corner of the building, giving you the best views of the pedestrian entrance to Hyde Park, just by the Italian Gardens, perfect for people watching over your morning coffee.
The Royal Lancaster London is opulent and elegant, with a slight retro twist,a real jewel in the crown of the city of London, with its vast renovation this regal hotel can now live up to its glamorous past.
BOOK IT
Prices start from £339 per room per night in an Executive Double room, based on 2 people sharing in April.
Prices start from £2,000 per room, per night in a Park Suite, based on 2 people sharing in April.
*Prices may vary from those quoted.
