With an unrivalled location overlooking Hyde Park and only a 2 minute walk to Lancaster Gate tube station, the Royal Lancaster has always been the ultimate choice for those of us looking for a welcoming and modern hotel in the centre of the city.
Built in 1967 to the sights and sounds of the swinging sixties, this 18 storey building boasts breathtaking views over London that it’s neighbours can only dream of, and easy access to all the major attractions.
The hotel’s motto is “We always care” and whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, from check in to check out, you are guaranteed a high level of service with a smile.
This month, the hotel celebrated it’s 50th birthday in style with the unveiling of a two year transformation, giving the prestigious hotel a brand new look inside and out.
Including the refurbishment of all 411 rooms and suites, 16 business and event spaces and the celebrated Nipa Thai restaurant, it also marks the creation of the Hyde Lobby Bar, a new and exciting addition to London’s drinking and dining scene.
The concept and design was created by London based Studio Proof, and with input from the hotel’s Thai owner Khun Jatuporn Sihanatkathakul, it exudes mid-century glamour and understated elegance.
The entire frontage of the hotel has been remodelled and the exterior architecture now features a dramatic 8-metre high glazed facade revealing an impressive double height reception space.
The showcase of the lobby is a palatial sweeping staircase made of 300 square metres of white Carrara marble which wraps around to the first floor. This stunning space sets the tone for the renovation – classy, contemporary and chic.
At the heart of the hotel you will find the new Hyde Lobby Bar, which masterfully combines classic 1960’s decor with a 21st century twist. Enveloped in white marble and with a centrepiece brass chandelier, it is sure to be a prime spot to see and be seen, perfect for those Instagram must sends!
Leather banquette style seating, rich velvet sofas and mode armchairs clothed in soft hues are arranged invitingly around white marble and brass tables. The perfect backdrop to enjoying a leisurely breakfast, light lunch, afternoon snack or indulge in one of the signature cocktails.
Start the day with a freshly ground coffee and something from the breakast menu, maybe a homebaked Danish pastry or a mango, kiwi, strawberry and passion fruit salad will take your fancy?
The lunch menu has an enticing selection of dishes including Seared tuna with avocado and crispy seaweed, and Scottish lobster and crayfish cocktail, quail egg and caviar. Accompanied by a fine wine or champagne, a lunch date here is sure to become a favourite with locals and guests alike.
The cocktail menu has been carefully planned to showcase the hotel and it’s history. The Great Gats-bee features Chivas 18, cherry brandy and honey syrup from the Royal Lancaster’s very own rooftop honey farm, and the Italian Job is made from Beefeater 24 Gin, Martini Rosso, Campari and Aperol, a salute to the original 1968 film, which included scenes filmed outside the hotel.
The bar is open 7.30am to 11pm Mon to Friday,9am to 11pm on Saturdays and 9am to 10pm on Sundays.
Other eateries at the hotel include Nipa Thai, the hotel’s world renowned Thai restaurant which showcases the absolute best of Thai cuisine served with culinary expertise and flair. Awards include 2 AA Rosettes and the Thai Select Award given by the Thai government for authenticity.
Against a refined and elegant backdrop, you will find all tastes are catered for with an a la carte menu, 3 tasting menus, a vegetarian set menu and an early bird menu from 5 – 6.30pm, perfect for pre-theatre eaters.
You can enjoy more informal dining at the Island Grill, which serves daily lunch and dinner, a weekend brunch and Sunday lunch, or book in for a Signature Afternoon Tea which is a treat to behold ( and to eat!) with a scrumptious selection of cakes served with the finest tea or champagne.
All 411 guest rooms and suites have now been upgraded to provide modern, comfortable and luxurious surroundings. Each room has outstanding views over Hyde Park and across the city, and the decor is muted and classic so as not to detract from these premium vistas.
All rooms have a Handy phone, multi national plug sockets, USB hubs and complimentary high speed wi-fi. Televisions show over 138 international channels and 33 radio stations are available.
The relaxing and stylish bathrooms have underfloor heating and waterfall showers, bathrobes, slippers and White Company toiletries.
There is no in-house spa but working with partners Viva Therapies, the hotel can provide a wide range of in room services including massages, pedicures, hairdressing and makeup. They can also offer private yoga classes and one to one personal trainer sessions in the 24 hour fully equipped gym.
Breakfast is served in the Park Restaurant and you may choose from the extensive cold buffet or have hot food cooked to order. With floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Italian Gardens in Hyde Park, this is a great way to start the day!
For guests, the Lounge Bar offers a wide selection of drinks and hot and cold snacks throughout the day and evening, and is a perfect space to relax and unwind in between shopping and sightseeing.
Royal Lancaster London is one of the leading banqueting venues in Europe with a capacity of 3.000 guests across it’s 16 refurbished meetings and events spaces.
The huge Nine Kings and Westbourne Suites are ideal for conventions, gala dinners, weddings, award ceremonies, product launches and exhibitions, whilst the smaller business suites have excellent boardroom facilities, presentation spaces and meeting rooms.
In a nutshell
With it’s fantastic location in the centre of London, views from the rooms that make you go “WOW” and a warm and frendly atmosphere, the Royal Lancaster has a well deserved reputation as one of the most popular London hotels.
Now, with such a fresh and dramatic 50th birthday makeover, it is sure to attract even more guests looking for that reassuring mix of style, comfort and good service. Welcome to London, welcome to the Royal Lancaster.
Room categories start with the Classic Double Room at 20 sq metres, priced from £219 per night.
Address: Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY / +44 207 551 6000
