History and elegance:
The Lanesborough
A revered Regency landsmark, London’s most expensive hotel is synonymous with contemporary luxury
DUE TO REOPEN towards the end of 2014, the 5-star Lanesborough is currently undergoing extensive renovation, following the plans of world-renowned and recently deceased interior designer, Alberto Pinto. The aim is to enhance the 93 guest rooms and all public areas, and, according to management, the renovation will ‘embody the signature style that has become synonymous with The Lanesborough, whilst incorporating the latest in contemporary luxury and technological innovations.’
Situated at Hyde Park Corner, at the junction between two of the city’s most expansive and beautiful green spaces, and with views over Wellington Arch and Apsley House, the hotel is one of London’s most revered Regency landmarks.
Operated by the American Starwood Hotels corporation, the Lanesborough is reputedly the most expensive hotel in London, with the highest rate as of 2013 being up to £18,000 per night for the The Lanesborough Suite. A 24-hour private butler is available to each guest.
The hotel is currently the home to Heinz Beck’s Michelin starred Apsleys, launched in 2009. His first restaurant outside of Italy, Beck has been the recipient of numerous awards for outstanding achievement throughout his long and prestigious career. He was awarded three Michelin stars for his cuisine at La Pergola in Rome. Apsleys was awarded its first Michelin star on 20 January 2010, less than 5 months after opening. This set a record for the speed at which a London restaurant could be awarded such an accolade.
The original Lanesborough House was home to St George's Hospital, opened in 1733. By the 1800s, the building was falling into disrepair and thus was demolished to make way for a new 350-bed facility. Building began in 1827 under architect William Wilkins. The new hospital was operational by 1844 and served continuously until it was transferred to Tooting, south London, in the 1970s. Rosewood Hotels and Resorts refurbished and re-opened the Hyde Park Corner premises as a hotel in 1991. Ten years later, the management contract passed to Starwood, who took on The Lanesborough as its first and only hotel in England.
