The Lanesborough

"How did it strike you on arrival?The rumored spend on updating this grand Regency building in 2015 was $110 million, but you wouldn’t know it. Not that the place looked tired after originally opening as a hotel in 1991—far from it—but because the refurbishment has celebrated the style of the time so enthusiastically that you half expect Jane Austen or Lord Byron to come tripping in for tea. The building is a former hospital, but you wouldn’t know that either—this is the least utilitarian of all London’s hotels, with ornate cornicing, frescos, and tinkling chandeliers. It’s so fancy that wearing jeans feels disrespectful, so bear that in mind when checking in. Nice. What’s the crowd like?You won’t find the Snapchat generation here. You will find those longing for a time gone by, one with with on-the-button service, proper curtains, and landlines. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The superior rooms are the smallest but they’re still big on fuss—grass-green walls, lots of floral prints, beds complete with padded headboard, and valances. There’s room for a little entrance foyer, writing desk, and comfy chair but all the detailing makes them look compact. Things get even fancier in the suites, with chandeliers and canopied beds. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Daily fresh fruit, free local calls, and butler service in all the rooms come as standard, as does a complimentary outfit press on arrival. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Luxurious bathrooms have creamy marble, rain showers, and underfloor heating. Products were designed specifically for the hotel by perfumer Roja Dove. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The Michelin-starred restaurant, Céleste, serves oysters with confit leek and lemon brown butter under the light of a domed glass roof. The spa is kitted out with a hydrotherapy pool, as well as steam and sauna rooms. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Nowhere else feels quite as convincingly like sleeping in a 19th-century mansion. If that’s your thing, then the Lanesborough is worth the very hefty price tag." - Laura Goulden