The Lanesborough

"Minimalists, modernists, fanciers of all things sleek, shiny, geometrical and monochrome—this is not the place for you. The Lanesborough was always an unrepentant riot of Regency splendor. In 2015 it reopened more unrepentant, riotous and Regency-splendid than ever. The Royal Suite, at $33,000 a night, is supposedly the most expensive in London—guilty as charged—but certain of the Junior Suites are among the most charming and cleverly contrived hotel rooms you will find anywhere. The celebrated Library Bar and cigar terrace are still there, little altered. The main restaurant, Céleste, deserves mention as one of the most spectacular dining rooms in town, with decorative cues from Wedgewood and daylight from God, via a gorgeous 'sky dome'. Price: Rooms from around $1,182 per nightAddress: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TAClosest tube station: Knightsbridge" - Condé Nast Traveller, Steve King

"Best for: families who love to swim Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner The Lanesborough has always had a knack for transcending generations. One glimpse around the ornate Lanesborough Grill and you’ll likely spot an impeccably coiffed grandmother helping her grandson navigate the afternoon tea stand. While this proud traditionalist has plenty of expensive vases to knock over or marble to glide on (watch out for this in the bathrooms) it does its very best to offer kids something to do between the formal breakfasts and afternoon swim slot. On arrival, children are handed personalized Mini VIP leather passes, which they can use for free ice cream and drinks in any of the restaurants They can also look forward to treasure hunts in the room, mocktail workshops with the hotel’s enthusiastic mixologists, mini manicures in the spa, and trips to Hyde Park to toss artisanal sourdough into the Serpentine (lucky ducks). The hotel’s feline resident, Lilibet, can often be found sprawled across one of the sofas in the resplendent Withdrawing room or patroling the corridors, much to the delight of the children spotting her. And, having whisked them to Hyde Park to burn off some energy (the concierge somehow managed to procure a stroller in under an hour) or even watched the guards’ horses on their morning exercise, parents can check into the swishy, subterranean spa for their thermal suites and best-in-class massages, with young children napping under the watchful eye of a trusted babysitter." - Rosalyn Wikeley

"On Hyde Park, The Lanesborough is an unashamed concoction of gilding, trompe l’oeil, and marble that has all the interior oomph of a palace hotel—and, with a butler for each room, service to match. A tip-to-toe renovation has celebrated the original style of the building 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. You won’t find the Snapchat generation here—rather, those longing for a time gone by, one with on-the-button service, proper curtains, and landlines." - Nicholas DeRenzo, CNT Editors

"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

"Charithra Chandran arrived punctually at The Lanesborough Hotel in Knightsbridge, ready to play bride."