The Lanesborough celebrates its 20th birthday in typically tasteful style

The Lanesborough is celebrating its 20th with its usual panache

On our recent visit to The Lanesborough for a free WiFi touchdown, we were informed that the hotel has published a book to commemorate its 20 years since opening, in which the ultra-deluxe property has “made itself worthy of its proud name and history.” As London hotel reporters, we were excited to get our own copies of the book which elaborates engagingly on the hotel’s history, staff, ambience and philosophy. The book’s design mirrors the signature effortlessness and discretion of the hotel itself. It contains unique interviews, photos and quotes by industry experts – making it the perfect read for hotel obsessives like ourselves.

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The Lanesborough aims to provide a home from home - and made us feel at home with free WiFi and tea!

The hotel’s name originates from the time of King Charles II and the Restoration, in honour of Sir George Lane who supported the king during the dying days of Cromwell. The Lanesborough House, a landmark building, was founded in 1733 as St. George’s Hospital and was rebuilt in 1827 by William Wilkins in an elegant neo-classical Regency architectural style; this style draws inspiration from Greek and Roman antiquity but conveys this in an eclectic and modern style. St George’s Hospital closed its doors in 1980, after almost two and a half centuries in existence.

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"Celebrating 20 Years of Hospitality" - a fascinating read

Permission was granted in 1988 to turn the building into a hotel, under the condition that its Wilkinsian style was not only retained but also used as an inspiration for the new interior design. The hotel’s opening was keenly anticipated since the building itself was one of London’s famous landmarks in a prime location by Hyde Park Corner - it is the backdrop to the Changing of the Guard and Wellington Arch.

The hotel was also expected to have a very high standard: splendid interior decor combined with personal butlers for all guests. Over the last 20 years that standard has been maintained and if anything enhanced, with The Lanesborough acquiring a particularly strong reputation for innovation. It has helped to change perceptions of luxury globally, constantly raising standards with an uncompromising vision of the very best.

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There is also a refreshing philosophy whereby The Lanesborough doesn’t seek to “nickel and dime” its guests, recognising that they are already paying a top room rate and therefore should expect the best service and amenities to be included in the price. That is why the hotel offers free WiFi unlike several of its ultra-deluxe London hotel rivals like The Dorchester, The Ritz and the Mandarin Oriental London which currently prefer to inconvenience their guests with hefty (and often unexpected) surcharges.

The Lanesborough also houses one of the best hotel spas in London.

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The Lanesborough's Spode china was specially designed for the grand opening and cost the hotel £55,000.

Ever since its opening, The Lanesborough has been managed by Mr Geoffrey Gelardi, one of the most well-recognised professionals in the hospitality industry and a third generation hotelier. Mr Gelardi ensures that the hotel’s staff is happy and well-trained and provides impeccable service day after day. This blog has for example interviewed The Lanesborough’s Head Butler who typifies the standard that all staff aspire to.

For its 20th anniversary, the Lanesborough selected its own “Man of the Year,” and every member of the team named Mr. Gelardi as the “driving force behind the Lanesborough.” One staff member added: “He knows everything about the hotel… he is the hotel.” Moreover, Mr Gelardi is loved and admired not only by staff but also by guests. In fact, many return to The Lanesborough largely because Mr Gelardi goes out of his way to get to know them – much like a host inviting friends into his home.

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