The Lanesborough Hotel in London Reopens After 18-Month Renovation

The Lanesborough hotel in London has reopened its doors following an extensive 18-month renovation project by late interior designer Alberto Pinto.

Located just moments from Knightsbridge, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, The Lanesborough is one of London’s most famous hotels.

Having closed its doors on 20th December 2013, the Grade II listed building was taken back to its shell and has been totally transformed by Cabinet Alberto Pinto.

The hotel comprises 93 rooms and suites including The Royal Suite, which extends to seven bedrooms.

To add to the extensive services offered to all guests, 23 private butlers are on call day and night to care for the individual needs of every guest, while a fleet of 14 luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom, can chauffeur residents around London in style.

Each one of The Lanesborough’s seven new private dining rooms possesses a character and atmosphere of its own - from the intimate feel of The Wine Cellar to the palatial setting of The Belgravia.

With a sizable collection of Cuban and pre-Castro cigars as well as rare Cognacs dating back to 1770, The Garden Room is an ideal setting for a night of relaxed sophistication. With a celebrated walk-in humidor and knowledgeable team, this garden terrace is a favourite amongst cigar connoisseurs.

For cocktails, The Library Bar offers a touch of grandeur in a warm and welcoming setting. A live pianist plays each night from 6-9pm creating an intimate, club-like atmosphere.

A team of artisans using age-old techniques, often used in decorating Palaces, were entrusted to deliver a distinctive form of luxury, befitting for The Lanesborough. The craftsmen were all specialists in their fields and include embroiderers, crystal specialists, cabinetmakers, bronzers, lacquerers, gilders, mirror specialists, and makers of decorative trimmings. Over 300 people were involved in the day-to-day transformation of the hotel’s 93 rooms, allowing for exceptional time and care to be taken into each detail. Everything is handcrafted, with over 2,000 hours of stenciling in the public areas of the hotel as well as 5,500 original stencils showcased throughout guest rooms and within The Library Bar.

Particular focus has been paid to the ceilings through restoring original detailing such as ceiling roses, coffering, cornicing and fresco painting. Award-winning British artisans in plaster produced a unique plasterwork design for each room upon Cabinet Alberto Pinto’s request and control. 2,100 books of 23 ¼ carat gold leaf were used to elaborately dress the ceilings of public areas and guest rooms, reimagining the Regency period and reflecting the heritage of the building.

The majority of suppliers used for the renovation are British with over 95% made bespoke for The Lanesborough. Every trimming and finishing is made to measure, before going through specialist procedures to meet hotel safety standards.

The Royal Suite has been reinstated as The Lanesborough’s largest suite, extending across 4,485 square feet, with seven bedrooms and bathrooms, two living rooms and a dining room.

The Lanesborough Suite carries every hallmark of its distinguished designer, with four bedrooms and five bathrooms, two living rooms and a dining room as well as a kitchen and private entrance for the butler.

Cabinet Alberto Pinto imagined guest rooms being grouped into five design schemes, reflecting the Regency period, with each group consisting of three rich jewel colour ways to create warmth, harmony and comfort. 14 different types of bed canopies hang within the rooms, with over 3 million hand stitches and bespoke tailoring using the highest quality fabrics. Each marble block for the new bathrooms was individually chosen and acute attention was given to ensure that each slab was perfectly book matched. World-renowned British perfumer Roja Dove has created bespoke fragrances and bathroom amenities for every guest room.

Reardon Smith acted as Lead Design Consultant and Architect with responsibility for coordinating the renovation of the hotel in close collaboration with the interior designer, Cabinet Alberto Pinto.

Opening room rates start from £720 including VAT per room per night.