As I begin this review, I should probably note that the Lanesborough does not participate in the SPG program. But if you can separate yourself from the need to be "recognized" and earn points, you are in for a treat. You will pay for it though, the Lanesborough, a St. Regis Hotel, in London is not cheap. It is unlike any Starwood I have stayed at before. By the time I left, I thought I was royalty!

You'll notice the understated, beautiful architecture of the Lanesborough as soon as you walk in, from the fireplace to the stylish hotel bar. The smiles at check-in reminded me that this was not a posh place, but a down-to-earth, small luxury experience.

The rooms themselves, not surprisingly, are also wonders from the entrance hallway to the paintings all the way down to the technology. You can control everything in the room from a little touchpad next to the bed (lights, temperature, room service, etc.). To welcome me to the room was a bowl of fruit, even business cards and letterhead with my name printed on it! Unlike other so-called luxury hotels that nickel-and-dime their guests, the room had free internet service; as well as a two-line phone with a wireless handset. And let me tell you: this bed puts the Westin Heavenly bed to purgatory! Big fluffy down pillows and a billowy comforter. The bathroom was just as elegant including a jacuzzi tub, and well-stocked with luxurious creams and soaps, not to mention the soft towels.

There was butler service on my floor and we found the gentleman to be a wealth of knowledge as well as a fantastic source of service. He unpacked my bags, picked up my laundry for me and pressed the shirt I wore everyday. I always found my fruit bowl newly stocked the next day.

The service I experienced was second-to-none. You could really tell that the staff in the restaurant had been doing this a while. For example, by the third day the waitstaff remembered my preference (Earl Grey with cream, eggs American-style over medium). Meals in the conservatory restaurant were very pleasant, particularly on the days when there was live music playing softly in the background.

So what was wrong? Well, it's an older building, so you get all the quirks that come along with that (water pressure, temperature in the room) and I found the electronic system a little frustrating sometimes. But that's all bridge under the water...

The hotel is, of course, in a great location right down the street from Harrods. There is a subway stop right next to the hotel. The room rate included a free Mercedes Benz transfer to the airport, which I used to my great chagrin to be leaving the Lanesborough.

It was a remarkable experience. Having stayed at other five-star properties around the world, I can truly say that whoever runs this hotels should be teaching other St. Regis properties how to be as exclusive.

Review by flywithme.

Posted at May 7, 2006 12:51 AM