Sunday, February 24, 2013

The Lanesborough - London 2013

As I contemplate my write up for the the Lanesborough I sit in the beautiful library bar. Piano is playing, service is impeccable and for a woman traveling on her own I feel more then comfortable sitting here ( bad experiences in the past). So I shall start with my arrival to this luxury hotel of london located on Hyde Park Corner. As expected, met and greeted each way through, Bella the "receptionist" ( receptionist seems ok for a Holiday Inn) guided me through check in with her Swiss finishing school bravado and walked me to my room where we finished formalities. She departs, 30 seconds later my luggage arrives and as he leaves my personal Butler arrives to explain the high tech side of this traditional old school Brit hotel. High Speed free wifi throughout, flat screen plasma's coming out of hidden walls, paintings or 16th century furniture. Digital light and air control panel hidden in more of the 16th century furniture and my all time favorite drawer with ALL the international plugs you need. 



I was pressed for time so turned down the tea offered to be sent to my room, but with the bottle of Taittanger winking at me...who needs tea! But in the end never had time to drink it although if I had taken up on my butlers offer to unpack and press my clothes...just maybe.
Quick shower with hot water that comes out instantly (simple pleasures of life) and off to dinner and a party I went. Coming home my room was warm, had enough bottles of water to hydrated me through the night and didn't here a peep from the street with the triple pained windows ( did I mention Hyde Park Corner is a busy corner!).


My tough morning came easy when breakfast of health tonic (celery mint something) and poached eggs arrived with much needed coffee. 




Met the older and younger Michael so they could give me the hotel rundown from Apsley Suites to "regular" rooms and newly done Jr Suites. Loved them all, each with amazing views, some brighter, some bigger but in the end all beautiful. My other favorite part of the hotel are the common areas. Bar, library, super awesome cigar lounge that doesn't smell like cigar and their famed restaurant, Apsley.
Later I went off to Portobello Market to meet my friends and ah the joy to know that the bus stop is literally at the door of the hotel. You can be anywhere in 15-25 min, straight line to Notting hill and for a whopping 2£.  Everything else its already at your doorstep so no bus needed. Now Im ready for bed and sad to think this is my last night. :( There is a reason why I book this hotel for my clients the most!
Buenas Noches