Page 69 - David Burr Rooftops Winter/Spring 2021/2022

Royal Lancaster
Simply stunning views from one of London’s leading and perfectly situated hotels
Admittedly my sample size of great hotel bedroom views is not big (Venice’s Grand Canal, Lake Garda, The Thames, even The Abbey Gate and Cathedral from the front of Bury’s Angel Hotel) but our vista at
London’s Royal Lancaster may just be the most jaw- dropping of them all.
If the words “wow’ and “just look at this” don’t pass your lips the minute you walk into their Park Suite you may need to consider a trip to the opticians. While walking from one end of the suite to the other you don’t quite get a 360 degrees sweep of London’s main landmarks but it’s a panorama full of interest, a bird’s eye view of a teeming metropolis. The previous occupants had been FIFA members (the hotel was the organisation’s main port of call when Wembley hosted football’s Euros final earlier in the summer).
It must be said the Royal Lancaster is an impressive sight in itself - a mid-century architectural icon born and built in the swinging 60s. The curved frontage and large open reception area tell you this is one of the capital’s leading hotels.We used it as the perfect base for some retail therapy in Marble Arch and Oxford Street (about a five minute stroll away) followed by a long walk around Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Tempting as it was to spend time in our luxurious suite, meals and refreshments are a requisite of any short break and no review is complete without a summary of what culinary treats are on offer.
We ate our evening meal in the smart and relaxing
Park Lounge Bar (very good Chicken Caesar salad and
Scottish Salmon Supreme, Cajun spiced and served with
cherry tomatoes and fries, though a lamb curry was a bit
gristly) and breakfast in the beautiful Park Restaurant. Had we visited later in the week we could have tried Nipa Thai, said to be the most authentic Thai cuisine outside of Bangkok, complete with fine teak decor and an all-female team in the kitchen. RB Prices from £339 and are subject to availability.
Inside the superb Park Suite and below, the Nipa Thai restaurant
The Royal Lancaster have created a special dog package and afternoon tea for dogs. n A three tier afternoon tea stand will be offered with an array of treats and either a ‘bottom sniffer’ beer, glass of Posh Pooch wine, or for those who prefer a more traditional tipple, a cup of Earl Greyhound or Lapdog Souchong, all from Woof & Brew. n A dedicated member of the Paw-cierge team can look after your dog on-site/in room for a period of two hours, whilst you go for dinner.
For prices and more information go to royallancaster.com
69