London's iconic Lanesborough hotel set to officially reopen after 18-month makeover with chandeliers in guest rooms, a French-inspired restaurant and a SEVEN-BEDROOM royal suite

  • The Lanesborough will reclaim its position as one of the most expensive hotels in London
  • Rooms at the five-star hotel start from £715 a night, with its seven-bedroom Royal Suite costing £26,000 a night
  • Its new restaurant, Céleste, will serve French-inspired cuisine ‘using only the best of British ingredients'

By Chris Kitching for MailOnline

Published: 03:26 EST, 13 July 2015 | Updated: 09:56 EST, 13 July 2015

One of London’s most luxurious hotels is set to officially reopen this week after being closed for extensive renovations for more than 18 months.

With its 93 rooms and suites available for booking this week, The Lanesborough will reclaim its position as one of the most expensive hotels in the UK capital.

Rooms at the five-star hotel, in Knightsbridge, start from £715 a night, while its most extravagant suite - the seven-bedroom Royal Suite - costs a staggering £26,000 a night.

The Lanesborough's 93 guest rooms and suites, and all public areas have undergone an 18-month refurbishment

The Lanesborough's 93 guest rooms and suites, and all public areas have undergone an 18-month refurbishment

The hotel, which overlooks Hyde Park, was stripped to its shell and overhauled by renowned interior design studio Alberto Pinto

The hotel, which overlooks Hyde Park, was stripped to its shell and overhauled by renowned interior design studio Alberto Pinto

Located at Hyde Park Corner in central London, The Lanesborough had a soft launch on 1 July with room and restaurant reservations on a request basis, but is preparing to take public bookings from Wednesday.

The posh hotel, now managed by Oetker Collection, closed in December 2013 and all areas, including the guest rooms and public spaces, underwent an extensive refurbishment, keeping with its signature Regency style.

The hotel, which overlooks Hyde Park, was stripped to its shell and overhauled by renowned interior design studio Alberto Pinto.

In a statement, the hotel said guest rooms will be the ‘epitome of elegance, reminiscent of a grand residence’, with the seven-bedroom Royal Suite being The Lanesborough’s largest.

The Lanesborough said its guest rooms will be the ‘epitome of elegance, reminiscent of a grand residence’
The hote's 93 guest rooms include 43 suites furnished in the building's original Regency style

The Lanesborough said its guest rooms will be the ‘epitome of elegance, reminiscent of a grand residence’

For dining, the hotel’s new restaurant, Céleste, will be headed by Florian Favario – a protégé of Eric Frechon, Paris’ three Michelin-starred chef, and the former head chef at Epicure in the French capital – as executive chef.

Céleste replaces Apsleys, and will serve French-inspired cuisine ‘using only the best of British ingredients,’ said the hotel.

Mr Frechon said: ‘The menu takes inspiration from London as a global capital for cuisine, with flavours including herbs and spices.

Hotel guests or visitors can sip cocktails or Champagne at The Library Bar (pictured); The Garden Room will serve as a cigar lounge

Hotel guests or visitors can sip cocktails or Champagne at The Library Bar (pictured); The Garden Room will serve as a cigar lounge

For private functions, the hotel has seven individually designed dining rooms furnished in the building's original Regency style

For private functions, the hotel has seven individually designed dining rooms furnished in the building's original Regency style

‘By building relationships with local suppliers, we will use the best ingredients the country has to offer, prepared using classic French techniques.’

Signature dishes include jellied mackerel with cream of horseradish and blueberries, Devon lamb with courgette couscous and harissa, and raspberries with ginger and lime, coconut sorbet.

The Garden Room will serve as a cigar lounge and guests or visitors can sip cocktails in The Library Bar.

When it officially opens this week The Lanesborough will reclaim its position as one of the most expensive hotels in London

When it officially opens this week The Lanesborough will reclaim its position as one of the most expensive hotels in London

Before: Apsleys (pictured) has been replaced by Céleste as the hotel's restaurant; Céleste will serve French-inspired cuisine

Before: Apsleys (pictured) has been replaced by Céleste as the hotel's restaurant; Céleste will serve French-inspired cuisine

Before: The Library Bar (pictured before the renovation) is one of the public areas that has been redesigned

Before: The Library Bar (pictured before the renovation) is one of the public areas that has been redesigned

For events, the hotel has seven individually designed private dining rooms.

The Lanesborough is Oetker Collection’s first UK property, joining five-star hotels such as Le Bristol in Paris, Palais Namaskar in Marrekech and Fregate Island Private in Seychelles

Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Oetker Collection, said: ‘With its strategic location in the heart of London, The Lanesborough, with managing director Geoffrey Gelardi at its helm is a prestigious addition to our portfolio, a major step for our development, and a natural complement to Le Bristol Paris, its sister hotel.’ 

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