The day came for our next staycation but we had to wait for the downpour to cease momentarily before we hurriedly got into the car and drove the short distance to The Lanesborough on Hyde Park Corner.
The rain held as we pulled up to the neoclassical mansion as the doorman hurried over to open the door for us.
As we walked through the undeniably grand lobby, we were really glad we were not drenching wet. More warm greetings at Reception
We couldn’t wait to get to our room.
Welcome to our resplendent room …
Our Regency styled yellow room with an ornate chandelier was both traditional and timeless –
and we felt at once at home! Ahhhh!
Plush dog beds and the thoughtful two bowls for each of us, with our own bottled water, some meals in case Mum forgot (but she didn’t) and a toy each.
But I think we’ll snuggle up with Mum on her rather grand bed.
Our butler, Olga came to help settle us in – and then she asked Mum the most important question – “Would you like us to walk Darcy and George?”
From that moment, Mum our dog staycation had become HER staycation! LOL! Yup! She suggested they walk us when she will be dining at Céleste – the only public venue where dogs are not allowed.
We were even allowed in the Ballroom!
George and I even had a little happy dance!
But we had to stop our little jig to join our friends, Bella, Mac and Maisy for afternoon tea.
We were allowed to partake of the themed tea “It’s A Little Bit Mad” – paying homage to Disney’s icon Cruella de Vil in the light and elegant Withdrawing Room.
The striking, sculptural edible art is a stylish celebration of fashion and rebellion, blending traditional patisserie expertise with an unexpected, modern aesthetic and “a little bit mad” – just like Cruella herself.
All that were for our hoomans. They didn’t forget us and brought us some biscuits served on silver coupe.
While all this was going on, we noticed a curious furry friend hovering in the corner. We were told that fluffy Lilibet, a Siberian Forest Cat is the hotel’s residence cat. She just sat and watched as five larger- then-her-four-legged furries sat in her territory …
Mac and Maisy were staring right back at Lilibet.
I thought I’d go over to say hello, er, guess not …
It was lovely catching up with friends. The rain was still threatening so we retired to our lovely room.
Of course there’s the bathtub. And they did not disappoint. Luxuriously opulent.
As Mum went for supper downstairs at the fine dining restaurant, Celeste, our next butler, Adam came to take us for our evening walkies.
He stayed with us for awhile to keep us company.
The next day before we left, we had lunch in The Library, a mahogany-panelled bar lined with old books.
And I found my little corner of the room
Now to write our about staycation at The Lanesborough.
But all good things must come to an end. We think Mum enjoyed this staycation the most. Can you guess why?
May’s comment: The forecasted wet weekend was a bit of a damper for staycation plans at The Lanesborough. Conveniently at close proximity to Hyde Park and Green Park, I had plans to go for walkies and long strolls.
But when I was introduced to their round-the-clock, dedicated butler service, I quickly adapted our staycation agenda, with focus on the word STAYcation. It meant I get to spend all the time I want in our lovely room where I sat and wrote while looking out at the view.
With a change of scene, away from the every day lists of things to do, I found myself tap-tap-tapping on my laptop – inspired. I love my dogs, but I also love lounging in a beautiful room. LOL! The butler service assures that the every needs are well served – with thought, surprise and charm. And they totally delivered.
So when I dined at the powder-blue atrium of Michelin-starred, Céleste – the only place where dogs are not allowed,
Darcy and George went for walkies with the butler.
I had intended to enjoy the dinner in peace avoided looking at the football scores when England played Scotland) until I heard George barking in the lobby when they arrived back. I think he knew I was nearby.
When I returned to my room I was greeted by two very excited dogs. Their rain coats were neatly hung in the closet and their leashes were neatly in a coil on the bar. And I was ready for my bath!
Now this is a proper staycation!
It must have been about 25 years ago since the last time I stayed at The Lanesborough. And I wanted to return to experience it again – this time with my dogs. Today The Lanesborough is part of the Oetker Collection, a unique collection of Masterpiece hotels around the world.
The original Lanesborough House built in 1719, was home to James Lane, second and last Viscount Lanesborough. It became the St. George’s hospital in 1773. By 1825, the house was in a poor state. A competition was held to design a 350-bed hospital – and the new building as seen today remained a hospital till 1980. It was granted the permission to be converted to a hotel in 1988. The building’s facade has been preserved and in 1991 it opened as a hotel.
When entering The Lanesborough you feel you have walked into a grand English home. Service is immediately gracious and attentive for me and my dogs! From the moment we arrived, the doormen took their leads and led us to the welcoming reception team.
The welcome didn’t stop there. And then the 24-hour butler service to look after each guest and their pooches throughout their stay.
As for Lilibet, well, she was the namesake of a recent baby girl! LOL!
This was #notgifted – it was chosen as part of our staycation series because of its history, it’s prestige, it’s location and because it is dog friendly. We support all who welcome out pooches. And in this instance they were beyond impressed by how wonderful they were to my pooches. After having experienced almost 15 dog staycations, ten of them in London, I can truly say The Lanesborough is by far the most dog welcoming, and truly dog friendly. Other hotels had understandable restrictions in size, and yes, if you do have a VERY large dog, you should let the hotel know in order to accommodate them. Besides the fine dining restaurant, Celeste, and the spa, dogs are allowed in all the public spaces – and warmly welcomed. There are regular guests who dine with their dogs in The Library and The Withdrawing Room.
“It’s A Little Bit Mad”, the Cruella-inspired afternoon tea, is presented exclusively at Céleste from 28 May to 4 August 2021.
The Lanesborough is at Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
