London Hotels

High-rise hotel overlooking royal parks

• Across the street from both Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, this 18-story hotel is 1 mile from the West End.
  
  
• Each of the 416 guestrooms has high-speed Internet access, climate control, and marble-clad bathrooms.
  
  
• Built in 1967, the Royal Lancaster London Hotel offers conference facilities, 24-hour room service, and an authentic Thai restaurant.
  
  

GENERAL INFORMATION:
What to expect: Just 3 blocks from the Heathrow Express terminal at Paddington, this air-conditioned hotel is a magnet for international business guests and vacationers. Its mix of modern architecture and classic European décor also reflects a strong Asian influence. Carved wood and ceramic artifacts from Thailand accent public areas, and large Oriental carpets are set into the marble floor of the vast lobby.

Amenity highlights: The Royal Lancaster hotel London offers a business centre with conference facilities and high-speed Internet access, 24-hour room service, and two restaurants with superb views of Hyde Park.

Insider tip: Just across the street from the hotel is Kensington Gardens, the famed royal park adjacent to Kensington Palace, birthplace of Queen Victoria and the final London home of the late Princess Diana. The palace is a pleasant half-mile stroll from the hotel and is open to visitors all year, except December 24-26.

PROPERTY AMENITIES:
The hotel owner's passion for Thai culture adds a unique Asian sensibility to both the food and interior décor of the Royal Lancaster Hotel London. Meeting and event facilities include two separate conference suites, which can each accommodate over 1,200 people, and several smaller meeting spaces.

ROOMS:
Royal Lancaster, London, offers 416 air-conditioned guestrooms on 18 floors. The decor is light and airy, and many offer wide views over Hyde Park or the London skyline through the double-glazed windows. Modern facilities include satellite TV, direct-dial telephones, and high-speed Internet access. Marble ensuite bathrooms have power showers as well as a bathtub, and come equipped with complimentary toiletries, thick towels, and cotton bathrobes.

DINING:
Nipa - Overlooking Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, this Thai restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Décor features intricate teak wood paneling, golden ornamental artifacts, and hand-carved chairs-all imported from Thailand. The chef and waitstaff are also Thai, as befits the authentic, extensive menu.

The Lounge Bar - With crystal chandeliers and a mixture of Queen Anne and Regency-style furnishings, the large Lounge Bar is a relaxed setting for a light breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and a variety of toasted sandwiches and salads throughout the day.

Island - Stylishly contemporary split-level space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Hyde Park. Menu features fine quality seasonal British produce, bought daily, simply cooked and stylishly presented.