The Perfect Location for a Coronation Staycation

The Royal Lancaster Hotel has the perfect central London location and a guest book filled with real and rock royalty.

Having a staycation in London is one of my absolute favourite things to do. Even more so when it’s at the most splendid 1960s designed, Royal Lancaster Hotel, just off Hyde Park. You couldn’t ask for a better location when looking for the perfect spot to stay in London…. for a special occasion.

Each of these historic buildings, 411 rooms have epic views of Hyde Park (leading to the palace) and it’s only a 5-minute walk to Oxford Street or Notting Hill in either direction. This year has the added advantage of the hotel being close to all action for the King’s coronation.

Over the years the hotel has had its fair share of royal guests, including Charles and Diana who attended a ball there in the1990s. Members of the Thai royal family regularly stay (hence the Royal Suite) and the hotel is owned by a Thai family now. Also, Prince Harry and Meghan, Prince William and Kate have all visited. And rock royalty, the Beatles held the ‘Yellow Submarine’ premier party there in the 60s.

The hotel has even been the star of the silver screen. In 1969 scenes from the cult classic movie, The Italian Job, starring Michael Caine, were shot there. Charlie Croker, the character played by Caine, drove his Aston Martin DB4 convertible up to the hotels iconic façade. And later in the film the Royal Suite was used for the location of a swinging 60s party.

Designed and built in the 1960s the architecture of this mid-century, graphic structure stands proud and iconic. As there are no other tall buildings nearby, the views from the hotel are breath-taking.

The décor is a slick mix of a ‘Mad Men’ set, meets Bond Villain lair, all with a chic elegant Scandi vibe. For mid-century interior and architecture lovers it’s a must stay.

We checked in to the park suite on the 14th floor. As soon as you enter the room you can’t help but gaze out of the 180 degrees, wraparound windows. With views of the Italian Gardens water fountains from the living room and a spectacular London skyscape, featuring the London eye, shard, Canary Wharf and the BT tower from the bedroom, we really didn’t need the two enormous wide screen TVs that the room comes with. The entertainment through the windows was much more spectacular, especially at night when the city lights up!

After a walk in the park, a shopping trip to Selfridges,(just up the road) followed by marvelling out of the windows at sunset, I had a languid bath in the marble tub, again with resplendent views. Then we headed downstairs for dinner at the hotels, family run, Thai restaurant, Nipa Thai. The entire team of chefs are women, and the food is sensational. You must book though, as Nipa gets booked up weeks in advance. We enjoyed an assiette of traditional Thai starters followed by Thai king prawns, krapow (minced lamb with basil leaves and rice). Each dish was delectable.

The hotel suite comes with a bottle of Champagne, so after dinner we decided to head back to the room. The hotel's signature cocktail, The Italian Job, is a gin and Campari concoction, a nod not to the Michael Caine film which was shot here, as well as to the Italian Gardens which you can see through the windows. So, we decided to have a night cap in the room accompanied by more star gazing through the windows. It truly is mesmerising.

The next day along with our breakfast, we were served fresh honey made in the hotel beehives on the roof. What a lovely touch. The hotel is working towards its green credentials by also incorporating the ‘Hotels for trees’ scheme where every time a guest skips a room clean, the hotel plants a tree to help the environment.

There’s lots to do at this central London locations. After breakfast we hired the hotels branded Dutch-style bikes, which are £4.50 per hour or £16 per day and had a bike ride around Hyde Park and then up to Notting Hill to see the colourful houses and Portobello Market.

With so many attractions within walking and cycling distance from the hotel it really is an amazing place to stay. And if you did want to venture into the rest of the city, the Lancaster Gate tube station (on the central line) is literally underneath the building.

What sets the Royal Lancaster apart from other London hotels, for me, is the awesome service and unrivalled views. It’s a perfect balance of city life, meets nature, whilst staying in the heart of London.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay in London over the coronation, or for a special celebration, I highly recommend the Royal Lancaster. You’ll get royal service, royal views and an incredible central location.

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