They say sometimes the most obvious things are hard to spot.
This is certainly the case with the Royal Lancaster London hotel, which is perched directly above Lancaster Gate tube station.
I walked right, then I walked left, before realising the place required just a few paces to get there.
I was reassured that this happens a lot and it wasn’t just the blonde side of me surfacing.
Following an £80 million facelift this 411-room, 1960s haunt – which even featured in the Italian Job – has been brought up-to-date.
Not losing any of its swinging sixties character, the 18-storey tower block has been tastefully decked out with interiors which blend the old with the new.
Think geometric patterns mixed with clean lines, chunks of marble, lengths of chocolaty wood veneer and flashes of frosted gold.
Dozens of mirrors and twinkling lights add to the old-school glamour effect.
A major selling point of this hotel – originally built as an office block – are the views.
On stepping into my room on the 18th floor, it was difficult to resist taking a photo.
Thanks to the remodelling, the windows have been stepped up to centre stage.
The curtains have disappeared and now there are blackout blinds to maximise the viewing space.
On the day I visited the sun was shining and I could see over the entirety of Hyde Park.
Other perks of the Executive range of rooms include a writing desk with multiple plug sockets and charging points, a spacious marble-clad bathroom with a tub and Smart TV – which we couldn’t actually get to work despite calling someone up to help us.
A proper ironing board and iron were appreciated as were the fresh-smelling The White Company toiletries and fluffy robes.
I checked into the Royal Lancaster London with my friend Sara who was visiting from Chester for the day.
We decided to have a proper girls’ pamper session in the Big Smoke.
After spending a couple of hours relaxing in the room and catching up, we took a stroll to Notting Hill to meet another friend.
We hit the Bank area of London for dinner and this made it especially easy getting back, as we merely hopped on the central line to get back to Lancaster Gate.
When we got back to the hotel there was a party in full swing in one of the function rooms. It looked like a company party, with revellers appearing dressed up but on guard.
Feeling a little weary and keen to see the views from our room by night we returned to the 18th floor.
It didn’t take long before our heads hit the pillows and we were out for the count.
The bed was enormous and I slept like a dream cocooned under the snugly covers.
I woke in the morning feeling well rested and after a swift brushing of teeth we made our way down to breakfast.
The Royal Lancaster London’s renovation work is currently on going – it never actually closed for the spruce up – and the Park Restaurant is still due an upgrade.
The first-floor dining area – one of several in the building – strikes a stark contrast with the rest of the overhauled building, looking slightly tired with chipped furniture and dark interiors.
But it’s set to be a pretty impressive space when done and again, the views are a selling point, overlooking Hyde Park’s Italian Gardens.
Luckily Sara and I nabbed a table by the window. The service was spot on and the obliging waitress kept us well-watered with pots of tea and coffee.
The breakfast buffet was also on point, with a wide selection of fruit, fresh juices, pastries and savoury dishes.
We spent close to an hour gorging on the mix of treats before heading back to the room to check out.
Unfortunately we didn’t have time to take advantage of the on-the-park location as we had to dash east.
But next time you’re by Lancaster Gate, don’t turn left or right, look up and check out the Royal Lancaster London for a spot of swinging sixties romance.
A multi-million pound injection has put this place back in the game.
The Royal Lancaster London is located at Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
To book a restaurant or room call +44 207 551 6000 or visit www.royallancaster.com
