In 1937, the Rank Organisation (a huge British film and entertainment company) commissioned famous architect Richard Seifert, to design the tower. In the original intentions of the company, the imposing tower that now hosts Royal Lancaster London was designed to host the big cats of Rank Organisation as their offices.
Seifert, was prolific in the 60s and 70s, earned his fame, fans and quite a few critics from his unapologetic and stark design but one thing is for sure, there is no other architect responsible for as many buildings in London (not event Sir Christopher Wren!).
Hotel space was scarce in the 1960’s, and London was finding it hard to keep up with the growing number of tourists. The UK Government decided to award £1000 grants for every new hotel room built in the city, so the Rank Organisation took a U-Turn into creating the Royal Lancaster Hotel.
The hotel’s name originated from Lancaster, a town in north-west England, home to the influential House of Lancaster – who were heavily involved in the War of Roses. Their title and heritage were later inherited and absorbed by the current British Monachy. One of the entrances to Kensington Gardens was named “Lancaster Gate” to honour Queen Victoria and at the turn of the 19th century, the name spread to the local area. The newly refurbished “Royal Lancaster London” hotel crest pays homage to the past by featuring a rose.
The transformation of the hotel cannot be overstated, the 80m refurbishment started with the entire frontage of the hotel was remodeled and the exterior now has an eight-meter façade revealing the new reception. For the interior? Think premium retro, with geometric brushed gold and 1960s white leather booths. In various corners pouty, futurist velvet chairs à la home of fashion vlogger or high-end blow dry bar.
Floors are now lined with so much marble that the walk to one’s room feels akin to stalking the halls of an oligarch’s private members club, but the soothing caramel colour scheme keeps things tasteful. Honeycomb-shaped light installations are a charming nod to the bee farm on the hotel’s roof.
The redesign also touched every single one of the 411 guestrooms and suites on site and ended with the redesign of Nipa Thai – the in-house restaurant.
Royal Lancaster London is also one of the largest banqueting venues in Europe, with a capacity of 3,000 guests across its 16 refurbished meetings and events spaces, including the Nine Kings and Westbourne Suites holding 2,400 guests collectively for a seated dinner.