A Night With a Black Dove at The Royal Lancaster Hotel: A Review
Indulge in the luxury of The Royal Lancaster Hotel, where elegance, exceptional service, and breathtaking views combine for an unforgettable stay—join us for a detailed review of an extraordinary night with a Black Dove, from the opulent marble lobby to the award-winning dining, and discover why this Hyde Park gem redefines five-star luxury in London.
McLaren Artura at Royal Lancaster Hotel
Arriving at the Royal Lancaster was like stepping into a world of effortless sophistication. The entrance, opposite Hyde Park, is nothing short of grandiose, and the lobby is a fantasy in marble. Sparkling glitter everywhere, gleaming from pillar to post, from the reception desk to the café. It’s a blaze of glorious welcome, the kind that makes you feel like royalty from the moment you step inside.
The concierge Amr and his equally charming colleague greeted us warmly, swiftly taking charge of our luggage before parking the McLaren Artura with an ease that suggested this wasn’t Amr’s first time in a McLaren. His multitasking skills shone as he snapped a few photos of us before whisking our bags to our suite.
A Room with a View
Doreen, an absolute gem, welcomed us and personally escorted us to our Park Suite—a haven of elegance boasting what must be the best view of London, bar none. From Hyde Park to the Royal Albert Hall, with Chelsea and Kensington stretching ahead, Notting Hill to the right, and Oxford Street to the left, this 180-degree panorama was pure magic.
The Royal Lancaster, recently refurbished, offers 411 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, the acclaimed Nipa Thai Restaurant, and the delightful Hyde Café. Their afternoon tea—served in collaboration with the Natural History Museum—adds a touch of refined whimsy to the experience.
A Stroll Through... Hell?
After Amr, our unofficial doorman and paparazzo, ensured we were settled, we took a short stroll through Hyde Park Gardens, only to find ourselves at the gates of, well, hell—more commonly known as Marble Arch. From there, the glittering lights of Oxford Street stretched out like an eternal siren’s call, promising festive joy but delivering retail purgatory.
Christmas shopping on Oxford Street? A Dickensian nightmare. Blinding spotlights, escalators plunging into chaotic depths, and endless racks of clothing that seemed to mock my every move. The air was thick with the scents of cigarettes, and vapes, courtesy of street vendors whose mission was clearly to shepherd you into the grasp of retail demons. By the time we’d located a furry jacket for my daughter, I felt like Dante emerging from the Inferno.
Respite and Serenity
Relief came in the form of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, a festive oasis bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. But the true sanctuary awaited us back at the Royal Lancaster. Walking into the marble-clad reception felt like passing through the gates of heaven: twinkling Christmas trees, a gleaming red Santa sleigh, and the warmest of welcomes. “Nice to see you back,” said Amr. “A pleasure to return,” I replied, heart full and spirits lifted.
The Suite Life
We retired to our suite to enjoy the view before freshening up for dinner. While I indulged in a luxurious marble bath, my Black Dove opted for the rain shower in the walk-in masterpiece.
A Feast at Nipa Thai
Dinner at Nipa Thai was nothing short of a culinary revelation. With over 25 years of authenticity under Head Chef Sanguan Parr, this all-female, all-Thai kitchen holds the prestigious Thai Select Award and 2 AA Rosettes. The restaurant is also fully accessible, ensuring everyone can partake in its wonders.
Thai dining, as tradition dictates, is a shared experience, transforming the meal into something delightfully social and enriching. We began with Ruam Mitr, a vibrant medley of starters featuring delicately crispy crab spring rolls, mouthwatering chicken satay, tender prawn dumplings, and traditional fish cakes, each bite a perfect balance of textures and flavours. The Keiw Nam Koong followed, a fragrant broth bursting with delicate prawn dumplings, succulent scallops, and a dash of spring onion that added a delightful freshness.
The Phad Priew Warn Kai—a sweet and sour chicken stir-fry—was a true crowd-pleaser, with juicy pineapple complementing the perfectly seasoned vegetables and tender chicken, all tossed in a rich, tangy sauce. The Kaeng Massaman Kai (or Nuea, for beef lovers) was a glorious southern-style curry, where coconut milk and Massaman curry paste enveloped the meat, onions, and baby potatoes in a deeply comforting embrace, warming every corner of the soul.
For the main event, Sanguan’s Phad Thai stood out with its traditional fried rice noodles, stir-fried tiger prawns, and bean curd—each bite a tantalising fusion of savoury, sweet, and spicy, while the Kao Suay jasmine rice provided the perfect, fragrant accompaniment to the complex flavours.
To end the feast on a sweet note, we were presented with Pol La Mai Ruam Rue Ice Tim Ka Ti—a refreshing offering of mixed fruits and smooth coconut ice cream, a cooling finale to this symphony of flavours.
Each dish was a true reflection of the beauty of Thai cuisine, where rice lies at the heart of the meal, enhanced by the vivid colours of curries, aromatic broths, and lively stir-fries, leaving a lasting impression of harmony in both flavour and texture.
Wine and Dine
We paired the feast with a crisp Chablis to start, followed by a rich, full-bodied Pomerol for me. My Black Dove, ever the connoisseur, chose Taittinger to accompany her evening.
The Royal Lancaster’s wine list is matched only by its impressive range of cognacs and whiskies—all at surprisingly reasonable prices.
The bed was gorgeously comfortable, and we ‘slept’ like doves. Well, like doves who had been indulged a little too much—stuffed like geese, to be precise.
Breakfast was another delightful surprise—truly a treat. Soft, flaky mini pastries, fresh Danish, a refreshing fruit salad, and eggs Royal fit for her ladyship. They offer every conceivable breakfast, from a continental spread to a full English, all served with a touch of haute cuisine flair.
The apple, celery, spinach, cucumber, and ginger juice was particularly zingy and refreshing—certainly a wake-up call. Though, I suspect the loo may have helped too. My dove noticed a button on the side and, ever the adventurer, asked me to press it. What followed was nothing short of a spectacle: a powerful jet of water erupted from the back of the seat, ricocheting off the ceiling and splashing onto the door opposite. And it didn’t stop there—this upside-down shower continued for a good minute. Royal Lancaster, please accept our apologies; we had to use a towel to mop up the aftermath. I guess you have to be sitting on the loo for it to do the job it was intended for!
Aqua misdemeanours aside, the staff at the hotel were outstanding—remarkably attentive, kind, and genuinely helpful. From reception to the bar, café, and restaurant, we felt utterly at home, and no request was too much trouble. Should you require anything, the concierge desk is always at hand, ready to fulfil your wishes or advise on the best places to visit in the city.
The Lancaster is a family-owned hotel, and it shows in the attention to detail and the care lavished on every guest.
Let’s talk about pricing—surprisingly reasonable for a top-tier hotel on Hyde Park. For the cost of a bowl of pasta (£18), you’re not only treated to exquisite décor, but you’ll also get the pleasure of eating in it—something to be thankful for, as the surroundings alone are worth the price.
The hotel also specialises in private events and can arrange just about anything you can dream up.
In short, the Royal Lancaster offers the best location in London, exquisite views, impeccable service, outstanding food, and a warm welcome—all wrapped up in sparkly, plush décor. It’s a five-star haven that blends Thai-inspired luxury with quintessential British charm, all within walking distance of Marble Arch.
