The Lanesborough

The second and last Viscount Lanesborough, James Lane, built Lanesborough House in 1719.  As time went on, by 1825 the house was in a poor state.  Respected architect, William Wilkins who designed buildings such as the National Gallery, was commissioned to redesign the building.  A third floor was added in 1859.  Some of William Wilkins’ original architectural elements are still in The Lanesborough today, including the entrance foyer, first floor gallery, main corridors and beautiful stairways.

The glamorous area of Knightsbridge changed from being a suburban village to an exclusive residential and shopping district and in 1988 planning permission was granted to turn the property into a hotel.

The luxurious hotel, which was designed in the manner of a grand 19th century town house, officially opened to the public on 30th December 1991.

A plethora of stars and famous faces have graced The Lanesborough including Madonna, Joan Collins, George Bush Sr, Bianca Jagger, Cher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Johnny Depp, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey and Pamela Anderson to name but a few.  The Lanesborough has also been the location of films such as Eyes Wide Shut featuring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman and Stevie Wonder has played on the Library Bar’s piano.  A prestigious hotel with many stories to tell.