The Lanesborough - Alpenglow Interviews - Managing Director, Stuart Geddes

Anne Marie Brown
Jun 4, 2025
5 min read

The Alpenglow Travel team has the occasional privilege of traveling to some of the best hotels worldwide. When we are able to, we interview the teams behind some of our favorite properties to give you an insider view to the hotel operations, and why these properties should be on your bucket list.

Stuart Geddes, Managing Director of the Lanesborough, was kind enough to answer our interview questions.

We recently visited the Lanesborough as part of Alpenglow Travel Partner, Anne Marie Brown's, 40th birthday trip through the British Countryside. To read more about this trip, check out The British Countryside Trip of Your Dreams.

What is the history of the hotel?

The Lanesborough, one of London’s most prestigious luxury hotels, is located on Hyde Park Corner in the heart of the city. The building has a rich and varied history dating back to the 18th century.

Originally constructed in 1719 as a private residence, for Viscount Lanesborough the site was later redeveloped in the early 19th century into St George's Hospital. Designed by the architect William Wilkins, also known for the National Gallery, the hospital opened in 1844 and remained in use until 1980, when services moved to a new location.

After standing vacant for several years, the building was acquired and restored with meticulous attention to its neoclassical architecture. It opened in 1991 as The Lanesborough Hotel under the management of Rosewood Hotels, later operated by the St. Regis group, and now managed by the Oetker Collection, known for their portfolio of ultra-luxury properties.

In 2015, following an extensive 18-month renovation led by famed designer Alberto Pinto, The Lanesborough reopened, blending Regency-era grandeur with modern luxury. Today, it is renowned not only for its opulent interiors and impeccable service but also for its historic character, serving as a timeless symbol of British elegance and refinement.

How long have you worked here?

This will be my sixth year at The Lanesborough and with Oetker Collection.

What do you think makes the hotel special or unique?

The Lanesborough is considered one of London's most distinguished hotels, and its uniqueness lies in a combination of historic grandeur, meticulous service, and modern luxury. Here are the key features that make it truly special:

1. Historic Architecture and Location

Housed in a former 19th-century hospital designed by William Wilkins (architect of the National Gallery), The Lanesborough is a landmark building.
It overlooks Hyde Park Corner, one of the most prestigious addresses in London, offering easy access to Knightsbridge, Mayfair, and Bucking

2. Impeccable Interior Design

The interiors were lavishly redesigned by the late Alberto Pinto during a major 18-month renovation completed in 2015.
The design revives Regency elegance, with hand-painted wallpapers, antique furnishings, and meticulous period detail, evoking a private aristocratic residence rather than a commercial hotel.

3. Butler Service in Every Room

Uniquely, every guest receives 24-hour butler service, regardless of room category with meticulous attention to detail.
The service is discreet, highly personalized, and central to the hotel’s ethos of refined luxury.

4. The Lanesborough Club & Spa

One of London’s most exclusive wellness destinations, offering advanced aesthetics treatments, award winning body, facial and beauty treatments, personal training, hydrotherapy, and a serene escape in the heart of the city.
Membership is tightly limited, adding to its exclusivity.

5. Modern British Cuisine Dining

Home to The Lanesborough Grill, serving modern British cuisine under the leadership of Executive Chef – Shay Cooper in a stunning glass-roofed setting.
The hotel also features the Library Bar, known for rare Cognacs and a refined, intimate ambiance and the Garden Room – the secret Cigar Bar of Belgravia.

6. Part of the Oetker Collection

Managed by the Oetker Collection, which includes legendary properties like Le Bristol in Paris and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes.

What is one activity or experience on property

you wish every guest would take advantage of?

I would recommend to visit our new Champagne Bar with Ruinart which is an elegant pop-up bar celebrating the artistry of Champagne in collaboration with Maison Ruinart, the oldest established Champagne house.

Located within the richly appointed Great Hall, the bar offers an exclusive selection of Ruinart cuvées, including rare vintages with food pairings and live entertainment Wednesdays to Saturdays.

With its luxurious ambiance, refined décor, and views of Wellington Arch, the bar provides an intimate and stylish setting for guests to enjoy world-class Champagne in true Lanesborough style—perfect for a Cream Tea in the afternoon, pre-dinner drinks, celebrations, or a sophisticated evening out.

Who do you think enjoys your hotel the most?

Has to be Lilibet our Resident Cat – she has lived here since we acquired her as a kitten 6 years ago. Our staff and guests adore her and Lilibet loves living at The Lanesborough.

Can you speak to how your hotel accommodates families?

Our family program at The Lanesborough is called The Little VIP Club.

The Lanesborough’s Little VIP Club is a bespoke children's program designed to offer young guests a luxury experience tailored just for them. Created with the same attention to detail as the hotel’s adult services, the club includes thoughtful touches like personalized welcome gifts, child-size robes and slippers, and curated activities such as treasure hunts, afternoon teas, and art sessions.

The program is overseen by the hotel’s butlers, who ensure that each child feels special, entertained, and well-cared for—making The Lanesborough not just luxurious, but family-friendly in a refined and memorable way.

What sets the Lanesborough apart from other luxury hotels in the area?

It is more like a private residence than a Commercial hotel and each and every team member has an obsessive level of personalisation to make each and every stay totally unique for each guest. It is from this that makes our guests return time and time again and treat The Lanesborough like their home.

The Alpenglow Travel Team's Review of the Lanesborough

Service: 10/10

From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. The team knew our names, surprised Anne Marie with two enormous bouquets and a personalized balloon (!), and made us feel like celebrities. Shoutout to the Library Bar servers and the top-tier concierge team who were always a step ahead.

Property: 10/10

Think Bridgerton meets modern luxury. While the décor is traditional — rich fabrics, classical art, and ornate chandeliers — the overall feel is warm and welcoming, not at all stuffy. The spa is sleek and contemporary, and there's even a resident cat named Lilibet who graciously accepts cuddles.

Rooms: 10/10

Anne Marie stayed in the only fully pink Executive Junior Suite (it was giving full Barbie meets British Royalty),, complete with a private butler and ample space for champagne-fueled hangouts.

Food: 9/10

Breakfast service lacked a bit of the polish we saw elsewhere in the hotel, but dinner in the Library Bar — complete with caviar and expert service by Michael — was exquisite

*To book the Lanesborough,

a Preferred Partner of Alpenglow Travel,

please email Info@alpenglowtravel.com or fill out our contact form.*