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The Lanesborough

The Lanesborough is a luxurious five-star hotel in Knightsbridge, London, known for its historic elegance and royal connections. Here are some fascinating facts about it:

  • Originally St George’s Hospital: The building was originally St George’s Hospital, which operated from 1733 to 1980 before relocating to Tooting.
  • Neoclassical Architecture: The current structure was designed by William Wilkins in 1827, featuring Greek Revival elements.
  • Duke of Westminster’s Clause: When the hospital closed, the Duke of Westminster exercised a clause allowing him to buy back the building at its original 19th-century price of £6,000.
  • Transformation into a Hotel: The building was converted into a luxury hotel in 1991, originally managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
  • Celebrity Guests: Over the years, it has hosted Madonna, Joan Collins, George Bush Sr, Johnny Depp, and Mariah Carey.
  • Michelin-Starred Dining: The hotel’s restaurant, Céleste, earned a Michelin star in 2016, though it lost it in 2022.
  • Recent Renovation: The hotel underwent an extensive renovation from 2013 to 2015, led by interior designer Alberto Pinto, restoring its Regency-era grandeur.

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