Princess Izzy at The Lanesborough
Press visit - we were guests of The Lanesborough
Apparently I am the mummy to a princess. I didn’t know this. But from the moment we arrived at The Lanesborough for Izzy’s Little VIP Club experience and our family London Staycation, that is how she was referred to. “And YOU must be Princess Izzy?” said the doorman, the concierge, the butler… (yes, the butler). Izzy was in her element and appeared to have landed exactly where she believed she should reside for the rest of her days.
The Lanesborough’s Little VIP club is designed to put your children front and centre of the most glorious London family staycation. We were already pinching ourselves (what with the extraordinary suite we were in, and that it was full to the brim with treats and popcorn and macarons and cakes and biscuits… and a button to call our very own butler) so the fact that Izzy had been given her very own VIP card, which she could use to order milkshakes, hot chocolate, sweets and ice cream whenever she wanted… well. Her head very nearly exploded.
Having reopened in July 2015 after a major two-year renovation, the hotel is decorated in elaborate regency style, with each guest having their very own private butler.
Izzy’s chosen treat of the day 
This chocolate bonbon was filled with marshmallows and smarties. Which all got eaten before I could photograph them. So you’ll just have to take my word for it.
Not even a trip to Buckingham Palace could tempt her away from her book. She insisted on finishing the chapter before we could leave…(it might also have had something to do with the incredibly comfy bed and soft bedding – she was in her element). 
The Lanesborough overlooks Hyde Park and is adjacent to Buckingham Palace – it is one of London’s most iconic and family-friendly hotels – it is absolutely beautiful.
We peeled ourselves away from all the incredible treats in our room and braved the rain on a short walk to Buckingham Palace to see the King. We thought that now we resided at The Lanesborough, he would be sure to invite us in for tea. But alas, apparently not. Nevertheless, Izzy was thrilled to see the guards looking “exactly like they do in my book!” and tried to send a special message to them via the power of her mind, to see if she could get them to crack a smile. Nope.
I loved walking down Constitution Hill to the Palace for a peek, then back again in the drizzle… Green Park was looking beautiful and I always have a huge pang of nostalgia when in this part of town. I came here with my mum when I was small, and my mum would have come here with hers. It’s a very special part of London.
We then meandered back home to the hotel, for tea and a swim – children’s ‘splash hours’ are between 3:30 and 5:30pm, and Izzy goggled up for some serious splashing!
Ordering room service. Naturally.
Every room has its own butler service, 24/7
CBeebies never looked so good. We had an amazing television that was hidden behind a painting. You can imagine Izzy’s amazement when the butler showed her how to use the remote control to make the painting disappear… we even FaceTimed Grandma and Grandpa to show them in REAL TIME because it was THAT exciting. I’ve popped a video up on my instagram stories so you can see for yourself 🙂
I will never not get a thrill about the prospect of room service. Eating in the bedroom. Totally decadent. And all the food was wonderful – we ordered everything via the tablet in the room and it all arrived within 20 mins, complete with freshly baked rolls and perfectly soft butter. Heaven.
Crispy buttermilk chicken & fires for Izzy 
And a choccy brownie & ice cream for pudding
After what can only be described as a perfect breakfast (Izzy had pancakes LM and I both opted for the Full English – exceptional eggs. So orange. So yummy) we stumbled upon the hotel’s resident cat, Lilibet, having a snooze in the Withdrawing Room. Otherwise known as ‘her office’.
The Library Bar 
Our brief time at The Lanesborough will stay with us for a long time – the staff are all extraordinary. No one can do enough for you and it feels, somehow, the perfect combination of luxury and relaxed. We could just be ourselves. Izzy had a mini meltdown about one of her raspberries falling the floor (we think. It could have been that her yellow colouring pen had run out. Either way, she is 6 so there you are) and there were no eyes rolled, no “oh for goodness sake” murmurs… just kindness and a twinkle in the eye and an understanding that family time is precious, but rarely perfect.
So many smiling faces wherever we went in the hotel, offers of help, comments on Izzy’s “beautiful dress” and all of this gave us a wonderful sense of belonging.
We felt so cared for, so looked after and that we could just be ourselves. When it comes to family staycations in London, you absolutely cannot beat The Lanesborough.
It was magic.
The Lanesborough
Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Barbara Morazzani
Looks amasing! My kind of staycation.
Kim
This entire newsletter seems like a wonderful childrens book to me.
Izzies stay cation, Izzies hotel Dream, 🏨
What a fab newsletter.
Olivia Green
Princess Izzy looks like she had an absolutely magical experience what a delightful story! The elegance of The Lanesborough adds such a regal touch to the adventure.