The Lanesborough Club & Spa

First Impressions

The Lanesborough is a white, neo-classical style mansion in the heart of one of London’s most exclusive areas: between Knightsbridge and Mayfair on the edge of Hyde Park. If you’re not travelling by chauffer (we weren’t), take exit four out of Hyde Park Corner tube station to put yourself right in front of this historic building.

The chic Club and Spa is located below the easterly wing of the hotel, with its own private entrance off Grosvenor Place. Head down a short flight of stairs and ring the bell on the imposing black door. Alternatively, you can access the spa via the hotel - follow the signs from reception along the maze-like corridor and take the lift down to spa heaven.

What's on offer?

The spacious spa lobby is an expanse of white marble, with flickering fires, gilt-framed mirrors and plush blue armchairs creating an exclusive feel. We were welcomed by a receptionist behind a large front desk, led to a plush navy-blue armchair, offered a drink and handed a digital consultation form to complete.

Changing rooms are spacious and Art Deco-inspired. You’ll find a dark wood and silver vanity area in the centre, seating six, with large oval mirrors entwined with dangling tulip lights and strings of glass leaves. This area is stocked with all the products you could need (and more): dry hair shampoo, anti-perspirant and GHDs come as standard - simply turn up with your swimsuit and you’re good to go. Summon a spa butler at the touch of a button should you require anything further.

Banks of light grey lockers are interspersed with mini chaise seats framed in golden drapes for changing, and there are two private changing cubicles. Each full-size locker contains a fully white robe and towel, disposable pants and a pair of black rubber spa slippers. There are three WCs – thoughtfully stocked with mouthwash for a pre-treatment freshen up - and four large shower rooms complete with their own private changing areas. Everything was spick and span during our visit.

The thermal facilities at The Lanesborough Club & Spa are single sex and part of the changing rooms. The black glass-fronted wooden sauna, seating six, is heated to a toasty 80-90 degrees. You’ll find six mother-of-pearl mosaic-tiled thrones in the steam room which was one of the steamiest we’ve encountered (allow your eyes to adjust for a moment before finding a seat). You can cool down under the experience shower afterwards, choosing between warm rain, cool rain and cool mist. This was delightfully refreshing with an uplifting eucalyptus scent.

The men’s changing rooms have a slightly larger set of thermal facilities with a similar sauna and steam room plus an ice fountain and a cooler sanarium.

Doors at the end of each thermal area lead to the unisex hydrotherapy pool, an atmospherically-lit, infinity-edged pool that runs the length of the room and is slightly raised; water cascades over the edge. Head up a few steps and descend into the warm water. There are body jets along one side and seating with plenty of bubble jets opposite. Relax on one of six loungers afterwards, each equipped with a pillow, a towel and a bell to call a pool-side butler.

Spa goers can also relax in the spa lounge which has red and dark wood panel walls and an elegant fireplace. Comfortable recliner armchairs surrounded by cream curtains are dotted around the room. Each has its own side table with a lamp, and a buzzer for summoning the concierge – a delightfully recurring a theme, it appears. Or find an armchair near the fire and flick through a magazine. Help yourself to fruit (dried and fresh), a large selection of herbal teas and bottles of water, or order food from the menu.

The Lanesborough Club & Spa also has a gym and Pilates studio (accessible to members and hotel guests only), a boutique for spa purchases, a mani/pedi room with the oversized leather seats (and a row of mini pink robes for younger guests) and a hair salon. If you’re lucky enough to be a member, you’ll also have access to your own VIP suite with Rasul.

Tell us about the treatments

We tried the Royal Fern Facial (60 minutes, £190).

My therapist, Rebekah, met me in the spa lounge and took me through to the large dual treatment room with dark wood floors, cream walls, and two wide and warm treatment beds. Rebekah explained the treatment, showing me each EMS device that she would use, and gave me time to ask any questions. She left the room while I took off my robe and settled on the treatment bed.

The treatment began with Rebekah inspecting my skin and then cleansing twice with a cool gel cleanser. Rebekah applied a thick and refreshing serum and massaged my face in quick sharp strokes around my jaw, cheeks and forehead to lift and drain around the - ahem - softer parts of my facial skin.

Next up was the microcurrent elements where the therapist uses electric stimulation devices on the muscles in your face – a bit like a gym workout for the body. First Rebekah used gloves to massage and stimulate the smaller muscles in my face. I couldn’t feel a thing on the lower setting but on the second I could feel the stimulation in my teeth whenever her fingers went near my jaw. The second device Rebekah used was a ‘wand’ which stimulates the larger muscles, there was no discomfort with this one, but I felt the muscles contract when the wand was run over them.

Rebekah applied a finishing serum and moisturisers, then gently told me the treatment was over. Once I had a few minutes to wake up and dress Rebekah took me back to the Spa Lounge and fetched me a drink. My skin was smoother, hydrated and just a touch tighter - perfect results for a facial.

The Lanesborough Club & Spa offers a range of Tata Harper, Royal Fern and Ila facials and massages, as well as holistic wraps and scrubs, and advanced aesthetic treatments such as microneedling and skin peels. For post-spa preening book in for a mani/pedi, an eyelash tint, or a blow dry in the hair salon.

Food Facts

Lunch is served en robe in the rather glamorous Spa Restaurant – all deep blue walls and rows of gold-framed botanicals. The menu here is appetising and healthy with a variety of salads and hot dishes on offer. We tried a delicious salad nicoise – which was protein rich and filling – and a chicken wrap which was again a tasty blend of flavours with a healthy eating halo.

If you’re staying overnight, book a table at The Lanesborough Grill with its domed glass ceiling, Greek-style pillars and powder blue stucco detailing. Ginormous circular chandeliers, huge Bird of Paradise plants and walk-in wine rooms give the room a decadent feel.

On the menu: British classics with a twist. We tried the grill options – our turbot was so beautifully cooked it worked perfectly with soused veg and a shrimp béarnaise. Our spa partner’s steak was also carefully - and beautifully - done.

We loved / we didn't love

We loved

The location: Harvey Nics, Hyde Park Corner and Harrod’s are all within spitting distance (although this is Mayfair so none of that please) - what more could you ask for of London?

From the plethora of hair products to the pretty lights above the vanity area, and the large showers to the separate steam room and sauna, the changing rooms have clearly been designed by women for women.

Our room in the royal suite complete with butler and Hyde Park views. Even our fluffy slippers had little crowns on them.

We didn’t love

The absence of a swimsuit spinner left us no option but to grab a plastic bag for our sodden costume.

Who do you think would like it?

Tourists: with St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace all within easy reach, sightseeing is made easy.

Fans of targeted facials: want results without going under the knife? The Lanesborough Club & Spa offers seven Advanced Aesthetic Facials, including a No-Needle Facelift.

Londoners can buy a membership and pop in for a lunchtime hair do, a workout, a dip or a treatment.

What bubble rating did you award this spa?

Time and time again we award The Lanesborough Club & Spa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of Five Bubble Luxury. This year for its outstanding customer service, facial to top all facials, well thought-out facilities and finger-licking food.

Summer Spy visited in February 2025 and awarded it 5 Bubble Luxury.