Last Updated on April 30, 2026 by dancinginhighheelsft
Continuing our search for some of the best luxury dog-friendly hotels in the UK, we began the New Year with a stay at Royal Lancaster London — a long-established London address set on the edge of Hyde Park.
Overlooking the Italian Gardens and the London skyline beyond, the hotel combines a prime central location with sweeping park views — a rare pairing in the capital. Originally opened in 1967, the building is a notable example of London’s modernist architecture, later undergoing an extensive £80 million renovation in 2017 that redefined it as a contemporary luxury destination.
Today, the hotel offers 411 rooms and suites across 18 floors, catering to both leisure and business travellers seeking space, comfort, and one of the best outlooks in the city.
Check availability and current rates at Royal Lancaster London
The Room
We stayed in a Park Deluxe Suite, positioned to make the most of the hotel’s standout feature — its uninterrupted views across Hyde Park.
The suite was generously proportioned, with a separate living area furnished with velvet sofas and a glass dining table, where a thoughtful welcome setup awaited: pre-mixed bottled cocktails, sweet treats, and a handwritten note. A Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities added to the sense of ease.
The Carrara marble bathroom felt suitably indulgent, with twin sinks, a deep bathtub, a rainfall shower, and Jo Loves amenities, alongside underfloor heating — a detail that doesn’t go unnoticed in colder months.
At the opposite end, the bedroom offered a more calming atmosphere, with a comfortable king-sized bed, crisp linens, and excellent blackout blinds. Electric day and night blinds added a practical touch, although with views like these, they were rarely needed. Evening turndown service completed the experience.
One of the hotel’s strongest differentiators is its genuinely dog-friendly approach. Pets are welcomed at no additional charge (provided this is arranged in advance), making it a standout choice among luxury hotels in London.
Charlotte was greeted with her own dog hamper, bed, bowls, and even a dog afternoon tea — alongside a personalised welcome card in her name. It’s a thoughtful, well-executed approach that goes beyond the basics.
The hotel also offers a ‘Paw-Cierge’ pet-sitting service (from £35 per hour, with advance notice), adding flexibility for guests who may want to explore the city without their dog. Pets are welcome in the Park Lounge Bar and Living Lounge, though not in the main restaurants.
The Food
We opted for dinner at the Park Lounge Bar, an intimate and softly lit space on the first floor that offers all-day dining alongside a curated cocktail list.
Cocktails leaned playful and well-presented — highlights included the gin-based Dandelion and Forget Me Not, a butterfly pea tea cocktail that changes colour when mixed, served with a small envelope of seeds to take home.
For food, we shared a 28-day aged Aldens of Oxford sirloin steak, cooked medium-rare and served with cherry tomatoes, king oyster mushrooms, and hand-cut chips, alongside a grilled fillet of lemon sole with creamy mash and brown shrimp velouté — both dishes were well-executed and satisfying without feeling overly heavy.
Breakfast was taken via in-room dining — one of those small luxuries that feels particularly fitting in a suite setting.
Orders can be placed the night before using a door card system, with delivery timed to your preference. The hotel aims to deliver within a short window, and in our case, everything arrived promptly and neatly arranged on the dining table. Perfectly poached eggs and a generous selection of pastries made for a relaxed and unhurried start to the day.
Getting There
The hotel is exceptionally well located for both central London and onward travel.
Lancaster Gate Underground Station sits just moments away on the Central line, while Paddington Station is around a 10-minute walk, offering access to National Rail services, the Heathrow Express, and multiple Underground lines including the Elizabeth line.
For those arriving from Heathrow or planning to explore further afield, the convenience is hard to overstate.
Overall, Royal Lancaster London offers a polished and well-rounded luxury stay, defined by its exceptional views, generous room sizes, and standout dog-friendly offering.
While the design leans more classic than cutting-edge, the combination of location, space, and thoughtful service makes it a compelling choice — particularly for those seeking a hotel near Hyde Park that doesn’t compromise on comfort or practicality.
With thanks to Royal Lancaster London for hosting us.
If you’re planning a wider UK stay with your dog, I’ve also rounded up my favourite stays in this guide to the best dog-friendly hotels across the UK.
Check availability and current rates at Royal Lancaster London
- My stay at Royal Lancaster London was complimentary; however, all views and photographs are entirely my own. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
