Headquartered in New Delhi, the LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group opened its first hotel in 1988 and quickly expanded to 12 hotels in India. Their latest franchise - and their first international property - has just opened in London. As with most wanderers I know, I love places built in history, particularly those that have a love story with its city. This is exactly what I found out about The LaLiT London.
The building itself is almost two centuries old and once housed St Olave’s Grammar School. Now, let’s pause here for a sec. Can you imagine the classrooms where you once took tortured tests, created science projects, built crafts, etc as lush and plush comfort space? Can you imagine those rooms filled with dusty chalkboards and textbooks turn into something… well, classy?
Walking into the hotel, I noticed that the reception hall is quite tiny. However, I marvelled at the the tasteful decor. I loved the floral centrepiece, a simple arrangement of white orchids set in a solid brass vase. I’m partial to a nice marble floor, and I adored the framework that covered the ceiling.
The LaLiT has 70 rooms, ranging from cosy classrooms to the ultralush LaLiT Legacy Suite, which used to be the Headmaster’s room. Each room is decorated with custom art combining Indian culture and quintessential British charm.
Each headboard boasts of this gorgeous tapestry that’s absolutely beautiful.
I particularly liked the Senior Suites with their charming baths but you really have to see the LaLiT Legacy Suite - it’s definitely a room with character.
I love hotels with good spa amenities. Rejuve, the hotel’s spa, offers Eastern and Western therapies using herbal infusions and Ayrvedic techniques. There’s also a 24-hour gym which, albeit tiny, has all your needs for a good full body workout.
The Teacher’s Room is the hotel’s bar whilst The Headmaster’s Room is a bit more special with its Mother of Pearl ceiling and cognac service. I liked how relaxed and cosy the place looked. Truth be told, I can actually imagine a faculty of former professors relaxing here!
The LaLiT London’s terrace is ideal for al fresco entertaining. I can’t wait to revisit once the sun is out. I can just imagine my colleagues and I here, sipping cocktails and the house champagne, Pommery!
The LaLiT has a beautiful restaurant called Baluchi and I’ll tell you guys all about it in the next few days. They also have a Gallery at the mezzanine level where you can have afternoon tea. I’m really excited about The LaLiT High Chai, particularly because it has an Indian twist and I can’t wait to try!
Overall, I think The LaLit London is a classy affair! It’s fresh with history and the service seemed good. Amenities are great and I think it’s great for staycations of quick breaks with girl friends! I also loved that for a hotel which only opened in February, they’ve bagged a few awards in the luxury hotel scene - impressive!
Prices are reasonable and start from £280 a night.
Have you been to The LaLit?
The LaLiT London
181 Tooley Street, London, London SE1 2JR
You can follow new posts on The Girl Next Shore via Twitter and Instagram and Pepo and Facebook or by subscribing on Bloglovin. Have fun!
Grammar school turned boutique hotel? That is quite a transformation. Such an interesting history!
Isn’t it just? Now I can actually imagine my old school as a hotel!
Well this is rather lovely!
Have book marked so I can look at prices next time I stay in London.
Similarly my old office in a run down hall is currently being made in to a 4* en suite room- I really want to stay where my desk was!
It’s quite pretty, Claire. And has that really nice “treat yourself” vibe to it. =) Hope to see you when you are in London!
Looks like a gorgeous hotel.
We can probs drink there during the Summer!
Oh it still looks like a rather classy affair. I’d happily take a pop quiz or two here if it meant I got a night of luxury.