The Lalit London

The Lalit London: A Comprehensive Review (Michelin Key Selected Property)

The Lalit London, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique blend of Victorian grandeur and Indian-inspired luxury, housed within a beautifully transformed 19th-century grammar school building. It generally receives positive feedback for its distinctive style and prime location, though some guests have noted inconsistencies in service and value.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Lalit London is largely positive, with guests appreciating its unique character and luxurious ambiance. On platforms like Hotels.com, it boasts a "Wonderful" rating of 9.2 out of 10 based on over 1,000 reviews. Similarly, Agoda shows an overall score of 8.7, with particularly high marks for cleanliness (9.1) and staff performance (8.7). While many reviews highlight a "premium luxury experience", some past guest experiences suggest that while the building is stunning, attention to detail in service can sometimes be lacking for a five-star establishment.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of The Lalit London:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's transformation from a Victorian grammar school into a luxury hotel is frequently lauded. The interiors feature an "intensely vibrant experience" with "eye-popping cobalt blue" and subtle Indian stylistic influences, including elephant soft toys on beds and paisley designs. The "Great Hall," formerly the assembly hall, is particularly striking.
• Location: Its "fantastic location" near Bermondsey Street, the docks, Borough Market, and Butler's Wharf is a major draw. It's just a 6-minute walk from London Bridge Underground Station and minutes from Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the Tower of London.
• Amenities: The hotel offers a full-service spa called Rejuve with aromatherapy, body scrubs, wraps, and massages, along with a 24-hour fitness centre. Other amenities include two bars (Teacher's Room and Headmaster's Room), a business centre, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

3. Room Quality

The 70 individually crafted rooms and suites at The Lalit London are described as luxurious, comfortable, and well-appointed. Many rooms retain architectural traces of their former life as classrooms, beneath a layer of "imported opulence".

• Comfort: Guests frequently mention comfortable beds and plush bedding, often featuring Egyptian cotton sheets and a pillow menu. Sleep spray is also sometimes provided to aid rest.
• Design & Features: Rooms combine simplicity and elegance with wooden floors and neutral furnishings, accented by touches of orange in cushions and headboards with paisley designs. Standard amenities include climate-controlled air conditioning and heating, free stocked minibars, espresso makers, and flat-screen TVs. Some suites offer views of The Shard.
• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are notably lavish and spa-like, featuring underfloor heating, large marble sinks, designer toiletries (Kronokare), bathrobes, slippers, and elaborate walk-in showers, some with two shower heads. Some toilets even have electrical settings.

4. Dining Experience

The Lalit London offers a distinct culinary experience, heavily influenced by its Indian heritage.

• Baluchi Restaurant: The hotel's award-winning signature restaurant, Baluchi, serves contemporary fine-dining Pan-Indian cuisine in the stunning Great Hall. It has received accolades such as "Best Curry in London" at The British Curry Awards 2018 and "Best Dining Experience" in the Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2019. Guests have praised dishes like lamb chops, butter chicken, and lamb biryani, often describing the food as some of the best Indian cuisine they've experienced.
• Breakfast: Breakfast, which can be a full English or Indian, is available as both à la carte and buffet options, served in the Great Hall. Guests often "rave about breakfast" and praise its delicious food choices, especially the diverse Indian options. However, there have been some criticisms regarding breakfast service, with one review mentioning a lack of menus or proactive service for dietary options, and the quality of a full English being average. A full breakfast typically costs around £25 per person.
• Bars: The Teacher's Room and Headmaster's Room serve creative cocktails, cognacs, and champagne.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Lalit London generally receive high praise for their hospitality and attentiveness, often compared to the exceptional service found in India. Staff are frequently described as welcoming, friendly, helpful, and courteous. They come dressed in traditional Indian garb, contributing to the hotel's distinctive atmosphere. Guests have reported staff going above and beyond, for example, decorating rooms for special occasions. However, some past reviews have indicated "lukewarm" service, slow check-in, and inconsistencies at the bars, suggesting potential areas for staff training and consistency.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Lalit London is ideally situated on the south bank of the Thames in the heart of London, specifically in the Southwark/Waterloo area.

• Neighborhood: It offers easy access to popular attractions and vibrant areas like Bermondsey Street, Borough Market, Butler's Wharf, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, The Shard, HMS Belfast, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The area is known for its trendy restaurants, cafes, and lively bars.
• Transport: The hotel is highly accessible by public transport. London Bridge Station (Jubilee Line, Northern Line, National Rail) is just a 6-minute walk away. Waterloo Station is a short tube journey away, and other nearby tube stations include Bermondsey, Elephant & Castle, Kennington, and Southwark. Airport transfers and chauffeur services can be arranged.
• Accessibility: The hotel offers wheelchair-accessible facilities, including parking, concierge desks, and lifts.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury, Michelin Key Selected property, The Lalit London's pricing reflects its high-end offering. Rooms can start around £350 per night, with suites beginning at approximately £700. While many guests feel the experience is worth the cost, some reviews, particularly regarding breakfast pricing, suggest that certain aspects might not always justify the expense for everyone. Complimentary access to the gym is included with stays.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Inconsistent Service: Despite many positive comments on staff, some guests have experienced slow service, particularly at check-in or in the bars, and felt the service level didn't always match a five-star standard.
• Breakfast Quality/Value: Although widely praised, some specific criticisms have been made about the value and quality of the full English breakfast, with comments on presentation and taste not always meeting expectations for the price.
• Room "Views" Inaccuracies: One guest in January 2025 noted that updates were needed to room "views" as they were inaccurate.
• Minor Maintenance Issues: Some older reviews mention minor issues such as slow-draining showers or cobwebs in rooms.
• Parking: Information regarding parking on the website has been cited as needing improvement.

Sources

1. tablethotels.com
2. michelin.com
3. deliciousmagazine.co.uk
4. thelalit.co.uk
5. hotels.com
6. agoda.com
7. makemytrip.com
8. youtube.com
9. michelin.com
10. thelalit.co.uk
11. hotels.com
12. expedia.co.uk
13. hrs.com
14. ratedtrips.com
15. agoda.com
16. kayak.com
17. londonhotelsgb.com
18. expedia.com
19. timetomomo.com
20. reddit.com