For a very special edition of The Hotelier Edit, the Independent Hotel Show chats to The Lanesborough's most famous resident, Lilibet the Siberian Forest Cat. 

Hi Lilibet, lovely to meet you! Can we ask how you first arrived at The Lanesborough?

The Lanesborough, is part of Oetker Collection. Each property is a landmark and a timeless icon of elegance. Our sister hotel Le Bristol, Paris has a resident cat and so does our hotel at Brenners Park in Baden Baden, Germany. As The Lanesborough, is all about quintessential Britishness and completely pet friendly they wanted to have their own pet for the hotel, for staff and guests to pet and love.

So I arrived as a small kitten in April 2019 and have lived here ever since. This is my home and I rather think I have one of the smartest addresses in all of London.

You have a familiar name, who are you named after and why?

I am named after the “pet name” of the late Queen Elizabeth II – Lilibet – as she was our neighbour to The Lanesborough,  across Wellington Arch - it felt like a fitting name to be called. It was her pet name so it became mine. 

What’s your favourite part of the hotel to relax in, and why?

My favourite place to relax is in The Withdrawing Room above the fire place overlooking Wellington Arch. The sun rises up and over Wellington Arch so I like to watch the sun rise and the warmth of the fire is the perfect place for a morning snooze. I am quite nocturnal so day time snoozing is my favourite place.

The Lanesborough Grill is known for Exec Chef Shay Cooper’s modern, innovative British cookery using seasonal produce from around the country – if you could sneakily try one dish from his menu what would it be?

Oooo that’s a question – but I can answer with confidence – Shay’s Dover Sole. Delicious!

What do you think visitors to the hotel enjoy most (apart from meeting you!)?

The Lanesborough, is one of London’s most luxurious and celebrated hotels – recently featuring on BBC’s Amazing Hotels – of which I also featured of course!

Visitors coming to The Lanesborough marvel on our Grade 1 Listed Georgian architectural credentials and the exceptional décor from our most recent renovation,  by designer Alberto Pinto. The warm and kindness of our staff who are all so very kind and friendly who make every guest walking through our doors feel a total VIP. We are a full butler serviced hotel – so every room and suite is serviced by our Butler Team.

They also love to come and drink and dine in our exceptional restaurants and bars and to enjoy our award-winning Lanesborough Club & Spa – a private members club with exceptional gym, spa, and pool. Many are coming to celebrate special life events, birthdays, anniversary’s so we always make sure everyone leaves, having had a wonderful experience. You will often see me in the lobby of the hotel saying hello and goodbye to our visitors.  

Perhaps a controversial question, does the hotel welcome dogs?

Yes! They do – fully doggy friendly – as long as they are well behaved and on a lead. We have a program for dogs that are staying as well – with specially prepared menus, dog beds and blankets and personalised amenities. I don’t mind them – as I get free range to go where I want (with the exception of the restaurant) whereas they are on a lead. 

Who looks after you from the hotel team?

I have 350 staff to look after me, with my own security. I do have to wear a geotag, so I can be found as I do love playing hide and seek. I do have my favourites, that is quite driven around selective snacks. But I am very well taken care of.  After all, who wouldn’t love to live at The Lanesborough!