Family Time in London: The Lanesborough Celebrates the Jubilee and the Olympics in 2012

With the spirit of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this week and the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics, I find the energy surrounding London to be quite contagious. I could spend hours getting myself lost in the British Museum (I may have to make a trip just to see the upcoming Shakespeare exhibit in July), hopping across Abbey Road like any inspired Beatles fan would do, or simply strolling the lovely streets while I remind myself to "look left." With this being said, all this fun with a dash of jet lag can make any mom like myself yearn for a royal treatment. Buckingham Palace may be a bit out of reach, but I have finally found the perfect runner-up at The Lanesborough. The five-star St. Regis property overlooks one of my favorite London spots for serenity, Hyde Park, and is located adjacent to the grounds of the palace.

The excitement of this summer in London makes it the time to bring your own princes and princesses to The Lanesborough. From July 13-25 and August 13-September 29, "The Lanesborough Family Package"  invites the whole bunch to indulge in a world of elegance with daily English breakfast with a choice of over 50 teas and pastries (locals and travelers alike rave about the hotel's afternoon tea) before meeting with your London Butler who will be sure to make your trip an unforgettable one. The kids will also get the royal treatment with a children's welcome gift, afternoon treats, and their own junior slippers and robes. The room does have complimentary Internet and a Sony VAIO laptop, but even the most tech-savvy kids will want to slip away for the family pajama night with popcorn, ice cream sundaes, and complimentary movies and games.  Prices start at £630 per night for two rooms for a family of four.  Kids must be under 17.  

Want to notch it up a bit further? The "Royal Family Program" includes all the amenities from the family package but makes the trip even more special with four nights’ accommodation in a two-bedroom Apsley Suite, afternoon tea, tickets to the theatre, and a three-day program showcasing sites such as St. Paul's Cathedral, The London Eye, and Buckingham Palace.  Prices are considerably higher, but, then again, you get what you pay for.  

To book, write to reservations@lanesborough.com