With one spin, the revolving doors to the lobby of The Peninsula London sweep me from traffic and noise to a world of silver teapots and soft carpets, tinkling piano and crystal chandeliers.
The two white stone guardian lions outside had already set off a glow of nostalgia; inside the lobby, I feel a warm rush of familiarity: the spirit of the SAR’s Grande Dame is here in Belgravia, among the potted palms and pillars, the pages in their smart uniforms, and the friendly smiles.
London’s lobby may be more contemporary, with clean lines on its Portuguese limestone columns, and coral red chairs adding colour to a space that is largely white, but the atmosphere evokes a similar cocoon of ease to The Peninsula Hong Kong.
When I am shown to my room, I am reminded
