The LaLiT London occupies a quietly assured position just south of Tower Bridge, housed within a Grade II listed building designed by Edward Mountford, the architect behind the Old Bailey. Once home to St. Olave’s Grammar School, founded in 1561, the building has been thoughtfully reimagined as a luxury boutique hotel, where centuries of history meet contemporary comfort and refined Indian hospitality.

Completed in 2017, the transformation respects the building’s academic past rather than overwriting it. Original architectural details remain intact, lending a sense of gravitas and continuity, while modern interventions are handled with restraint. The result is a hotel that feels considered and calm, avoiding both excessive nostalgia and overt modernity.

Accommodation spans 70 individually designed rooms and suites, each a former classroom adapted with The LaLiT’s signature blend of British structure and Indian warmth. Categories range from Cosy and Junior Classrooms to the more expansive Senior Classrooms and the standout LaLiT Legacy Suites. High ceilings, bespoke interiors, and generous proportions give each room its own identity, with select spaces featuring dramatic 30-foot ceilings. The former Headmaster’s rooms, now the Legacy Suite One and St. Olave’s Suite, offer a particularly elegant balance of heritage character and modern luxury.

Dining is central to the LaLiT experience. Baluchi at The Great Hall, housed in the former school assembly hall, is the hotel’s culinary centrepiece. Awarded 2 AA Rosettes, the restaurant presents Indian cuisine through a contemporary lens, combining traditional regional flavours with modern technique. The grandeur of the space adds a sense of occasion, positioning Baluchi as a destination in its own right rather than a typical hotel restaurant.

The Teacher’s Bar, once the faculty common room, has been transformed into an intimate yet atmospheric setting for cocktails and conversation. A striking Mother of Pearl ceiling anchors the space, while the drinks menu focuses on craftsmanship and balance. Nearby, the Headmaster’s Room offers a refined venue for meetings, private dinners, and events, retaining its original wood panelling and period details.

Wellness is addressed through Rejuve – The Spa, which blends Ayurvedic principles with Western therapies. Treatments such as Abhyanga, Kizhi, and Shirodhara are designed to restore balance and encourage deep relaxation, offering a holistic counterpoint to the pace of the city. A fully equipped gym provides a practical complement for guests looking to maintain their fitness routines.

The Terrace adds an outdoor dimension, with views across the London skyline and The Shard, creating an appealing setting for al fresco dining or evening drinks.

At the heart of the LaLiT philosophy is Namaskar, a traditional Indian gesture of respect that shapes the hotel’s approach to service. It is this sense of warmth, dignity, and attentiveness that ultimately defines the experience. More than a luxury hotel, The LaLiT London is a place where heritage, hospitality, and cultural nuance come together with confidence, moments from Borough Market, The Shard, and the City, equally suited to business travellers, couples, and families seeking a considered London base.