Regent Palace Hotel History

History of The Regent Palace Hotel London

by RegentGroup on Aug 9, 2009

The Regent Palace Hotel was built in 1914 for ‘T Lyons & Co. Ltd’ on Crown land and opened on Wednesday, May 16, 1915. At this time, it was the largest hotel in Europe with 1028 bedrooms. The hotel is situated opposite the statue of Eros, in Piccadilly Circus near Shaftesbury Avenue, Leicester Square and Regent Street. The area directly around Piccadilly, with Piccadilly Circus at its centre, is commonly considered to be the centre of London. Indeed, in its heyday, in the 17th century, this area was one of the most fashionable and exclusive parts of the city. As the constant crowds testify, it is as popular today as it was then. Piccadilly Circus was formed in 1819 by the intersection of Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and the Haymarket. The unusual name comes from the word "pickadill" which was a type of stiff collar, fashionable in the 17th century. At its heart is its most famous landmark – known as the statue of Eros. However, it is neither a statue,...Read More >>