For any film-lover, the imposing presence of Royal Lancaster London is one many can remember, when a post-prison Michael Caine goes to stay in its plush, 60s style surroundings in 1969's The Italian Job.

The hotel was built in the swinging 60s and its style and decor made that apparent: until its recently £80million renovation has turned it into a modern, slick, lavish hotel which harks back to its roots with some retro statements in the decor.

Royal Lancaster London boasts different room types to suit all needs: from suites and studios kitted out with their own living and dining areas, to executive bedrooms with sofas or the classic bedroom, each boasting a marbled en suite bathroom. One thing that is truly unique about the hotel is the view: overlooking Hyde Park, most bedrooms are shown the London skyline in all its glory.

During our stay we had the pleasure of eating at one of the hotel's fine restaurants: Nipa Thai. The menu provided something delectable for every tastebud and dietary requirement, and staff were happy to make things less or more spicy as the diner desired.

Starting off with the refreshing taste of a glass of bubbly and some Thai prawn crackers, we began our feast with a host of classic Thair starters: chicken satay with a spiced peanut sauce, fried dumpling filled with deliciously sweet prawns, and Thai fishcakes, all of which were served with a range of sauces to elevate the dishes.

The satay sauce was nutty and light when poured over the moist chicken, while the dumplings were small pockets of explosive flavour. The fishcakes were traditionally made with love: full of lemongrass and fish flavour with a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

For the mains, there was a mixture of curry options to pan fried and grilled dishes to rice and noodles. Much of the best-loved Thai food was accounted for such as Pad Thai and Massaman curry, so we opted for classic curries: beef panang and vegetarian green curry.

The panang had an incredibly deep, rich flavour with just the right amount of spice. The beef was perfectly cooked and every mouthful gave off a unique burst of Asian flavours. The green curry, which was filled with vegetables and tofu, was lighter in texture with a thinner sauce, but this still packed all the punch of one would desire. Each curry was accompanied by fluffy, sweet coconut rice which harmonised wonderfully with the richness of the main course.

Finally, onto dessert. We chose a refreshing mango sorbet, which was creamy but still felt virtuous, and a white chocolate roulade with lychee sorbet which perfectly cut through the sticky sweetness of the roulade, brushed with decadent gold to add to the luxury.

The restaurant was decorated with classic Asian features: it felt you were entering a different world from the 60s retro decor of the lobby. The staff were kind and attentive and open to making little changes to take your meal from delicious, to perfection.

Round the corner from the restaurant was a delightful fireside bar to warm your cockles after dining out, but the hotel also plays host to bars all over the place where you can get comfortable with their signature cocktail, The Italian Job, which is accompanied by a little Mini after the classic heist caper.

After filling out boots at the restaurant my friend and I retired to our bedroom, and enjoyed the Christmassy view of Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland from our window.

This hotel is decadent, retro and full of wonders to find; whether it's in their restaurants or their intimate bars, there are gems scattered all over to be discovered and enjoyed.