Originally Posted by
speedbird001
The Peninsula chain is known for the elegant lobbies with live music and food service. The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok (IMHO about the best hotel in the world for service) also has an active lobby with chamber music in the evening. The FSGV, the same. In general it is a way of saving money by not having a lobby and or discouraging locals from hanging out.
Interesting. I know well only the Peninsula Beverly Hills. It doesn’t really have a lobby. It does have a large, sumptuously furnished self-described “living room” at the far end from the entrance. Furniture is arranged in such a way that the area is separated, giving the notion of a distinct area. It is here that drinks and snacks are served together with afternoon tea, night caps and whatnot. Servers roam around taking orders. I have never seen anyone sit within without ordering something although I suspect it has been done.