In the days of the cold war this is the hotel where the American, and Russian spys stayed. I was introduced to the hotel by a client who also happened to be a "spook" working for a major electonics company. My entrance on my first visit to the terrific dining room with my client was marked by the sound of thick Russian accented broken English with a, "Hi Harry'! Haven't seen you since Jakarta. Where you been?" "Boris, you know where I've been. Let's talk later!" While I enjoyed my first meal at the Loundes, my luggage in my room was ransacked as someone needed to know just who this new guy is and why is he with Harry.
This is a wonderful hotel with a great history. The food is very good for hotel food, and a very pleasant staff to take care of you.