ACCOMMODATION
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Catherine Chetwynd takes a tour of some of the most exciting developments in the UK’s accommodation sector this year – from renovations to new openings
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ockdowns might have been financially punishing for hoteliers and serviced apartment operators but on the plus side they provided an opportunity for refurbishment without disrupting guests. The pandemic also failed to suppress investment in new-builds and conversions – many projects were already too far down the line to stop – so as domestic business travellers get back on the road they will discover some new kids on the block. Let's start our tour in London. Quick off the mark was the Cheval Collection, with the opening of its first four-star brand, Cheval Maison, just off Cromwell Road. The building was taken over from another provider, stripped down, redecorated and a ground floor lounge and lower-ground gym introduced. The group’s upgraded app brings pre-arrival check-in and instant messaging with front office teams. The Savoy opened its forecourt as a 1920s-inspired pop-up bar and terrace in April, allowing it to welcome visitors before taking overnight guests in May; and the former The Curtain Hotel launched as Mondrian Shoreditch London after a comprehensive redesign, with 120 rooms and BIBO Shoreditch brasserie and tapas 34
bar under Andalucian Michelin-starred chef Dani García, complete with an adjoining Spanish Courtyard with a retracting glass roof. With Covid safety and comfort in mind, many hotels have created such outdoor spaces for their guests. Over in Soho, the much-anticipated debut of The Londoner – billed as 'the world’s first super boutique hotel' is set to breathe new life into Leicester Square. From Edwardian Hotels London, the 16-storey hotel opens in September and brings 350 rooms, six concept eateries, a members club-style private area, a wealth of meeting and event space, a cinema and an entire floor dedicated to wellness. Beaverbrook Town House, a 14-room sister hotel to the luxury country house hotel in the Surrey Hills, has just opened in Sloane Street in partnership with Cadogan and The Westin London City is another notable September opening. Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane has added a spa with a 20-metre pool, private training room, gym, sauna and steam rooms, and hydrotherapy pool to Mayfair Park Residences – facilities that are open to guests in either property. Leonardo Hotels spent an aggregate £34.5 million on the Royal London City, Royal
MONDRIAN SHOREDITCH
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