Four eagerly anticipated hotel openings for the year ahead
Lutetia, Paris
Hotel Lutetia is an iconic landmark situated in the vibrant St.Germain des-Pres area of Paris and the only grand hotel on the left bank.
Originally opened in 1910, the building was considered a daring move from art nouveau to the emerging style of art deco. Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Picasso, Matisse and Josephine Baker were among regular visitors to the hotel.
When Hotel Lutetia reopens in Spring 2018, it will offer 184 beautifully designed bedrooms. Out of 47 suites, seven signature suites will comprise two penthouse suites with private access to 70sqm terraces and boasting unrivalled 360-degree views of Paris.
Some 700sqm of banqueting space, including five meeting rooms and the stunning historic Salon Cristal ballroom for up to 300 people will once again welcome guests to create new memories from celebrations and events. An internal sun filled Art Deco courtyard has been created for light dining, plus an exclusive cigar lounge can be found on the ground floor.
White City House
This year, Soho House Group has two fresh additions to the capital’s hotel landscape.
Already underway, there’s the facelift of Kettner’s, reborn as Kettner’s Townhouse with 33 bedrooms backing onto the group’s original Soho House on Greek Street.
However, the more eagerly anticipated opening takes place in April 2018 - White City House in the former Wood Lane BBC Television Centre in W12.
The famous circular broadcasting house building is being transformed into a new ‘village’ with hundreds of apartments, restaurants (including a Bluebird Café) and White City House with 45 bedrooms, a Cowshed Spa, an Electric Cinema and rooftop pool.
Hawkstone Hall
Hawkstone Hall, a Grade I-listed 18th century mansion, set within 88 acres of Shropshire countryside is undergoing a refurbishment, planned for a summer 2018 completion.
Regardless of the occasion, guests will be able to enjoy a multitude of communal spaces including an impressive main hall, magical ballroom, refectory and the Gold Room.
In the main house, there are a total of 12 suites - including the extravagant Honeymoon Suite - all of which will be named after Jane Austen characters.
Adjacent to the main building, a newer wing built in the 1960s is also undergoing complete renovation to add a further 28 bedrooms. In each room, colour tones will mirror that of the main hall, featuring soft hues of duck-egg blue and calamine pinks.
University Arms
Cambridge’s oldest hotel, the University Arms, is set to reopen in June following an £80million, three-year refurbishment.
Built in 1834, the Victorian original has been completely transformed by classical architect John Simpson (favoured by the Royal family).
As well as 192 rooms and suites, there will be Sunday lunches served from the roast-beef trolley in Parker’s Tavern restaurant and bar, inspired by college dining halls.
Article written by Mike Fletcher