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The Doyle Collection has also
undergone somewhat of a rebirth. Shaking
off the old Jurys moniker, it has emerged
as a key player and now includes the five-
star chic of the Marylebone Hotel tucked
away behind Oxford Street; the Lutyens-
designed Bloomsbury Hotel and the
Kensington Hotel.
As well as the rebirth of many old
classics, there are new hotels on the way.
the Dorchester Collection is planning 45
Park Lane, an exclusive hotel virtually next
door to The Dorchester. Acting as a
modern younger sister, 45 is planned to
offer high levels of privacy and discretion.
The established players will be joined
by the likes of the Corinthia brand next
year when its first-ever London hotel
opens its doors on Whitehall Place. Its
location puts it in pole position for
Westminster and the West End.
The 300-room hotel was originally the
Metropole Hotel, which first opened in
1886 and its newest incarnation will see it
offer sumptuous suites with views of the
River Thames, the London Eye, Trafalgar
Square and Whitehall, as well as having a
TRIED & TESTED
spa and significant meetings facilities.
BOUTIQUE BOLTHOLE ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY
Thrill of the new
by Paul Revel by April Hutchinson
Not a million miles away and part of the Anoushka Hempel’s uncompromising Half an hour from London in the Bedfordshire
ongoing regeneration of London’s South minimalism made headlines when it opened countryside, Luton Hoo is a different world
Bank is the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in 1997 and its success pioneered a new from the Park Lane high life, representing
the largest ever purpose-built hotel in the design-led, boutique hotel concept. Which escapist finery in a magnificent country
capital. Upon its completion early next means that nearly 13 years later, ironically it estate.
year, the 16-storey hotel will have more has become the grand dame of the genre. Luton Hoo is perfect for weekend escapes
than 1,021 guest rooms to fill. So what’s it doing to stay ahead of the and is also a must-view for corporate events
Built at a cost of £350 million, the game? Well, one thing it’s not doing is having planners given its new purpose-built £20
contemporary glass-panelled hotel is on major makeovers. There have been some million Warren Weir facility with spacious
the former site of the derelict Greater changes, but it’s been “evolution, not guestrooms, ballrooms and function suites
London Council building and will offer revolution”, according to general manager perfect for a wedding, conference or meeting.
extensive meeting and event facilities, as Gareth Banner. The look has stayed as it was Warren Weir is reached via a winding drive
well as a wide choice of restaurants and a in 1997, and has not dated in the way some from the main house – the original Grade I
luxury spa. Guests will have views of Big more faddish designs do after a few years. listed 18th-century mansion. That house has
Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Even Banner says this is testament to Anoushka’s five stunning State Suites and four Principle
the mayor Boris Johnson got behind it. He vision, and besides, “we have somewhat of a Suites, as well as a range of master
said: “A sparkling new hotel is just what loyal fan club of guests who wouldn’t want bedrooms, suites and deluxe bedrooms.
the South Bank needs. I am sure it will act any drastic change,” he says. Evoking an episode of Brideshead
as a major springboard for the Among the Hempel’s 50 rooms and Revisited, the house is jaw-droppingly
regeneration plans for Waterloo Station suites, favourite among its celebrity guests gorgeous. The mansion has a really big
and the surrounding area.” is the Lioness Den (pictured), with its lounge area that is perfect for its afternoon
Then there are those hotels charting mezzanine “cage” bedroom suspended teas; although the service wasn’t as good as
new territory with smaller, highly above the lounge area. It served as the bridal I would have expected. Nor was the spa,
individual concepts – Rabih Hage’s Rough suite for Chelsea striker Joe Cole and Carly although the treatment itself was blissful, as
Luxe is a perfect example, as is Terence Zucker when they hired the whole hotel for was a walk around the significant gardens
Conran’s Boundary. But does it push any? their wedding reception in June. afterwards. The River Lea snakes through the
Boundary is a new project in Shoreditch High-profile events – from weddings to 1,000 acres of parkland and gardens created
in east London which opened earlier this product launches – are an important part of by the famous landscape designer Capability
year in a converted Victorian warehouse. the hotel’s business and Banner says this is Brown – the gardens even include a charming
As well as the 12 guestrooms and five an area in which the Hempel plans to grow. outdoor lawn tennis court hemmed in by
suites, it has three restaurants, a bakery To this end, a major change this year has privet hedge.
and a food store. been moving the restaurant upstairs and The main restaurant is an equally grand
Each guestroom is inspired by renovating the basement as an art gallery affair, with its incredible high ceilings and
legendary designers or design movements, and events space. The gallery, known as Art views our to the sweeping long area which
such as Bauhaus and Shaker. The five suites Work Space, has a changing programme of would have served as the original driveway.
have been designed by Conran, his wife exhibitions showcasing emerging artists. It The hotel is so steeped in history – Churchill
Lady Conran, Priscilla Carluccio, Polly officially opened on October 1 with a show by and Faberge are just two of the many names
Dickens and Sir David Tang, who has London artist Halsam Fox. The Hempel’s associated with the hotel – so it’s a must for
created a modern other events venue opens out onto its anyone looking for an authentic country
Chinoiserie-style immaculate Zen Garden. English retreat, but golfers will also find 18
suite. Proof indeed The Hempel, 31-35 Craven Hill holes to play on.
that London’s Gardens, London W2 3EA Luton Hoo, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3TQ
hotel scene Tel: 020 7298 9000, the-hempel.co.uk Tel: 01582 734437, lutonhoo.co.uk
50
never sleeps. ■
feature uk
autumn 09 ttgluxury.com
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