WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a total restoration, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) has debuted London’s iconic Grosvenor House to the public today, re-introduced to the world as Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel.
Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel was re-branded under the JW Marriott flagship name following a massive four-year, multimillion pound restoration. Speaking about the re-brand, Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, J.W. Marriott Jr said, “Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel has always been a star on London’s hotel scene and now, thanks to this outstanding restoration, that star is shining brighter than ever. The hotel is now ready to serve a new generation of discerning international guests and I am very proud to have the Grosvenor House bear the JW Marriott name.”
The hotel’s general manager is Anthony Stewart-Moore. Vicki Richards is the director of sales and marketing. Rates begin at £195.00 plus vat, per room per night for weekends and £279.00 plus vat, per room per night during the week.
To celebrate the completion of the restoration, the hotel is offering a special “Historic Weekend in London” package to enable visitors to discover the fascinating history of London and the Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel. The package rate is from £740 and includes two night’s accommodation in a deluxe bedroom, breakfast and one dinner in BORD’EAUX, plus a private full–day walking tour by a Blue Badge guide. Those preferring to do their touring in private car can select to tour by Bentley for an additional £1250 for 12 hours. The package includes a souvenir gift of “The Times” History of London by Hugh Clout. The “Historic Weekend” package is available until January 31, 2009 and is subject to availability.
Where Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel stands today was originally occupied by Gloucester House, the London home of King George III’s brother, the Duke of Gloucester. In 1806, the mansion was bought by Robert Grosvenor, the second Earl Grosvenor who renamed it after his family. The wealthy Grosvenor family name continues to dominate the London map with numerous Grosvenor streets, squares and roads.
Grosvenor House hotel first opened its doors to the public in May 1929 and quickly established itself as the glamorous home of the society set and wealthy Americans, attracting a fashionable crowd from Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson to Ella Fitzgerald and Jacqueline Onassis.
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Fast forward to 2008 and the Grosvenor House finds itself at the culmination of the most extensive renovation of its kind. Thanks to the multi-million pound investment, Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel has resumed its place amongst London’s most magnificent hotels and is restored to its former glory.
The hotel boasts 494 luxuriously appointed guestroom and suites, making it London’s largest five star hotel. The interior is classic contemporary with rich and soothing colors in the furnishings. Many original features of the period have been retained, and opulent marble bathrooms acknowledge an Art Deco influence. All rooms now feature plush bedding with luxurious 300 thread-count sheets created specially for the JW Marriott brand and the latest in-room technology.
The hotel offers five bar and four dining options, including the brand new classic French brasserie BORD’EAUX run by La Trompette’s former head chef, Ollie Couillaud. At BORD’EAUX, Couillaud has taken his inspiration from the region of France that he knows the best, the Atlantic strip that runs from the wine country of Bordeaux to the foothills of the Pyrenees. The menu is an imaginative reworking of classic Bordelaise cuisine, with rustic heartiness and Hispanic overtones. This autumn, Corrigan’s of Mayfair will be unveiled, the signature restaurant of celebrity chef, Richard Corrigan.
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Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel offers one of London’s finest afternoon teas, served in the scenic Park Room overlooking Hyde Park. To complete the food and beverage offerings, the hotel’s exuberant Red Bar dishes up custom cocktails under the canopy of the sumptuous red walls and seating.
To cap off the magnificent renovation and hotel’s sublime offerings, Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel will introduce a luxurious new spa in 2010.
The renovation extends to the hotel’s conference and banqueting facilities, which are among the most extensive in London. The famed Great Room, originally an ice rink where Queen Elizabeth II learned to skate, is the largest banqueting space housed within a five-star hotel in Europe. The Great Room can hold up to 2,000 guests, features sweeping staircases and fairy-tale chandeliers. It is also home to the star studded BAFTAs, the annual Art & Antiques Fair and a number of other glamorous events.
In addition, the hotel has re-launched 86 Park Lane, a collection of 20 renovated suites and function rooms to suit any occasion. All of the function spaces are elegantly appointed and offer outstanding views of Hyde Park. Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, along with over 2,500 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participates in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that allows members to earn their choice of points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. Advance reservations can be made on www.marriott.com or by contacting a travel agent or calling toll free in local markets. Marriott-appointed general sales agents and the local Marriott Global Sales Office can also provide assistance and additional information.
