London – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Dorchester Collection has announced a refurbishment project spanning five of its luxury hotels worldwide. The current and upcoming enhancements are taking place in The Dorchester (London), The Beverly Hills Hotel, Le Richemond (Geneva), and Paris hotels Le Meurice and Hôtel Plaza Athénée.
-The Dorchester, London
In time to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics this summer, The Dorchester will unveil 22 new suites designed by Alexandra Champalimaud. The New York-based interior designer previously designed The Dorchester’s three contemporary Roof Suites, and led the recent revamp of Hotel Bel-Air. Her new design for the Dorchester will pay homage to the hotel’s classic British residential style, while adding some lighter, modern touches.
Using materials sourced mainly from the UK, the new suites will offer one, two and three bedroom configurations with marble foyers, hardwood floors, window treatments and marble fireplaces from Chesney’s. Bathrooms will feature separate showers with large drench shower heads as well as bath tubs, and in-room technology will include touch control lighting and air-conditioning, and mood lighting in the bedrooms and sitting rooms.
“I have always been fascinated by the way English people live in their homes,” said Champalimaud. “I wanted to capture that certain quirkiness found in beautiful English properties, while building on the history and quintessential British nature of The Dorchester.”
-The Beverly Hills Hotel
Restoration at The Beverly Hills Hotel coincides with the hotel’s 100th year. The Tihany Design-led project will take place in phased stages between now and 2015, to reduce inconvenience to guests. The hotel lobby, Polo Lounge, guest rooms and suites, and pool and cabanas will all be refurbished while respecting their original style, while the hotel’s signature red-carpet entrance, C.W. Stockwell-designed banana leaf wallpaper, green and white stripes, and pink exterior will remain.
-Le Meurice
In Paris, Designer Charles Jouffre has put the finishing touches on all guest rooms at Le Meurice, not least the Presidential Suites and Salvador Dali apartment. Valmont Spa has closed for a full renovation by Jouffre and De Ambroggio & Lafanechere.
Le Meurice Restaurant will this fall open the new private Yquem dining room, offering vintages of the sweet wine, Château d’Yquem, and dishes conceived by three Michelin-starred executive chef Yannick Alléno. Lunch and dinner will be available for a maximum of eight people.
-Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Also in Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée recently opened the newly enhanced Royal Suite with its balconies overlooking Avenue Montaigne and views of the Eiffel Tower. Designer Marie José Pommerau has refreshed the 18th century interior to appeal to contemporary tastes, with four Panasonic 3D Full HD system with NeoPDP plasma TVs, two Blu-ray players, and 3D Full HD glasses among the modern amenities.
-Le Richemond
On the banks of Lake Geneva, Le Richemond will see a refurbishment in the second half of the year, encompassing public areas, suites and the hotel restaurant and bar. The hotel will remain open throughout, with minimal disruption to guests.