Britain Welcomes Bevy of New Hotels

Dec 19, 2010

While the impending April 2011 nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton and the 2012 Summer Olympic Games may seem far away, London -- and the rest of Britain -- are gearing up for an influx of travelers. This year and well into 2011 will see the arrival of brand-new hotels and renovated classics, including the iconic Savoy in London.

VisitBritain estimates that by summer 2012, London will have 120,000 guestrooms available. Next year, in particular, the tourism board will be working hard to promote itself as a key travel destination, building upon the buzz that will be generated by the highly anticipated royal wedding, as well as the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and the Queen's Golden Jubilee in June 2012.

In particular, the board is focusing on working with its travel agent partners to bring more clients to Britain in 2011 and 2012. Early next year, agents can expect to see a newly revamped BritAgent specialist program online, as well as increased opportunities to visit Britain and more exclusive travel deals for their clients.

"Now is the time for agents to brush up on Britain," VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues told TravelAgeWest.com. "For many travelers, Britain is a place that people believe that they already know, but Britain has changed quite a bit."

The new properties, in particular, Rodrigues pointed out, are a key selling point, offering a range of different accommodations from luxury and boutique to value-oriented.

London

The Savoy
In London, The Savoy recently reopened in October following a $160 million refurbishment. The iconic property, which was built in 1889, is currently managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Its 268 guestrooms and suites now offer the latest in technology, along with views of the city and the River Thames. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has also returned to the Savoy Grill and the hotel's beloved River Restaurant was also reopened.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is scheduled to reopen in late 2010 and is currently accepting reservations for Jan. 31, 2011 and beyond. The luxury property, located in the Mayfair district of London, will feature a new 10th Floor Lounge, revamped Spa and Fitness Centre and a new restaurant, Amaranto, serving modern Italian cuisine. Each of the hotel's 192 rooms and suites has also been refurbished with modern amenities. The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is built on the site of the original Four Seasons Inn on the Park, which opened in 1970.

The St. John Hotel
Small but stylish, minimalist rooms and destination dining define this West End hotel, which is slated to open in February 2011.

W London - Leicester Square
On Feb. 14, 2011, the W London - Leicester Square is set to open in London's West End on the former site of the old Swiss Centre. The hotel will feature 192 guestrooms and suites as well as 10 two-level residences, a spa, a fitness center, a W Lounge and Wyld, a signature restaurant.

St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel
The newly renovated St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel is slated to reopen in March 2011, 138 years after the building's original opening. The red-brick High Victorian Gothic building is considered a London landmark and its recent $238 million renovation includes major updates to the hotel's 245 guestrooms and 38 Victorian suites.

45 Park Lane
The Dorchester Collection of hotels is opening a brand-new 46-room, contemporary-style hotel in Mayfair this spring. The property, 45 Park Lane, will feature Cut at 45 Park Lane by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, a modern steakhouse.

Corinthia Hotel London
Corinthia Hotels plans to open a brand-new luxury property, the Corinthia Hotel London, early next year. The hotel, which will occupy a Victorian building located steps away from Whitehall Palace and the Great Scotland Yard, overlooking Trafalgar Square the River Thames, will feature 294 guestrooms, 45 of which will be suites. The hotel will also feature a 23,065-square-foot Espa Spa and two dining venues -- one focusing on fish and seafood and another providing all-day dining with modern British cuisine.

The London Edition
Marriott International is currently renovating the historic Berners Hotel in London and is planning to reopen it in 2012 as The London Edition. The boutique hotel will be located in the Fitzrovia neighborhood of London, close to the British Museum, Theatreland and Soho.

England

Coworth Park, Berkshire
This new 70-room country house, which opened in October, is part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection of luxury properties and is located near Ascot, bordering on Windsor Great Park in Berkshire, England. Dining is a main attraction here, featuring the talents of two Michelin-starred chef John Campbell as the property's director of cuisine and food and beverage at three on-site restaurants.

W Hotel - Manchester
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is also planning to open a W hotel property in Manchester, England, which will feature 160 rooms in the heart of the city's warehouse district.

Scotland

CitizenM Glasgow
This fall, the new contemporary-style CitizenM hotel opened in Glasgow, featuring 198 guestrooms. The property is the first CitizenM hotel to open outside of the Netherlands, with starting room rates as low as $78 per night.

Jumeriah, Glasgow
Next year, Jumeriah Hotels & Resorts is planning to open a brand-new 25-story, 160-room luxury hotel with 85 serviced apartments in Glasgow at an estimated cost of $190 million.

Hotel Indigo, Glasgow
InterContinental's boutique brand, Hotel Indigo, is set to welcome a new property in Glasgow next year. The property will be a recreation of a historic Victorian building in the heart of Glasgow's financial district and is estimated to represent an investment of $18 million.

Wales

The Hardwick, near Abergavenny
In September, The Hardwick opened in Wales near Abergavenny, overlooking the Brecon Beacons National Park and featuring an acclaimed gastropub and eight contemporary guestrooms.

Maldron Hotel Cardiff Wales
In May 2011, Ireland-based Maldron Hotels is planning to open the Maldron Hotel Cardiff Wales with 216 rooms, a bar, a restaurant and multiple meeting rooms in the heart of the city center.