Masterminded by architects Reardon Smith, the landmark tower with remarkable views across London is being refurbished internally and externally. The architects have taken advantage of the scale of the programme to create new floor area, which is being translated by the operator into additional facilities and increased floor space within bedrooms rather than just additional bedrooms. This is giving the opportunity to the interior designers to reorganise the internal spaces as is evidenced by the new public spaces.

Designers J2 have used the opening up of the spaces to give the operator a more logical layout with attractive generous areas as befits a hotel of this standard. The Business Centre is relocated to an upper floor and a spacious feel given to the ground floor by the removal of partition walls and the creation of new bar spaces etc. This also opens up the windows that were previously within these spaces to throw light further into the interior enhancing the feel of spaciousness.

This process has continued through the bedroom redesign (by designers Ilana Feingold), the creation of a new luxury spa by RDD design, whilst Directory design company KCA, better known for their design of the ‘six star’ Burj al Arab in Dubai, designed the suites. KCA bring to the suites their deep understanding of the luxury requirements of the super rich. The public areas too are reflective of this upgrade of the hotel, with the marble floors repolished, matching marble skirtings being added and new joinery work in place throughout.

Amongst additions to the hotel, still being built, is a new executive lounge, which will have full height picture windows giving wonderful views across central London, and will be a major guest asset to the hotel. The hotels newly reworked conference and banqueting facility has chalked up its first success by winning the awards dinner for the Sleep 07 Hotel Awards.

Controversial when built because it overlooks the back garden of Buckingham Palace, the internal and external remodelling will ensure that the hotel continues to be competitive as the renewal of competitors such as the Grosvenor House (also masterminded by the same architects) and the Dorchester continues.