The reception, bar and restaurant areas are split over three different levels with the latter offering the best views of the river. An impressive contemporary chandelier was installed from the centre of the glass ceiling in the restaurant (for supplier list see page 2) to remove some of the space overhead and to provide a focal point at night when the views of the river can no longer be seen. The buffet area is carefully concealed to separate the main dining area from the bustle of the kitchen with a ‘waffle wall’ in a dark timber similar to the furniture. The rich purple of the flowers in the display case complements the upholstery fabric on the dining chairs, and the reflection of the purple neon light above the bar on the ceiling provides a different hue to balance the colours in the restaurant area.

Walking up to the second tier, the bar is on the right hand side, made from a similar wood to match the restaurant and bar furniture. At the top of the stairs sits a baby grand piano and to the left, a small seating area which overlooks the restaurant. The side closest to the bar has been given a screen to hide those enjoying a drink in the bar from the main restaurant. Earthy colours are predominant in this area to perhaps reflect the views beyond, with the red lampshades tying in the red pattern of the carpet.

Colours are very carefully drawn from one area to the next, allowing a smooth visual transition between the floors in the hotel as you move from reception, to the bar and onwards to your room, with a feature wall opposite the elevator on the second floor in a similar purple colour.

The rooms were refurbished in Q1 2006 by design practice (Bell Slater). However, the bathrooms have been refurbished, but not extended and lack the separate shower that has become the standard in four star hotels. Care and attention has been given to draw some design similarities between the rooms and public areas – something which has previously been discussed in our review of the InterContinental Park Lane.

For business facilities, the meeting rooms created in the new extension offers a tea/ coffee station which can be hidden from view when not in use, a large breakout area with intimate seating areas for semi-informal meetings and the ability to create large meeting rooms with removable dividers. In the guest room, there is a desk with internet connection, telephone and leather computer chair. Crowne Plaza Hotels also offers a 24-hour business service and wireless high speed internet connection in the lobby.

Whilst the Club Lounge is in its final stages of completion, Charles Leon and Senior Project Designer, Mark Santon were able to show me around and explain what facilities would be on offer: a sauna, steam room, nail bar, spray tan room and treatment rooms. The pool has been moved from its previous position to increase the size and the space was filled, carpeted and is now the gym/ aerobics area.

The brief for Crowne Plaza Hotels is that they should be ‘an upscale brand in major urban centres, gateway resorts and resort destinations, offering business travellers high levels of comfort, service and amenities’, something which Charles Leon has clearly provided with style and attention to the brief.


Lorraine Cunliffe