$200 million to restore Gritti Palace Venice and Prince de Galles Paris
$200 million will be invested by The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, in the renovation and reconstruction of some of the most celebrated hotels in Europe.The brand is already off to a strong start with the reopening of two iconic hotels in Spain this year: Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville and Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian. This will be followed by the debut of the restored Gritti Palace in Venice and Prince de Galles in Paris in 2013.
“We are delighted to reintroduce these historic icons, carefully restored by some of the world’s most renowned architects, interior designers and craftsmen who have preserved the authentic elegance and distinct personality so beloved by its guests, while bringing the landmark hotels into the 21st century,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis and W Hotels Worldwide.
The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 80 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts around the world, spanning 30 countries, offering the brand’s signature concierge service, luxury amenities and indigenous cultural experiences. There are currently 40 Luxury Collection hotels in Europe, Africa and Middle East.
“As part of Starwood’s strategy to strengthen our Luxury Collection brand portfolio and as the world’s leader in luxury hospitality, we are making major investments to renovate and restore some of our most distinguished hotels,” comments Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East.
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice (reopening 31 January 2013)
The historic Gritti Palace is slated to open on 31 January next year, in time for the city’s celebrated annual carnival and the Venice International Biennale of Contemporary Art, following a significant 15-month restoration. Working closely with the renowned Venetian fabric house Rubelli and leading interior design firm Donghia, the restoration will return the hotel to its former glory using rare archival fabrics and stunning chandeliers and glassware from Murano. The hotel’s design is inspired by the Gritti Palace’s origins – dating back to 1475 as a private home for the noble Pisani family followed by the distinguished Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti – to provide a home away from home for global travellers. In addition to the hotel’s famous terrace, The Gritti Palace will feature 61 guest rooms and 21 sumptuous suites as well as Club del Doge restaurant and the restored Bar Longhi. Soon to be unveiled are the reintroduction of the iconic culinary school, The Gritti Epicurean School, the new Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo SPA and the Explorer’s Library at The Gritti Palace.
Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris (reopening Q2 2013)
Built in 1928 along Avenue George V, Prince de Galles is one of the finest addresses in the Paris. The celebrated Art Deco treasure is set to offer the epitome of elegance and understated luxury when it reopens in the second quarter of 2013 following an extensive two-year renovation. With the acclaimed Pierre-Yves Rochon leading the design direction, the iconic hotel will feature 159 exquisite guest rooms and 44 suites in authentic Art Deco style, reviving its original grandeur and splendour. The hotel’s famous mosaic courtyard will be fully restored and together with a new signature restaurant led by acclaimed Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec, set the stage for an intimate Parisian social scene.
