The Luxury Collection Invests $200 Million to Restore Heritage Hotels in Europe

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. announced that the company and its owners are investing $200 million to renovate and restore some of its hotels in Europe. The brand reopened two 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.

The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 80 hotels and resorts around the world, spanning 30 countries, offering the brand’s concierge service, amenities, and indigenous cultural experiences. There are currently 40 Luxury Collection hotels in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and the four restored hotels in Spain, France, and Italy will reinforce the brand’s portfolio.

“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 refurbishment of these legendary hotels allows us to continuously exceed guest experiences by offering unparalleled service and authentic experiences that reflect the local spirit of the destination.”

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville (reopened March 2012)
Located on the historic Calle San Fernando in Seville, Hotel Alfonso XIII was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. The restoration spanned 10 months and was led by Sevillian architect Demopolis, with interiors designed by The Gallery at HBA London. The property showcases Moorish architecture and regional Andalusian design. It features 151 guestrooms and suites and culinary offerings, including Spanish cuisine at Bodega Alfonso and Andalusian specialties at San Fernando, the poolside Taifas restaurant and bar, and the Art Deco-inspired American Bar.

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Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian (reopened July 2012)
The renovation of Hotel Maria Cristina was completed in time for its 100th anniversary in July. Situated in San Sebastian, this hotel was originally designed by French architect Charles Mewès and was christened in 1912 by its namesake, Queen Maria Cristina. Carried out over nine months, the refurbishment was led by Idom Engineering & Architecture, with interiors restored by The Gallery at HBA London. The hotel’s 107 guestrooms and 29 suites feature pastel tones and gold furnishings.

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice (reopening January 31, 2013)
Located along the city’s Grand Canal, the historic Gritti Palace is slated to open on Jan. 31 next year, in time for the city’s annual carnival and the Venice International Biennale of Contemporary Art, following a significant 15-month restoration. Working closely with Venetian fabric house Rubelli and design firm Donghia, the restoration use rare archival fabrics as well as chandeliers and glassware from Murano. The Gritti Palace will feature 61 guestrooms and 21 suites as well as Club del Doge restaurant and the restored Bar Longhi. Soon to be unveiled are the reintroduction of 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)
This Art Deco building is set reopen in the second quarter of 2013 following an extensive two-year renovation. With Pierre-Yves Rochon leading the design direction, the hotel will feature 159 guestrooms and 44 suites in authentic Art Deco style. The hotel’s mosaic courtyard will be fully restored and the property will introduce a new signature restaurant led by Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec.

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