THE latest attraction on the tourist scene in London is Café Royal, re-opened as a contemporary, luxury hotel last December.
Its ‘soft opening’ marks the first phase of its long-awaited return to the capital. The revival of this legendary Regent Street institution has been the culmination of a four-year transformation under the direction of David Chipperfield Architects.
Featuring 159 rooms and suites, an array of dining venues, a private members club, high-tech meeting rooms and a soon-to-open Holistic Wellbeing Centre, Café Royal bears every trait of a 21st Century luxury hotel.
However, the sensitive restoration of the rooms by Donald Insall Associates, seamlessly weaving together original 1865 details with contemporary design, also pays homage to the architectural heritage of the building.
The first phase of Café Royal’s includes rooms and suites, the Ten Room, the exquisitely restored Grill and Domino Rooms, The Bar and a contemporary café – all under the direction of Executive Chef, Andrew Turner.
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Quick to follow by next, will be the rest of the building, welcoming the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, and the remaining suites of historical significance.
Founded in 2012, The Set was created to redefine the concept of the luxury hotel for sophisticated, design literate travellers in the 21st Century.
Working to an uncompromising brief that called for hotels that were not only of the moment but that would define their times and locations, architects and designers of the calibre of Piero Lissoni, David Chipperfield and Jean-Michel Wilmotte have been recruited by the Akirovs to deftly rework the DNA of the grand hotel and create spaces that are contemporary in conception, whilst simultaneously evocative of the style and glamour of the past.
Located in existing landmark buildings, each member of The Set is rooted in the history and culture of its location as well as the contemporary needs and desires of its guests.
The owners have worked hand in glove with the architects, designers and a team comprising some of the world’s leading hoteliers to ensure that the aesthetics of each property work seamlessly with its operations, to create a guest experience that is at once beautiful, comfortable and culturally rewarding.
The Set is currently comprised of Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam (opened December 2011), Café Royal hotel, London (opened December 2012) and Hotel Lutetia, Paris (coming soon) From April, room rates at the Café Royal hotel will be £400 ($613), including taxes but excluding breakfast.
For further information and reservations, visit www.hotelcaferoyal.com or telephone 020 7406 3322.