The Savoy Hotel, London

The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, will reopen its doors on Sunday, October 10, 2010.  One of this year’s most eagerly anticipated openings, The Savoy has been undergoing the most ambitious restoration in British history.

The hotel closed in December 2007 for a restoration that encompasses the entire building from the iconic entrance and the American Bar to Savoy Grill and the 268 guestrooms and suites.

“We are very excited to reopen The Savoy”, comments Kiaran MacDonald, General Manager.  “It is fair to say that this project has not been without its challenges, but we are looking forward to unveiling the results of nearly three years of hard work and dedication.  We are very aware of the place that The Savoy holds in many people’s affections and we firmly believe that the hotel will exceed people’s expectations and reclaim its position as one of the world’s great hotels.”

The Savoy Hotel, Art Deco room

The new interiors have been designed by world-renowned designer, Pierre Yves Rochon who has won acclaim for his work on other landmark hotels.  His plans have been realised by the general contractors, Chorus Group and architects, Reardon Smith.  Chorus have overseen a team of over 1000 craftsmen and women, artists and artisans who have worked tirelessly to create interiors that are in the spirit of the hotel’s two main design aesthetics, Edwardian and Art Deco.

“This has been a once in a lifetime project to work on,” says Tony Dowle, Director of Chorus’ parent company, Byrne Group.  “Everyone who has worked with us at The Savoy has taken great pride in restoring such an iconic property.  Their dedication and commitment has produced a hotel of uncompromising quality and we hope that the hotel’s guests will continue to enjoy our work for years to come.”

The Savoy’s reopening will reveal a number of notable highlights including the complete remodel of the legendary River Restaurant, the addition of a luxurious new two bedroom Royal Suite and the relaunch of 38 River Suites and Guestrooms with stunning views over the River Thames.

New to the hotel will be The Beaufort Bar, a glamorous art deco bar that will offer champagne, cocktails and cabaret and Savoy Tea, a bijou teashop selling Savoy tea, accessories and fresh patisserie.  Within the Thames Foyer, the re-introduction of a stunning winter garden gazebo beneath an ornate glass dome will provide the perfect ambience for afternoon tea.  In addition, the Savoy Grill will return again under the operation of Gordon Ramsay Holdings with Chef Patron, Stuart Gillies and Head Chef, Andy Cook.  For those who wish to continue their fitness regime on the road, there will be a contemporary, glass enclosed fitness gallery and rooftop swimming pool – one of the few in the city.

Room rates at The Savoy will start from around GBP 350 per room per night and reservations will open on 10th August 2010.  Reservations can be made by calling 020 7836 4343 or by emailing savoy.reservations@fairmont.com Please visit www.the-savoy.com for further updates on the restoration.

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. opens its second hotel in Shanghai, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong on June 21

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, opening on June 21, will be the luxury hotel brand’s second property in the city, and its seventh in China. Located in Shanghai ifc, the prime real estate in Lujiazui financial trade zone, the hotel and development is the work of architect Cesar Pelli.

“The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is an integral feature of Shanghai ifc, developed by Sun Hung Kai Properties, one of Asia’s leading property developers, with proven excellence in creating world-class mixed-use developments incorporating luxury retail, office, residential and hotels, as the company’s IFC and ICC in Hong Kong have demonstrated. It is a great honour for us to partner with Sun Hung Kai to build and develop this iconic hotel in Shanghai,” commented Rainer Burkle, area vice president and general manager.

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

The 285-room Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is Shanghai’s ultimate destination for luxury and style, and occupies the top 18 floors of the Shanghai ifc South Tower. Opening in June during the World Expo, the design and style of the hotel is contemporary, with hints of new interpretations of 1930’s Shanghai Art Deco. This gives a great sense of place to the hotel as guest rooms and restaurants embrace magnificent sweeping views over The Bund – the most intact collection of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world.

With interior designs by Richard Farnell, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong guest rooms and suites range in size from 50 square meters (500 square feet) to 400 square meters (4,000 square feet), for the palatial Ritz-Carlton Suite and Chairman Suite. There are three floors of Club accommodation, and each club room enjoys access to the hotel’s stunning Club Lounge on the 49th level, which will be open 24 hours a day.

This new hotel will offer a host of exquisite luxury restaurants and a bar with unrivalled views over The Bund and the Shanghai skyline. Restaurants include Aura Lounge and Jazz Bar, Jin Xuan, the fine dining Chinese Restaurant designed by Steve Leung; Scena Italian Restaurant and Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, both designed by the world famous Super Potato. Flair is Shanghai’s highest al fresco dining and wining venue and is destined to be the unique new social center of Pudong and the city. Featuring more than 2,500 square meters (25,000 square feet) of meeting and conference space on the third level, including a 1,135-square-metre (11,350 square feet) Grand Ballroom, the second largest ballroom among the city’s luxury hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong can accommodate large and small meetings and gatherings in sumptuous environment with world-class technology and facilities underscored by The Ritz-Carlton legendary service. All meeting space offers floor-to-ceiling windows and natural daylight.

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

Located on the hotel’s 55th floor, and occupying an area of more than 1,500 square meters ( 15,000 square feet), The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA features 10 treatment rooms, including nine multi-function treatment rooms and a Harmony Suite where two guests may relax and enjoy treatments together. The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA combines the essence of ancient and modern Chinese, Indian, European and Balinese spa cultures and uses luxury ESPA products that harness the best of nature’s essential oils, botanicals and marine supplements. The exquisite collection of treatments represents complete care, personalization and the ultimate in luxury.

A diamond-like façade glittering with the vibrancy of the city, Shanghai ifc mall also boasts opulent interiors framing the most stylish shopping environment and housing hundreds of world-renowned international branded retails. Guests of The Ritz Carlton will enjoy direct access to this world leading lifestyle landmark.

“As Shanghai has been experiencing exponential growth and many multi-national companies have opened in Pudong, we find it strategically viable for The Ritz-Carlton to be located on both sides of Huangpu River,” Burkle explained. “While The Ritz-Carlton Portman, Shanghai at Puxi has established its name over the past decade as the most preferred luxury hotel in the city, I have no doubt that The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong will prove itself to be another quintessential business and social centre for domestic and international travelers alike.”

For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com