What’s new around the Dorchester Collection

-- Hotels, 3/1/2008

Christopher Cowdray, new CEO of the Dorchester Collection, aims to make each hotel in the collection ‘the place to be’ in that particular destination. As such, all properties in the collection have recently completed renovation projects or are currently in the midst of such projects. Below is a sampling of what’s happening, in Cowdray’s words:

In London we’ve just opened the three penthouse suites (photos below), and we’re just about to start on a new spa. That will really complete all the work and remodeling at the Dorchester.

In Beverly Hills we recently opened Bar NINETEEN12, which has been exceedingly successful. And that is moving the Beverly Hills Hotel forward as far as attracting a newer and younger market.

At the Principe di Savoia, we have major investment going into the hotel, as we are re-doing 64 rooms and suites in 2008, and that will continue into further suites and rooms in 2009-2010. It is a fairly extensive renovation program, as we are also remodeling the entrance, the lobby and the bar.

Le Meurice has just completed the restoration of the ground floor with the Philippe Starck project, and we’re delighted with the way that has come up. There was some modernizing, but at the same time we’re keeping it very French in feel and recognizing the heritage of the hotel. This year we will also be embarking on a soft furnishings program for guestrooms at the hotel.

And of course we have the chef, Yannick Alleno, who now has the 3-star Michelin restaurant at the Meurice. Then there’s the new, more informal area, called Le Dali. The menu is a much lighter all-day dining menu. I’m very pleased with concept. It’s very light, very quick, and already is proving to be very successful.

Also in Paris, The Plaza Athenee has extensive work going on. Two years ago we started remodeling the bathrooms in all guestrooms. They are quite outstanding; we are in the second stage at the moment. There we are also building new luxury apartments and suites, and an extra room—a new addition to the hotel. Plus we’ve got a very exciting spa development which should open in the middle of 2008