The hospitality industry is a tough business. It is a labor intensive service oriented industry that requires skilled manpower in large numbers. And for the hotel industry, particularly for luxury hotels the infrastructure is equally important. The hotel architecture has to be contemporary and needs to be updated through repeated hotel renovations. You might have noticed that all the renowned hotel properties go in for renovations for upgrading their facilities in order to remain competitive in a cut throat business. Luxury hotel renovation is a serious business as it involves large investments along with the opportunity cost of shutting down the hotel for a extended period of time during extensive renovations. More often than not the results are very satisfying and seem to be worth the time, energy and money.
We have been reporting about major hotel renovations as and when they take place on important and famous properties. We have gone through all the important renovation projects and selected the top ten based on the size of the project, its innovation and overall impact on the existing property.
1) The Connaught Hotel Renovation Creates the Splendid Aman Spa
Renovation Budget – £70 million
The renovation at the Connaught Hotel has added a touch of understated modern luxury to the Edwardian grandeur of the grand hotel. More importantly, the new wing developed as part of the renovation has opened the Aman Spa which has been luxuriously built with ample use of marble and granite. The spa has a waterfall apart from a swimming pool and a scented stem room. The £70 million renovation has definitely reinforced Connaught Hotel’s as one of the most impressive hotels of London.
2) $1.5 Million Renovation At The Claremont Aimed At Business Travelers
Renovation Budget – $1.5 million
Business travelers are the most lucrative for the hotel segment and the Claremont has decided to invest $1.5 million to make their stay more comfortable. The renovation project is based on a modern European Bauhaus design. Each of the rooms will be provided with a king size bed and Tempur pressure relieving mattresses that would be adorned with luxury fabrics. The bathrooms will have Aveda luxury toiletries and these luxury bathrooms will also a feature a television in the shower areas. Free broadband facilities are being installed in every room.
3) Hotel Schweizerhof Has a New Look After 2 Years and $50 Million Renovation
Renovation Budget: $50 million
The extensive renovation work has restored the century old classical look of the hotel and created more space for the rooms by scaling down the corridors. Modern trapping like flat screen TV and coffee machines have been installed in the rooms and the latest technology has been employed to make the rooms more luxurious and comfortable for the guests. Jack’s Brasserie restaurant and the lobby lounge have got a modern makeover. Some of the antique furniture has also been restored and remodeled to add to the classical feel of the hotel.
4) Hotel Le Bristol Paris & Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Undertake Major Renovations
Renovation Budgets: $32.8 million and $27.4 million respectively
Hôtel Le Bristol, Paris has undertaken a major renovation project estimated to cost $32.8 million. The renovation will add a 2,583-square-foot, two-bedroom suite encompassing the entire eighth floor and the French-style Le Bristol Spa will double in size to include 10 treatment rooms. Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc has also undertaken a $27.4 million worth of renovation that aims to add two new suites and five deluxe rooms. The existing rooms will be upgraded with modern fixtures and amenities.
5) A Historic London Hotel Reopens After a Modern Makeover
Renovation Budget: $10 million
Kempinski’s Stafford London at St. James’s Place reopened in May after a major renovation that cost the hotel $10 million. Twenty-four of its 105 guestrooms and suites, along with the Stafford’s Main House common areas, were redone. A new restaurant was added that serves rustic British cuisine. The classic looks and features of the hotel has been maintained but the lounge, just off the restaurant has got a brand new modern look and feel.
6) Westin Copley Place Completes $18 Million Renovation
Renovation Budget: $18 million
Westin Copley Place went in for a complete redesign of the luxury hotel’s corridors and all 803 guestrooms. The $18 million renovation project marks the hotel’s fourth major renovation since its establishment in 1983. Head Designer Katie Kaeshoefer of Vivian Nichols Design has supervised the renovation initiative. The rooms have been upgraded with a series of amenities. The redesign also enhances the hotel’s existing emphasis on green initiatives and has earned the hotel an Energy Star Rating.
7) Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park Ready after Major Renovation
Renovation Budget: $10 million
The AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park has just completed a major renovation that enhances its reputation as one of New York’s top luxury hotel properties. The $10 million upgrades feature a full renovation of all 298 guestrooms, suites, and The Ritz-Carlton Club Level. Interior designer Frank Nicholson has set the standard for modern luxury in New York City. Beautiful new desks, LG HDTV flat screen televisions, rich built-in dressers with cantilevered desks and custom-designed lamps have been added to the new look rooms.
8) The Four Seasons George V is a New Hotel After 3 Years and $28 Million Renovation
Renovation Budget – $28 million
Designer Pierre Yves-Rochon is the brains behind the extensive renovation undertaken by Four Seasons George V. He has transformed it into a new hotel and each of the 245 rooms have been brought into the 21st century with coffee-making machines, extra sockets, bigger mirrors and extra TVs. The cherry on the renovation cake is the addition of the Honeymoon Suite with five terraces and 360 degree views over Paris. The public places, however have remained untouched by the renovation.
9) Legendary Savoy Hotel Regains its Glory after a $354 Million Renovation
Renovation Budget: $354 Million
London’s Savoy hotel reopened after a three-year, multi-million-pound refit to restore its former splendor. The hotel is glittering with new crystal chandeliers, gold leaf and polished marble floors. A new bar has been installed in the old Beaufort Room. In addition to 38 new rooms built with views of the River Thames, there is a new Royal Suite covering 325 square meters. The hotel, however retains its lived-in feel and remains quintessentially English.
10) Four Seasons Houston Receives Highest Ratings after Renovation
Renovation Budget:Â Â $25 million
The hotel has been named the Houston’s only AAA Five Diamond Hotel post a $25 million renovation. The    new look hotel was under extensive renovation for the last three years. The lobby has been given a modern makeover. The rooms have been restyled and the swimming pool area has been developed in resort style. The cost of the pool and its adjoining area was $4 million. Custom design furniture has been used to give a completely new look to the guest rooms and other common spaces of the hotel.
