Four Seasons London to open as new hotel

The Four Seasons hotel London, which will soon open after a two-year, £125m redevelopment, is being marketed as a new property to reflect the radical refurbishment.

"Anyone who knew the hotel before will not recognise it once they walk through the door," said regional vice-president and general manager John Stauss. "The property has been gutted and its interior totally reconfigured."

Due to open on 15 December, the hotel is currently recruiting staff to join a team which will eventually number 437. Of the 56 staff already recruited, 14 were previously employed by the hotel before it closed in September 2008 and 22 have transferred from other Four Seasons properties around the world.

The hotel's interior is being designed by Paris-based designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who is also responsible for the Savoy's refurbishment. Rochon has previously designed Four Seasons hotels in Paris, Florence, Beijing and Washington DC.

"The design is chic and contemporary with some traditional British touches, such as red damask walls in the meetings spaces and flannel and tartan fabrics in the guest rooms," said former Hotelier of the Year Stauss, who has been at the hotel for 17 years and working towards its new launch for the past seven years.

"Particularly stunning is the addition of the 10th floor, which has been designed by architect Eric Parry, which is made entirely of glass from floor to ceiling, providing stunning views across London."

"Much of the design concept is about bringing the adjacent Hyde Park into the hotel. Hence, the emphasis is on plants and greenery, rather than cut flowers on the ground floor public areas."

KEY FEATURES

- Reduction in the number of bedrooms from 219 to 192

- 45 suites including the £10,000, three-bedroom Presidential suite

- 10th floor spa, fitness room and lounge

- Italian restaurant Amarano

RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Open days are being held on 10-11 September, from 10am-7pm and 8am-4pm respectively, at the Royal Aeronautical Society, opposite the hotel, at 4 Hamilton Place

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