After months of speculation, London’s Savoy hotel has confirmed it is to close in December for 16 months to undergo a £100m-plus refurbishment.

The hotel’s general manager Kiaran MacDonald told Caterer the restoration would be “the most significant and extensive renovation in the hotel’s history”.

He added the changes would still “honour the integrity of the hotel’s art deco heritage and traditional English design”.

International designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has been appointed to direct the works, which will upgrade the suites overlooking the Thames, the guest rooms, corridors and public areas, and see the reopening of the River Restaurant.

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Pierre-Yves Rochon >>

The Savoy >>