Admiralty Arch welcomes Waldorf Astoria
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by Prime Investors Capital to operate the hotel at London’s Admiralty Arch. Scheduled to open in 2022, the property will undergo an extensive refurbishment programme to restore and protect architectural and historical features.
International designers Michael Blair and David Mlinaric have been tasked with sensitively restoring the building’s original features. Blair’s work includes the restoration and extension of The Ritz, The Connaught and Claridge’s hotels, while Mlinaric’s body of work comprises The Royal Opera House, The Victoria & Albert Museum, The National Gallery and the British Residences in London and Paris. Historical interiors expert Andrew Damonte completes the design team, and has previously worked alongside Mlinaric on the restoration of Dumfries House in Scotland.
Affording views down The Mall to Buckingham Palace, and vistas across Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria will include 96 guestrooms and suites, three restaurants, a rooftop bar, private meeting and event spaces, and spa. Additional facilities include private residences, a members club, and exclusive F&B venues.
Rafael Serrano, CEO of Prime Investors Capital, comments: “Since 2015 when we acquired Admiralty Arch from the British Government, we have made many decisions that will impact not only the future of the building and the local area, but also the profile of the very heart of London. We have appointed a team of talented experts with the experience and knowledge to capture the spirit of this magnificent building. We have created a detailed plan to transform Admiralty Arch into an extraordinary hotel, residences and private members club. And one of the most important decisions we have made is to select and appoint the operator to whom we will entrust the management and running of this hotel. Further to interest and discussions with 12 top luxury hotel brands, we are delighted to announce the creation of Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria, London.
Christopher J. Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton, adds: “This agreement marries the timeless elegance of Waldorf Astoria with the historic grandeur of one of London’s great monuments. Projects of this calibre are rare, and Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria will provide a truly unforgettable hospitality experience when it opens to guests.
“Waldorf Astoria has a legacy of protecting and enhancing historical buildings, from our flagship hotel in New York, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment to protect the art deco building for future generations, to this incredible property in London. This partnership brings our iconic luxury brand to London’s finest address, and we’re proud to partner with Prime Investors Capital Ltd to introduce Waldorf Astoria to London.”
Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, the property was first designed by Sir Aston Webb, who was also responsible for The Mall and main facade at Buckingham Palace. In addition to housing the official residences of the First Sea Lords, Admiralty Arch has served as a centre for clandestine wartime intelligence efforts, a Royal Navy outpost, and latterly as a centre for the UK Government’s Cabinet Office. Following an official tender process, Prime Investors Capital outbid 28 institutional bidders to acquire the 250-year lease of the property in 2015.
The opening adds to the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolio of 26 properties worldwide.
