To say that London rhymes with prestige is almost a pleonasm. The British capital's hotel offer is constantly being enriched by new establishments housed in places steeped in history. Recent months have seen, for example Four Seasons Ten at Trinity Square, behind the monumental neo-classical façade of the former Port Authority headquarters, and Montcalm Royal London House in the former Royal Mail headquarters. On its side, Soho Houseknown for its mix of VIP hotels and private clubs, has moved into the former Midland Bank, in the heart of the City. Other jewels in the crown are preparing for a hotel future. The historic police headquarters that inspired Conan Doyle? At the end of the year, it will become the Great Scotland Yard Hotel. The former Old War Office, which housed Winston Churchill's offices? It will be transformed into a luxurious Raffles within three years.
It's not just the walls of the hotels that are high end, but also their owners. For example Robert de Niro is currently preparing for the opening in 2019 of the Wellington, an 83-room address with a private club next to Covent Garden. In a way, the actor has already had a foot in the London hotel business since last summer. As a partner of the famous Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, he was able to celebrate the opening of Nobu Shoreditch, with 143 rooms and seven suites. Plus, of course, a 240-cover restaurant.
