It’s going to be a big year for Starwood’s Luxury Collection, as two more historic European hotels prepare to open their doors after major renovations.
The Gritti Palace in Venice and the Prince de Galles in Paris will both reopen in the coming months following major renovations that have brought the historic properties in line with the expectations of 2013’s discerning guests.
The former, made famous as the home from home of Ernest Hemingway’s character Colonel Richard Cantwell in his novel Across the River and into the Trees, was built in 1475 as a private home of the powerful Pisani family, before being bought by Andrea Gritti, the Doge of Venice.
During the 15-month renovation, the hotel worked with Venetian fabric manufacturer Rubeli and interior design firm Donghia to restore the grandeur of the property using archival fabrics and Murano glass chandeliers from the nearby island.
Several rooms were removed in order to expand the 21 suites and 61 guest rooms, and the Bar Longhi and Club del Doge restaurant have been completely restored. When the hotel reopens at the end of this month, a new Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Spa, the Explorer’s Library and The Gritti Epicurean School will also be complete.
Prince de Galles hotel in Paris is an Art Deco masterpiece on Avenue George V, built in 1928. The 159 rooms and 44 suites have been remodelled by Pierre-Yves Rochon with a salute to the original style, and a new signature restaurant will be complete when the hotel reopens in the middle of the year after an 18-month closure.
Last year, two Spanish grand dames, Alfonso XIII (left) in Seville and the Hotel Maria Christina in San Sebastian reopened following significant facelifts. The Luxury Collection has invested some US $200 million in restoring the four historic properties.