The doors of London’s Café Royal will reopen as a contemporary, luxury hotel on 5 December 2012, marking the first phase of its long-awaited return to the capital. The revival of this legendary institution will be the culmination of a four-year transformation under the direction of David Chipperfield Architects and will see Café Royal join The Conservatorium as the second hotel of The Set.Featuring 159 rooms and suites (including six historic suites), an array of dining venues, a private members club, high-tech meeting rooms and a Holistic Wellbeing Centre, Café Royal bears every trait of a 21st century luxury hotel. However, the sensitive restoration of the rooms by Donald Insall Associates, seamlessly weaving together original 1865 details with contemporary design, also pays homage to the architectural heritage of the building. It is in this meticulous fusion of the traditional and the modern – an inherent characteristic of The Set Hotels – where Café Royal finds its niche.
The first phase of Café Royal’s opening will include rooms and suites, the Ten Room, the exquisitely restored Grill and Domino Rooms, The Bar and a contemporary café – all under the direction of Executive Chef, Andrew Turner. Quick to follow by March 2013, will be the rest of the building, welcoming the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, and the remaining suites of historical significance.
