The eagerly anticipated St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will officially open in London’s Kings Cross in May 2011 following a £150 million renovation by Manhattan Loft Corporation in conjunction with London & Continental Railways. The original hotel – The Midland Grand Hotel- was designed and built by renowned Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and opened on 5th of May 1873. The historic building has now been lovingly and masterfully restored to re-open exactly 138 years after the original and once again become one of London’s most iconic hotels.
The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London exemplifies High Victorian Gothic architecture in its most dramatic sense, the stunning red-brick building having being saved from demolition in the sixties by a protest led by former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman. The magnificent interior has been restored to its former glory with painstaking attention to detail using an expert team of craftsmen and painters. Many of the original areas of the hotel considered of particular historical importance have been carefully restored including the famous staircase, widely revered as the most majestic in England, with windows measuring over 50 feet and crowned by an elaborate vaulted ceiling that has been featured in many films including Batman. The hotel’s infamous sweeping forecourt will provide a fitting entrance to the new hotel that will showcase gold-leaf ceilings, ornate wall murals and the spectacular grand staircase.
The 245-room St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will consist of two parts, the historic St Pancras Chambers which will house 38 elegant and spacious Victorian bedroom suites, and Barlow House, the newly created 120,000 square foot extension featuring guestrooms boasting original artwork and contemporary design. Guests can re-live the glamour of the Victorian era at either The Booking Office Bar & Restaurant- re-created in the original ticket office- or the celebrity chef restaurant and bar occupying the original entrance hall. The hotel will also house a 350 capacity ballroom, private club, barber’s shop and luxury spa.
Preserving the glamour of the old station and the romance of rail travel during the 1800’s, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will maintain its elegance and charm by offering global travellers a gateway to London in the form of one of the city’s greatest landmarks. The opening of the hotel will mark the completion of the regeneration of St Pancras International Station, now the home of the Eurostar.
Tina Edmundson, senior vice president lifestyle brands for Marriott International’s Renaissance Hotels said, “After many years, we are excited to be able to announce the official launch date and are looking forward to showcasing the re-development of this great masterpiece in the coming year. Renaissance Hotels are all about discovery, and unique experiences–with its fascinating history and dramatic architecture, I can not imagine a property that captivates the imagination more than St Pancras and we are thrilled to welcome it in to the Renaissance family. The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London will no doubt become a flagship for the Renaissance brand not only in Europe but around the world.”
Harry Handelsman, owner and CEO of Manhattan Loft Corporation added, “I am delighted that after more than 10 years of meticulous hard work, we have now restored this most historic building to its former glory, giving it a new lease on life. Since the unveiling of St Pancras International in 2007, the station has given a much deserved regeneration to the Kings Cross and the opening of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London marks the completion of this massive achievement for London.”
