History in the making

New openings and refurbishments capture the past while serving guests of the future

Some astounding projects are coming to fruition this summer with innovative projects completed. While some will undoubtedly attract the attention of discerning adult guests seeking new experiences, others will be looking to appeal to those looking for a UK-based family holiday.

Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is set to open on 10 July following acquisition and a £90 million transformation by Select Group of the historic estate first mentioned in The Domesday Book of 1086. It will operate under Accor’s luxury brand alongside The Savoy, Fairmont Windsor Park and Fairmont St Andrews.

Set in 157 acres of countryside, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere has 116 rooms including 23 suites, a grand ballroom for up to 1,000 guests, spa and 18-hole championship golf course.

Luxury hotel The Address Wren has just opened above Glasgow’s Central Station, bringing the number of properties owned by Irish hotel group, The Address Collective, to seven. The 30 guestrooms have been launched in the penthouse section of the historic building following a restoration and refurbishment programme.

The Queen at Chester Hotel reopened in June as part of Handwritten Collection following a remarkable restoration project of a property which was built to serve first-class rail passengers in 1860. Then, the building opposite Chester Station was considered a skyscraper and guests lured there included Charles Dickens, Cecil Rhodes and famous actress and Royal mistress Lily Langtry.

It’s Handwritten Collection’s first UK hotel and has 218 guest rooms, seven meeting and event spaces and a grand ballroom for up to 400 attendees. The hotel will operate under a partnership of Accor and LGH Hotel Management Limited under a franchising agreement.

The Ickworth in Suffolk, part of Luxury Family Hotels, has reopened following completion of full renovation of the historic Grade 1 listed Italianate house by Studio Jill. The project has encompassed all 37 bedrooms, public areas, wellness facilities and restaurants. Bathrooms feature statement marble and guest rooms range from classic styles to the two-bedroom Hervey Suite, which is perfect for larger families. The Dower House and Butler’s Quarters both offer private, flexible accommodation with multi-bedroom suites.

Luxury Family Hotels has also announced completion of a restoration project at Woolley Grange, the Wiltshire Jacobean mansion set in 14 acres of grounds, following work that began in October last year.

The final milestone has seen the unveiling of the redesigned Walled Garden and Rooms, in addition to the debut of the property’s redesigned outdoor swimming pool. The rooms reflect the local landscape with a palette of greens, timbers, and rustic stone. They are expected to appeal to families, featuring cosy sleeping corners for children alongside separated grown-up spaces.

Nuna’s Native Fulham Broadway opens this summer as an aparthotel with 41 double rooms and studios. Apartments will feature fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning throughout, high-speed WiFi, and work-friendly layouts.

Looking ahead, Marriott International is set to open The St. Regis London in Mayfair this autumn following a full renovation of what was previously The Westbury. The property is inspired by the philosophy of Jacob Astor IV, founder of the original St. Regis in New York in 1904 and will have193 guest rooms, including 66 suites, including a penthouse suite with terrace and dedicated St. Regis butlers.

The new look has been designed by Richmond International, with interiors reflecting Mayfair’s character. Over 1,000 artworks by more than 80 artists will be on display in guest rooms and public spaces.

In brand news Radisson Hotel Group has welcomed 92-bedroom The Gonville Hotel in Cambridge to its Radisson Individuals portfolio as it strengthens its presence in key destinations across the UK.

And IHG Hotels & Resorts brings luxury conversion brand Vignette Collection to London with the signing of Canary Riverside Plaza, the ‘one-of-a-kind’ brand’s first property in London and second in the UK and Ireland. Developed in partnership with Yianis Group, the signing also marks IHG’s debut in Canary Wharf.

It will open this summer with 142 rooms and suites with views across the Thames and the City, alongside a restaurant and bar, flexible meeting and events space for up to 200 guests.