Iconic building joins Guoman collection
Historic London landmark The Royal Horseguards in Whitehall Court is to become a Guoman hotel following a £16m revamp.
The 18th century, grade-one listed building that was used by the Secret Service in the First World War will become the group’s fourth luxury property in the capital, joining Charing Cross, The Cumberland and The Tower in the portfolio.
Guoman says it will launch an “aggressive fam trip programme†for agents and TMCs during 2009.
Chief operating officer for Guoman Hotels Sanjay Nijhawan said: “The Royal Horseguards’ location, heritage and historical links to Whitehall and Westminster make this a truly iconic property and a prestigious addition to the Guoman Hotels collection. The Royal Horseguards will become one of the leading hotels in the capital with its reputation for outstanding service reinforced with luxurious bedrooms and facilities.â€
The refurb of 280 bedrooms is set for completion in early 2009 and will offer balcony Thames views, iPod docking stations, surround-sound plasma TVs and free wifi access plus a new conservatory restaurant and a club lounge. Guoman also plans to spend £1m on a meetings and events space at One Whitehall Place which is connected to The Royal Horseguards.
By Dinah Hatch
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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