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There is a current fascination by hoteliers and their designers with using rainhead showers, but there ought to be a choice of equipment. Some US hotels now offer two shower heads to ensure a choice from power massage through to gentle showering. Body jets are some peoples prefences, in the same way that some guest will prefer the soaking tub to any shower. Surely for a five star hotel the challenge is to cater to all tastes and preferences, as far as is legal, so why go for just one solution? Here at least there are choices, including bidets!
The dichotomy that is shown by the two interpretations of the bedroom brief is carried on through the public areas, with main public areas being sharp and contemporary, whilst the bedroom corridors are more conservative.
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Extensive use of mirrors is made throughout the ground floor. The meeting rooms (click to see) have leather walls to deaden sound, and this provides a very contemporary feel.
The new spa is part of the heart of the refurbishment
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In the ground floor areas much use is made of mirrors to add additional excitement to the spaces, and there are glimpses thorough into adjacent areas, the mix of penetration and reflection adding to the visual excitement in all areas.
The previous business centre space has been replaced by a new bar area, and the removal of other parts such as the telephone boxes has allowed new seating areas to be opened up. Attention to detail throughout these areas is excellent with touches including the leather handrails at the entrance, leather flooring at the entrance to the restaurant and a creative use and re-use of lighting
The extensive meeting and conference areas have been refurbished whilst the new Executive lounge with its commanding views has replaced the previous business centre. In an echo of techniques from the 1920's leather has been used to line the walls of the meeting rooms to provide acoustic insulation.
"Attention to detail throughout these areas is excellent"
The main 'ballroom' has been refurbished to a high standard to compete for the main awards dinners etc.. However the major new addition to the public areas is the new Spa.
The Spa has a Razul, only the fifth, I think, to be installed in a Spa in the UK, and major innovation includes the link of some suites to the Spa provision, giving private entrance and lounge areas as well as offering treatments in bedrooms. Unfortunately the luxury end of the Spa appears to have been achieved at some cost to other users, as there are no dedicated changing rooms - not a problem for guest who can come in a robe but more problematic for day spa guests. Also the relaxation room is the main access route for treatments, hardly making it relaxing as other guests pass through to their treatments.
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