Plans have been submitted to convert the historic former Park Hotel in Preston back to its original use – as a hotel.

Park Hotel, which overlooks Miller Park in the centre of Preston opened in 1882 for rail passengers using nearby Preston station. It was later converted to offices by Lancashire County Council.

New plans envisage a 154-bedroom hotel with banqueting facilities for up to 500 guests. 

A neighbouring building on the 3.3 acre site is to be demolished and replaced with an extension to the hotel that will create 83 new bedrooms across three upper floors. The lower floors will be used as offices and conference facilities as well as a lounge bar and gym for the Park Hotel.

Chris Taylor, project architect at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “We’ve worked with all parties to fine tune the detailed designs and ensure the scheme fits with the city’s needs and the demands of visitors and those with commercial interests.

“The development is right on our doorstep and in a conservation area, so not without its challenges, but it’s set to create a new tourism asset for the city that will support jobs and the wider economy and enhance Preston’s reputation as a great place to visit and do business.”

Details: http://www.cassidyashton.co.uk/plans-lodged-for-preston-city-hotel/


Marriott Hotels have just re-opened the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, following the completion of a multi-million pound transformation.

The 206-bedroom London Marriott County Hall makes the most of its heritage as well as its location in the heart of London.

County Hall housed the former London County Council until its demise.  The orange chairs in the hotel pay homage to the seating used in the council chamber with bowler hat prints on curtain fabrics, a nod to London’s business and finance culture.

London Marriott Hotel County Hall includes a health club with a 25-metre pool, the biggest hotel pool in London. It also includes  Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar, the Noes Lobby Champagne bar, the Leader’s Bar and outside terrace plus the Library Lounge.

There is a new Executive Lounge with riverside views and complimentary amenities.

London Marriott Hotel County Hall also has ten events and meeting rooms.

Set at the foot of Westminster Bridge on London’s South Bank, London Marriott Hotel County Hall has views across to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the River Thames and the London Eye.

Details: http://news.marriott.com/2016/11/marriott-hotels-unveils-transformation-london-icon/


Hilton Hotels have rebranded the Hilton Bristol Hotel as the Doubletree by Hilton Bristol North following a £2.5 million refurbishment.

Doubletree by Hilton Bristol North includes 161 refurbished bedrooms, Brunel’s Hat Restaurant and eight air-conditioned meeting and banquet suites. The LivingWell Health Club features a 24-hour fitness room, swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room. 

Doubletree by Hilton Bristol North is located off junction 16 of the M5, close to the M4/M5 interchange and the business parks of north Bristol. It is around eight miles from the centre of Bristol.

Details: http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-bristol-north-BSTBRDI/index.html


An application to convert a Grade II-listed Pembrokeshire mansion into a  hotel has been approved by Pembrokeshire County  Council.

Plans would see Cilwendeg Mansion in Boncath converted into a 12-bedroom hotel.

Cilwendeg Mansion dates back to the 1780’s. It was most recently used as a care home but that closed in 2010. Cilwendeg Mansion includes terraced lawns and is located within a wider Grade II-listed historic park and garden.

Cilwendeg Mansion is located between Newcastle Emlyn and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in the south west tip of Wales.

 


Westminster Council has agreed plans submitted by new owners to convert the American Embassy building in Grosvenor Square in central London into a luxury hotel as part of a £1 billion restoration of the area.

Development work is expected to begin next year when the American Embassy is due to move to its new home in Nine Elms, Battersea.

Plans submitted will see the Grade II-listed modernist block converted into a 137-bedroom, five-star hotel with a spa and ballroom for 1,000 guests.

The complex will also include residential units and restaurants.

Grosvenor Square has been America’s largest European embassy since the 1960’s. The move to Battersea will end a US association with Grosvenor Square that goes back more than 200 years. The site has long been the focus of protest against US government policy; most famously the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

New owners, the Qatari Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund, now plan to return the ‘fortress site’ to open, expansive green space for residents and visitors alike.