London's Royal Horseguards Hotel Opens After Refurb

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. November 06, 2008

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

LONDON, UK, November 5, 2008. Guoman Hotels, the collection of deluxe hotels located throughout central London, announces the addition of London's landmark hotel, The Royal Horseguards, to its portfolio. Located on the banks of the River Thames, The Royal Horseguards has undergone a $30 million dollar refurbishment making it London's latest five star hotel. The renovation enhances the hotel's grand Victorian style and modern elegance while ensuring that each guest receives first class service.

Firmly established as one of London's most prestigious hotels, The Royal Horseguards' refurbishment has made certain to maintain the hotel's historic character while guaranteeing guests the latest innovations, technology and amenities. New in-room enhancements in all 280 lavish guestrooms and suites include iPod docking stations, WiFi access, power showers, surround sound, plasma TVs in both the guestrooms and bathrooms, mood lighting in bathrooms and a selection of Elemis toiletries. The signature Guoman bed, draped in Egyptian bed linens, is now in each room, with balconies overlooking the River Thames. Also new to the property is the Guoman Executive Lounge which allows prominent guests to work or relax within an exclusive environment.

To encourage visitors to London to come experience the new Royal Horseguards, the hotel is offering a special introductory package. The Royal Introductory Package includes a three-night stay in a royal executive room including buffet breakfast, a personal welcome from the hotel manager; early check-in at 10am, a prix fixe dinner with a bottle of wine at One Twenty-One Two, the AA Rosette-awarded hotel restaurant on the evening of arrival; complimentary WiFi, and a special departure gift and thank you note from the hotel manager. Guests who book this package will also have access to the hotel's Guoman Executive Lounge, where they are invited to enjoy an exclusive environment for work or relaxation, including complimentary hors d'oeuvres, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and a selection of newspapers available throughout the day. This special introductory package is available from January 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009 and must be booked in advance with a three-night minimum stay. Rates start from lb250 GBP (approx. $434 USD) per night based on double occupancy. For reservations, travelers can call (44) 0871 376 9033.

"We are excited to welcome The Royal Horseguards to the Guoman collection," said Sanjay Nijhawan, chief operating officer of Guoman Hotels. "It is truly a great hotel in one of the most prestigious locations in London, and we are proud to have it as part of the Guoman brand."

The Royal Horseguards capitalizes upon British hospitality to provide a hotel rich both in history and design. The hotel offers 280 lavish guestrooms and suites, a business center and workout room. Guests can dine at One Twenty One Two for contemporary dining, the Waterfront Terrace Room, The Lounge for light meals and afternoon tea and the Piano Bar. The Royal Horseguards also offers a total of fifteen conference and banqueting suites. This includes One Whitehall Place, listed as a building of architectural interest, which accommodates up to 340 guests.

"Superior service is the hallmark of the Guoman brand,"said Jon Beecroft, general manager of The Royal Horseguards. "Each moment of our guests' experience is tailored to provide a five star experience while remaining uniquely Guoman."

Few hotels can boast of a history such as The Royal Horseguards. Situated on land still owned by the Crown, the land was first occupied as the official residence of the Kings of Scotland in London, eventually being known as Scotland Yard. Having survived the great fire of London in 1666, the area was ravaged by fire in 1698, leading to grand private residences being built for notable individuals such as John Milton. The Metropolitan Police Force had its headquarters adjacent to the current hotel at Great Scotland Yard, and was the inspiration for the hotel's restaurant One Twenty One Two - which was the 911 emergency number of the day. In 1884-7 the architect Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed The Natural History Museum, built the building that now houses the hotel, in the style of a French chateau. Originally built as fully-serviced apartments, the property was utilized by the government during World War I and World War II, becoming The Royal Horseguards hotel in 1971. One Whitehall Place which adjoins the hotel, and now a dedicated conference facility, is also bursting with history and has housed the National Liberal Club since 1887 - famous members have included William Gladstone and Winston Churchill.