Dorchester Collection Unveils More Plans for 2011

Highlights include the Opening of 45 Park Lane in London and the Newly Renovated Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles

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. August 19, 2011

London - August 18, 2011 - Following the launch of the highly successful Coworth Park in September 2010, Dorchester Collection is unveiling two new properties this year:

• 45 Park Lane in London, opening September 1, 2011, has a contemporary design with art deco influences and will be the first new five-star hotel to open in Mayfair for over a decade.
• The much anticipated Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles is re-opening in October 2011, after an extensive two year refurbishment. Wolfgang Puck, a world-renowned master chef, will be overseeing the dining operations at both hotels, opening CUT at 45 Park Lane, his first ever restaurant in Europe, and Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air.

There are a number of additional announcements from Dorchester Collection, as well as news from individual properties, which include:

• Le Richemond in Geneva joined Dorchester Collection's growing portfolio of luxury hotels on August 1, 2011. Set on the banks of Lake Geneva, the prestigious 109-room hotel is Dorchester Collection's first third-party management agreement. To further position itself as one of the leading luxury hotels in Geneva and in line with the standards of Dorchester Collection, Le Richemond will undergo a refurbishment of its public areas including the restaurant and bar, as well as its suites to be completed in 2013.

• The Dorchester celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2011. Inspired by the landmark plane tree which has graced the entrance to Mayfair's most famous address for 80 years, The Dorchester is celebrating by planting 80 "Future Great Trees" in London with a unique collaboration with international charity, Trees for Cities. This autumn also sees the renovation of the four rooms making up the Ballroom Suite at The Dorchester in London, led by international interior architectural design studio, Alex Kravetz Designs Ltd.

• The annual Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize is taking place in New York throughout 2011. The Prize was originally launched in London in 2010 and is now taking place in North America this year to help up-and-coming designers make the next step to global success and recognition. This year, the winning designer will receive US $40,000 from Dorchester Collection, as well as the opportunity to display their collection during Paris Fashion Week in 2012 at the group's Hotel Plaza Athenee. An impressive list of high caliber judges on the panel includes: Giovanna Battaglia; Derek Blasberg; Thom Browne; Francisco Costa; Shala Monroque, Lauren Santo Domingo; Elizabeth Saltzman; as well as Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, designers at Marchesa fashion brand.

This year's shortlisted designers are:

• Anndra Neen (www.anndraneen.com)
• Giulietta (www.giulietta-newyork.com)
• Julian Louie (http://julianlouie.com)
• Setareh Mohtarez (www.setarehmohtarez.com)
• Siki Im (www.sikiim.com)

The final winner will be announced in Fall 2011 and the prize will take place in Paris at Hotel Plaza Athenee in 2012.

The recently renovated Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan is introducing the "Truffle Tasting Package," a unique epicurean experience for lovers of luxury, haute-cuisine and adventure; available throughout October to November 2011. Opening the doors to an exclusive culinary world, the package includes truffle hunting in the beautiful woodlands of Roddi, with an experienced guide and dogs, the chance to visit the best truffle shops in Alba, as well as a four course lunch featuring black truffle at the hotel's acclaimed Acanto restaurant.

The sale of The New York Palace to Northwood Investors, a highly-regarded, private investment company, was completed mid-July 2011. Ed Mady, previously General Manager of The New York Palace, has been appointed as General Manager of The Beverly Hills Hotel where he will manage the 210-room hotel, which includes the two new Presidential Bungalows that debuted in July 2011. He has also been appointed as West Coast Regional Director USA, overseeing both The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, led by General Manager Tim Lee.

In Paris, both Hotel Plaza Athenee and Le Meurice have been awarded the distinction of "Palace" hotel, by the Tourism Secretary of State, M. Federic Lefebvre. Dorchester Collection's Parisian hotels were two of only four in Paris and eight selected in France. To qualify, the hotels had to meet a very precise list of criteria and services, and both Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee impressed the jury with their exceptional location, architecture, quality of their facilities and outstanding levels of personal service.

Dorchester Collection
Dorchester Collection is a portfolio of the world's foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the USA, each of which reflects the distinctive culture of its destination. By applying its unrivalled experience and capability in owning and operating some of the greatest individual hotels, the company's mission is to develop an impeccable group of the finest landmark hotels through acquisition as well as management of wholly-owned and part-owned hotels, and to enter into management agreements.

www.dorchestercollection.com

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