Just weeks after the grand opening of the first
Edition hotel in Hawaii, Marriott International has acquired the
historic Berners Hotel in London. The hotel will be renovated over
the next 18 - 24 months to become The London Edition.
The new
boutique Edition brand was conceived by Ian Schrager in
partnership with Marriott International.
Marriott acquired the hotel
from the previous owner (in administration). Jones Lang LaSalle
Hotels marketed the hotel on instruction of the property’s
administrators. The hotel has been closed since 2006 and was
placed in administration in August 2010.
In partnership with Mr. Schrager, Marriott plans to completely redesign and redevelop the
property before its grand opening as a new Edition hotel.
“We
are delighted to acquire Berners. It is a perfect property for an
Edition hotel in London. With its great location, beautiful
façade, the building is a perfect canvass for creating a true work
of art,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief operating
officer, Marriott International.
Bringing his original vision,
passion and commitment to create something truly special in
collaboration with Marriott, Ian Schrager added “I am thrilled to
be returning to London for an incredibly special and historical
building like Berners Hotel. I am excited and passionate about
creating an authentic and original experience for this special
Edition hotel in this gateway city.”
Earlier this year,
Marriott also acquired the Seville Hotel in Miami Beach to
redesign and redevelop into an Edition hotel. As part of
Marriott’s longstanding business strategy, the company expects to
manage the hotels under long-term agreements after selling them
over time to third-party owners.
Marriott expects to open the
brand’s second property, The Istanbul Edition, in the first half
of 2011.
The historic Berners Hotel dates back to 1835. The
property originally was comprised of five residential houses and
was ultimately converted into a hotel. The layout includes a
basement, ground and seven upper floors, and incorporates original
architectural features, such as ornate ceilings and a marble-clad
reception area.
The new London Edition Hotel is located on
Berners Street, in the city’s Fitzrovia neighborhood. This
historically bohemian area was once home to writers, including
Virginia Woolf, George Bernard Shaw and Arthur Rimbaud. Today, it
is London’s media and advertising hub. The heart of Fitzrovia is
Charlotte Street with its numerous excellent restaurants,
boutiques and galleries that will be just minutes from the hotel.
Also within walking distance will be the British Museum,
Theatreland and Soho.
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