Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill: Difference between revisions
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Jpayne0424 (talk | contribs) I am the Marketing Communications Executive at The Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill and I am updating our page. Tag: categories removed |
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'''Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill''' |
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| hotel_name = Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill |
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| location =30 [[Portman Square]], [[London]], [[United Kingdom]] [[W1H 7BH]] |
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| pushpin_map =Central London |
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| latd =51 | latm =30 | lats =56 | latNS =N |
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| longd=0 | longm=9 | longs=25 | longEW=W |
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| coordinates_type = landmark |
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'''Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill''' is a luxury 5-star [[hotel]] in [[London]], [[England]]. Built in 1970 and remodeled in 2011, it occupies the west side of [[Portman Square]] and is operated by the [[Hyatt Regency]] group.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hen weekends: The ultimate pyjama party |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/activityandadventure/2158193/Hen-weekends-The-ultimate-pyjama-party.html |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=20 June 2008 |accessdate=24 February 2010 | location=London | first=Francisca | last=Kellett}}</ref> The hotel is named after the late British Prime minister [[Sir Winston Churchill]], and features a celebrated bronze [[bust (sculpture)|bust]] of him by [[Franta Belsky]] in the foyer.<ref>{{cite book |title=Churchill: images of greatness |last=Smith |first=Ronald A. |page=51 |year=1988 |publisher=Kevin Francis |isbn=978-0-9510768-6-6 }}</ref> |
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Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is a 434 room five star hotel located on [[Portman Square]] north of [[Marble Arch]] in central London, England.The Hotel is owned by The Churchill Group Ltd and is currently operated by [[Hyatt Hotels Corporation]]. Hyatt Hotels also operates two other hotels in the United Kingdom, Andaz Liverpool Street and [[Hyatt Regency Birmingham]]. |
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In late 2012, The Churchill opened a brand new bar and private terrace at the establishment. Churchill's surviving family gave their blessing to the new bar also being named after their ancestor.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehandbook.com/news/churchill-bar-and-terrace | work=[http://www.thehandbook.com The Handbook]| title=The Churchill Bar and Terrace | date=Nov 27, 2011}}</ref> |
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=='''History'''== |
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The hotel's entrance was the target of an [[Provisional Irish Republican Army|IRA]] [[drive-by shooting]] in December 1974.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Road to Balcombe Street: The IRA Reign of Terror in London |last=Moysey |first=Steven P. |page=66 |year=2007 |publisher=[[Haworth Press]] |isbn=978-0-7890-2912-6 }}</ref> |
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The [[neo-classical]] styled property opened in 1970 and was built in keeping with the city's luxury hotels. The building was designed by Stone, Toms & Partners [a] for Peachy Property Corporation Limited. The name ‘The Churchill’ was given by the hotel’s developer Sir [[Eric Miller]] in recognition of his admiration of Sir Winston Churchill who died before the hotel was built. [2] |
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==See also== |
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* [[Locanda Locatelli]], Michelin-starred Italian restaurant on the south side of the hotel |
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Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, one of the most recent newcomers to [[Portman Square]], reflects the work of [[Robert Adam]]the famous Scottish architect. The hotel is situated on part of the 270 acre estate which was once granted to [[Sir Henry William Portman]], Lord Chief Justice, and his “son and heirs forevermore” by Queen Mary in 1553. [1] |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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“The Churchill” was opened and operated by the [[Loews Hotel Group]] . [2] In 1982, it was purchased for by the Hong Kong-registered Park Lane Hotels International and was taken over by the [[National Bank of Kuwait]] in 1992. In February 1998, the National Bank of Kuwait sold the property for $242 million to Churchill Group Limited which is part of a Qatari Consortium led by His Highness [[Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani]] at which point Intercontinental Hotels took over the management of the property. [3] Between 1998 and 2001, the hotel went through an £8 Million refurbishment to include air-conditioning, the addition of two new Club floors, the Royal and Presidential suites, the Health Club, five additional function rooms, Terrace on Portman Square restaurant and the re-design of the lobby area. |
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==External links== |
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*[http://london.churchill.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp Official site] |
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[[Hyatt Hotels Corporation]] announced in February 2004 that it will assume full management of the Churchill Hotel on Portman Square London W1. The acquisition was completed and as of May 1st, 2004 the property was known henceforth as “Hyatt Regency London-The Churchill”. [4] |
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{{Hotels in London}} |
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=='''The Hotel Today'''== |
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[[Category:Hotels in London]] |
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Hyatt Regency London –The Churchill completed a multi-million pound refurbishment of bedrooms and suites in May 2011. The refurbishment ran for four months from February 2011 with designs by Hunt Hamilton Zuch Ltd, international interior designers specialising in the hotel and leisure industry. [5]. The refurbishment consisted of Regency Club rooms, Regency and Regency Executive suites on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors, as well as The Regency Club Lounge® on the 8th floor which was extended on either side of the 8th floor lobby. Following the refurbishment, the 7th floor became a Regency Club floor and the hotel became a 434 bedroom hotel. |
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{{UK-hotel-struct-stub}} |
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Despite all major refurbishments, The Royal Suite still holds its original classical design. Consisting of over ten rooms, The Royal Suite includes three bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, two dressing rooms, two balconies, a drawing room containing an Offenbach Baby Grand Piano, a full kitchen, its own private dining room, a study and a gymnasium. Designed in 1999 at a size of 1100 Sq. Feet, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill’s Royal Suite is one of London’s largest suites. [6] In April 2011, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill commemorated the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by offering a package which included a four-night stay in the Royal Suite for up to six guests. [7] Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has hosted numerous notable personalities. Some of these include Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon, Former US President Jimmy Carter, Senator Barack Obama on his 2008 Pre-election Presidential Campaign [8], US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Sir Tom Jones, Michael Jackson, Tito Jackson and Donny Osmond. Musicians who stayed during the London 2012 Olympics include Jessie J, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran and Taio Cruz. Sports personalities include Cricketers Geoffrey Boycott and David Gower. |
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In 2007, [[Caterer and Hotelkeeper]] awarded Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill’s General Manager Michael Gray as their Hotelier of The Year for displaying the management, leadership and communications skills required to manage a hotel at the highest levels of excellence, along with a commitment to employees and the industry at large. [9] In August 2010, Michael Gray was made Area Director of UK and Ireland for Hyatt International while maintaining his duties as General Manager for Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. [10] |
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=='''Restaurants, Bars and Facilities'''== |
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[[Sir Winston Churchill]] as well as the history of the surrounding community inspire the décor and names of the outlets and meeting facilities at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. |
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The Montagu was opened in May 2005 and is the main dining restaurant at the hotel with an open kitchen extending into the restaurant which delivers a mix of European and British seasonal dishes. The restaurant was named after [[Elizabeth Montagu]], a British social reformer, patron of the arts, literary critic, and writer who helped organize and lead the bluestocking society. Elizabeth Montagu moved into Montagu House located on Portman Square in 1781 until she died in 1800. In November 2011, The Montagu was awarded with [[two AA Rosettes]]. [11] The Montagu also received the Award of Excellence in the Tea Guild’s Top Afternoon Tea Awards 2012 in April 2012. [12] This was the third consecutive year that The Montagu Afternoon Tea has won an ‘Award of Excellence’. |
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The Churchill Bar & Terrace located on the ground floor of Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill reopened in November 2012 after being closed for three months for a major refurbishment and was attended by Sir Winston Churchill’s grand-daughter [[Celia Sandys]]. [13] The Churchill Bar & Terrace has its own entrance on Portman Square and serves not only the hotel guests but also the wider Marylebone area. The menu and interior design were developed around and influenced by a young Winston Churchill and the relationship with his wife [[Clementine Hozier]]. One of the main features of the refurbishment was the construction of the outdoor terrace onto the sidewalk of Seymour Street. On the terrace a life-sized statue of Sir Winston Churchill is seated in a chair seemingly ready to chat. Called ‘In Conversation’ the bronze work is done by American sculptor [[Lawrence Holofcener]]. [14] The bar also consists of a well-stocked humidor which showcases an array of Cuban Cigars imported by [[Hunters & Frankau]]. |
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Replacing Clementines Restaurant, [[Locanda Locatelli]] opened in 2002 and is an independent Italian restaurant located within Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill run by Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli and his wife, Plaxy. As of 2008, the restaurant holds one star in the [[Michelin Guide]]. [15] |
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Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill consists of twelve function rooms both on the ground and second floors, these include one main ballroom, two boardrooms and three interconnecting meeting rooms. The names of these rooms have been inspired by the life of Sir Winston Churchill. Chartwell Suite, the main ballroom named after Sir Winston Churchill's famous private home Chartwell in Kent is the largest of the hotel's function room. In 2008, The Chartwell Suite hosted the 180th Anniversary of The Spectator Magazine soon after its former editor Boris Johnson became Major of London. Some other guests that attended were Joan Collins, Stanley Johnson, Andrew Neil and David Cameron. [16] |
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Also on the ground floor is The Library which acts as a smaller function room where floor to ceiling book-shelves line either side of the room with antique literary texts and the adjacent walls feature black-and-white photographic portraits of renowned authors; as well as The Cabinet Suites I, II and III, linking to Sir Winston Churchill's many years as a government minister. The remaining function rooms on the ground floor are two Boardrooms accommodating up to a maximum of 10 persons.Located on the second floor of the hotel are four additional meeting spaces. These include; The Marlborough Suite, named after The Duke of Marlborough, the aristocratic family Sir Winston Churchill was born into; The Blenheim Suite, named after Churchill’s family home, The Blenheim Palace; The Spencer Suite so called to symbolize Churchill’s full birth name, Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill and The Randolph Suite signifies Winston’s father Lord Randolph Churchill. |
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In October 2012, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill partnered with global affairs magazine [[Monocle]], and opened its first retail concept designed specifically for hotel guests. The Monocle Shop, located in the lobby of the hotel, offers a selection of Monocle products and design collaborations. [17] |
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=='''Social Responsibility, Charitable Initiatives and Partnerships'''== |
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Since 2008, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has been the Main Hotel Partner of [[Frieze Art Fair]] which takes place in Regent’s Park.[18] The Hotel continued its association with contemporary art by initiating a series of exhibitions in the hotel lobby, with the support of [[Candlestar]]. In 2009, Hyatt Regency London – the Churchill and Candlestar began their first collaboration, an exhibition of contemporary painting, sculpture and photography entitled ‘Iran Unbowed’ by artists from Iran. [19] The successful partnership led to four other collaborative exhibitions. In 2010, ‘Perspectives’ was launched exploring ideas of expectation and illusion, [20] then ‘Generation 10’ an exhibition of work by ten young artists who graduated that year from Camberwell College of Arts, Chelsea College of Art & Design and Wimbledon College of Art. [21] The fourth exhibition was ‘Painting with Light’ an exploration of the boundaries between photography and painting, through the work of five artists [22] and ‘Crossroads’ which launched in February 2011, that reflects the different perspectives of six working female artists. [23] |
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In January 2012, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill teamed up with the [[Saatchi Gallery]]. As of February 2013, the hotel has produced three exhibitions with the Saatchi Gallery. The first exhibition with the Saatchi Gallery was ‘One Giant Leap’ which featured a range of works from the Saatchi Gallery’s collection which consistently had a reputation for being ground-breaking and innovative and the second exhibition ‘Making Waves’ coincided with the 2012 Summer Olympic Games featured artists that were up and coming in the UK and internationally and the exhibition presented a number of works with a sporting theme. In addition, a Limited Edition Saatchi Gallery Suite was created for guests to stay in and experience contemporary art. [24] |
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Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill also co-sponsors the Portman Square Garden Party to raise funds for charities in the Marylebone and Westminster area. The hotel collaborates with Home House, Locanda Locatelli, The Grazing Goat and [[Selfridges & Co]]. Over the years several charities have received funds raised at the Portman Square Garden Party. In 2007, the Make-A-Wish Foundation benefited from the funds raised and received £5,665.98.[25] From 2008 to 2010, a total of £37,636.36 was raised for The Westminster Society and in 2011 and 2012 the Great Ormond Street Hospital and Brain Tumour Research received £11,000 and £14,000 respectively. [26] [27] |
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Furthermore, in 2012 Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill adopted a dog and named it Winston by sponsoring £5000 through the charity Dogs for the Disabled.[28] |
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==References:== |
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[a] The London Encyclopaedia (3rd Edition) - By Christopher Hibbert Ben Weinreb, John & Julia Keay Page 171 – ISBN 978-1-4050-4925-2http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=xa0D0PqiwfEC&pg=PA171&lpg=PA171&dq=stone+toms+and+partners+%2B+churchill&source=bl&ots=_qKopMaO19&sig=WChvfW8XtoHczDfApJydHB7DvS0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EqALUeH3E6iHywHq3oHgCQ&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=stone%20toms%20and%20partners%20%2B%20churchill&f=false |
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[1] http://www.portmanestate.co.uk/heritage/restoration.html |
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[2] Title: Undaunted Author: Jim Smith Publisher: Ashgrove Publishing ISBN: 1853984000, 9781853984006 http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=TH3VWs-8_h8C&pg=PT86&lpg=PT86&dq=loews+us+corporation+%2B+churchill&source=bl&ots=hHoGKs12gn&sig=WShsoWMxq7T5QGY3Skff5LaQpvo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=CgMEUansKKSRygG5u4CICw&sqi=2&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAg |
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[3] Middle East Economic Survey Archives Published on 11 May 1998 - Volume: 41 |
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Issue: 19 Title: NBK Sells London Churchill Hotel for $242Mn http://archives.mees.com/issues/689/articles/27451 |
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[4] Report from Arabian Travel Market 2004 on ehotelier.com |
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http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=A1558_0_11rel=_0_C |
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[5] Business Traveller Magazine Published 26 Jan 2011 - Report by Andrew Gough |
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http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/hyatt-regency-london-due-for-refurb |
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[6] The Telegraph “London's most sumptuous hotel suites” |
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Published August 3 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatpicturegalleries/8675527/Londons-most-sumptuous-hotel-suites.html?image=14 |
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[7]London Evening Standard Published 04 April 2011 - http://www.standard.co.uk/news/hotel-will-treat-guests-like-royalty-in-fournight-marriage-package-6388357.html?origin=internalSearch |
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[8] The Daily Mail Online Published by Debra Killalea and Michael Lea Title: Passers-by get a shock as Brown and Obama take a turn in the park. Published 26 July 2008 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1038705/Pictured-Passersby-shock-Brown-Obama-turn-park.html |
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[9] Caterer and Hotel Published by Amanda Afiya on 12 December 2007 http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/28/04/2008/317872/Michael-Gray-named-Hotelier-of-the-Year.htm |
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[10] Breaking Travel News reported on 26 Jul 2010 http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/michael-j.-gray-appointed-area-director-for-hyatt-international-uk/ |
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[11] VistEatStay Reported on 24 November 2011 |
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http://www.visiteatstay.com/2011/11/the-montagu-restaurant-is-awarded-two-aa-rosettes/ |
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[12] United Kingdom Tea Council Published on 27 March 2012 |
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http://www.tea.co.uk/news-article/London-Tea-Guild-Awards-of-Excellence-2012 |
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[13] Evening Standard Published ‘Wit of Winston Churchill (without the vermouth)’ on 29 November 2012 http://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/wit-of-winston-churchill-without-the-vermouth-8368347.html |
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[14] BigHospitality Online Reported on 09 November 2012 Luke Nicholls |
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http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Venues/The-Churchill-Bar-and-Terrace-to-open-at-Hyatt-Regency-London |
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[15] The Observer Published on 27 June 2004 by Jay Rayner http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2004/jun/27/foodanddrink.features2 |
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[16] London Evening Standard Reported on 08 May 2008 by Sebastian Shakespeare |
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http://www.standard.co.uk/news/mayor/cameron-is-simply-a-spectator-at-mayor-show-6671283.html |
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[17] ‘Monocle Opens Up Hyatt Regency London Location’ published on October 2012 by Life and Times Online Blog |
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http://lifeandtimes.com/monocle-opens-up-hyatt-regency-london-location |
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[18] Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill - Frieze London Main Partner Hotel – Frieze London Official Website. http://friezelondon.com/visitors/hotels/hyatt-regency-london-the-churchill-frieze-london-main-partner-hotel |
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[19] Candlestar Official Website |
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http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2009/10/iran-unbowed/ |
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[20] Candlestar Official Website |
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http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2010/03/perspectives/ |
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[21] Candlestar Official Website |
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http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2010/07/generation-10/ |
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[22] Candlestar Official Website |
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http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2010/10/painting-with-light/ |
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[23] Candlestar Official Website |
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http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2011/03/crossroads/ |
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[24] Marylebone Journal Online Section: Culture http://marylebonejournal.com/culture/art-break-hotel |
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[25] The Portman Published Summer 2007 http://www.portmanestate.co.uk/magazine/2007-summer.pdf |
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[26] The Westminster Society for people with learning disabilities Newsletter Publication on 26 May 2010 http://www.wspld.org.uk/main.cfm?Type=NI&ObjectId=2625 |
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[27] BTRC – Brain Tumour Research Campaign Online Reported on 12 June 2012 http://www.wayahead-btrc.org/2012/06/13/portman-square-garden-party/ |
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[28] Dogs for the Disabled Online Published in November 2012: “Winston” Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill’s life-changing puppy http://www.dogsforthedisabled.org/2012/11/winston-hyatt-regency-london-the-churchills-life-changing-puppy/ |
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Revision as of 12:33, 8 March 2013
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is a 434 room five star hotel located on Portman Square north of Marble Arch in central London, England.The Hotel is owned by The Churchill Group Ltd and is currently operated by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Hyatt Hotels also operates two other hotels in the United Kingdom, Andaz Liverpool Street and Hyatt Regency Birmingham.
History
The neo-classical styled property opened in 1970 and was built in keeping with the city's luxury hotels. The building was designed by Stone, Toms & Partners [a] for Peachy Property Corporation Limited. The name ‘The Churchill’ was given by the hotel’s developer Sir Eric Miller in recognition of his admiration of Sir Winston Churchill who died before the hotel was built. [2]
Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, one of the most recent newcomers to Portman Square, reflects the work of Robert Adamthe famous Scottish architect. The hotel is situated on part of the 270 acre estate which was once granted to Sir Henry William Portman, Lord Chief Justice, and his “son and heirs forevermore” by Queen Mary in 1553. [1]
“The Churchill” was opened and operated by the Loews Hotel Group . [2] In 1982, it was purchased for by the Hong Kong-registered Park Lane Hotels International and was taken over by the National Bank of Kuwait in 1992. In February 1998, the National Bank of Kuwait sold the property for $242 million to Churchill Group Limited which is part of a Qatari Consortium led by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani at which point Intercontinental Hotels took over the management of the property. [3] Between 1998 and 2001, the hotel went through an £8 Million refurbishment to include air-conditioning, the addition of two new Club floors, the Royal and Presidential suites, the Health Club, five additional function rooms, Terrace on Portman Square restaurant and the re-design of the lobby area.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced in February 2004 that it will assume full management of the Churchill Hotel on Portman Square London W1. The acquisition was completed and as of May 1st, 2004 the property was known henceforth as “Hyatt Regency London-The Churchill”. [4]
The Hotel Today
Hyatt Regency London –The Churchill completed a multi-million pound refurbishment of bedrooms and suites in May 2011. The refurbishment ran for four months from February 2011 with designs by Hunt Hamilton Zuch Ltd, international interior designers specialising in the hotel and leisure industry. [5]. The refurbishment consisted of Regency Club rooms, Regency and Regency Executive suites on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors, as well as The Regency Club Lounge® on the 8th floor which was extended on either side of the 8th floor lobby. Following the refurbishment, the 7th floor became a Regency Club floor and the hotel became a 434 bedroom hotel.
Despite all major refurbishments, The Royal Suite still holds its original classical design. Consisting of over ten rooms, The Royal Suite includes three bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, two dressing rooms, two balconies, a drawing room containing an Offenbach Baby Grand Piano, a full kitchen, its own private dining room, a study and a gymnasium. Designed in 1999 at a size of 1100 Sq. Feet, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill’s Royal Suite is one of London’s largest suites. [6] In April 2011, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill commemorated the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by offering a package which included a four-night stay in the Royal Suite for up to six guests. [7] Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has hosted numerous notable personalities. Some of these include Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon, Former US President Jimmy Carter, Senator Barack Obama on his 2008 Pre-election Presidential Campaign [8], US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Sir Tom Jones, Michael Jackson, Tito Jackson and Donny Osmond. Musicians who stayed during the London 2012 Olympics include Jessie J, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran and Taio Cruz. Sports personalities include Cricketers Geoffrey Boycott and David Gower.
In 2007, Caterer and Hotelkeeper awarded Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill’s General Manager Michael Gray as their Hotelier of The Year for displaying the management, leadership and communications skills required to manage a hotel at the highest levels of excellence, along with a commitment to employees and the industry at large. [9] In August 2010, Michael Gray was made Area Director of UK and Ireland for Hyatt International while maintaining his duties as General Manager for Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. [10]
Restaurants, Bars and Facilities
Sir Winston Churchill as well as the history of the surrounding community inspire the décor and names of the outlets and meeting facilities at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.
The Montagu was opened in May 2005 and is the main dining restaurant at the hotel with an open kitchen extending into the restaurant which delivers a mix of European and British seasonal dishes. The restaurant was named after Elizabeth Montagu, a British social reformer, patron of the arts, literary critic, and writer who helped organize and lead the bluestocking society. Elizabeth Montagu moved into Montagu House located on Portman Square in 1781 until she died in 1800. In November 2011, The Montagu was awarded with two AA Rosettes. [11] The Montagu also received the Award of Excellence in the Tea Guild’s Top Afternoon Tea Awards 2012 in April 2012. [12] This was the third consecutive year that The Montagu Afternoon Tea has won an ‘Award of Excellence’.
The Churchill Bar & Terrace located on the ground floor of Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill reopened in November 2012 after being closed for three months for a major refurbishment and was attended by Sir Winston Churchill’s grand-daughter Celia Sandys. [13] The Churchill Bar & Terrace has its own entrance on Portman Square and serves not only the hotel guests but also the wider Marylebone area. The menu and interior design were developed around and influenced by a young Winston Churchill and the relationship with his wife Clementine Hozier. One of the main features of the refurbishment was the construction of the outdoor terrace onto the sidewalk of Seymour Street. On the terrace a life-sized statue of Sir Winston Churchill is seated in a chair seemingly ready to chat. Called ‘In Conversation’ the bronze work is done by American sculptor Lawrence Holofcener. [14] The bar also consists of a well-stocked humidor which showcases an array of Cuban Cigars imported by Hunters & Frankau.
Replacing Clementines Restaurant, Locanda Locatelli opened in 2002 and is an independent Italian restaurant located within Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill run by Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli and his wife, Plaxy. As of 2008, the restaurant holds one star in the Michelin Guide. [15]
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill consists of twelve function rooms both on the ground and second floors, these include one main ballroom, two boardrooms and three interconnecting meeting rooms. The names of these rooms have been inspired by the life of Sir Winston Churchill. Chartwell Suite, the main ballroom named after Sir Winston Churchill's famous private home Chartwell in Kent is the largest of the hotel's function room. In 2008, The Chartwell Suite hosted the 180th Anniversary of The Spectator Magazine soon after its former editor Boris Johnson became Major of London. Some other guests that attended were Joan Collins, Stanley Johnson, Andrew Neil and David Cameron. [16]
Also on the ground floor is The Library which acts as a smaller function room where floor to ceiling book-shelves line either side of the room with antique literary texts and the adjacent walls feature black-and-white photographic portraits of renowned authors; as well as The Cabinet Suites I, II and III, linking to Sir Winston Churchill's many years as a government minister. The remaining function rooms on the ground floor are two Boardrooms accommodating up to a maximum of 10 persons.Located on the second floor of the hotel are four additional meeting spaces. These include; The Marlborough Suite, named after The Duke of Marlborough, the aristocratic family Sir Winston Churchill was born into; The Blenheim Suite, named after Churchill’s family home, The Blenheim Palace; The Spencer Suite so called to symbolize Churchill’s full birth name, Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill and The Randolph Suite signifies Winston’s father Lord Randolph Churchill.
In October 2012, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill partnered with global affairs magazine Monocle, and opened its first retail concept designed specifically for hotel guests. The Monocle Shop, located in the lobby of the hotel, offers a selection of Monocle products and design collaborations. [17]
Social Responsibility, Charitable Initiatives and Partnerships
Since 2008, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has been the Main Hotel Partner of Frieze Art Fair which takes place in Regent’s Park.[18] The Hotel continued its association with contemporary art by initiating a series of exhibitions in the hotel lobby, with the support of Candlestar. In 2009, Hyatt Regency London – the Churchill and Candlestar began their first collaboration, an exhibition of contemporary painting, sculpture and photography entitled ‘Iran Unbowed’ by artists from Iran. [19] The successful partnership led to four other collaborative exhibitions. In 2010, ‘Perspectives’ was launched exploring ideas of expectation and illusion, [20] then ‘Generation 10’ an exhibition of work by ten young artists who graduated that year from Camberwell College of Arts, Chelsea College of Art & Design and Wimbledon College of Art. [21] The fourth exhibition was ‘Painting with Light’ an exploration of the boundaries between photography and painting, through the work of five artists [22] and ‘Crossroads’ which launched in February 2011, that reflects the different perspectives of six working female artists. [23]
In January 2012, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill teamed up with the Saatchi Gallery. As of February 2013, the hotel has produced three exhibitions with the Saatchi Gallery. The first exhibition with the Saatchi Gallery was ‘One Giant Leap’ which featured a range of works from the Saatchi Gallery’s collection which consistently had a reputation for being ground-breaking and innovative and the second exhibition ‘Making Waves’ coincided with the 2012 Summer Olympic Games featured artists that were up and coming in the UK and internationally and the exhibition presented a number of works with a sporting theme. In addition, a Limited Edition Saatchi Gallery Suite was created for guests to stay in and experience contemporary art. [24]
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill also co-sponsors the Portman Square Garden Party to raise funds for charities in the Marylebone and Westminster area. The hotel collaborates with Home House, Locanda Locatelli, The Grazing Goat and Selfridges & Co. Over the years several charities have received funds raised at the Portman Square Garden Party. In 2007, the Make-A-Wish Foundation benefited from the funds raised and received £5,665.98.[25] From 2008 to 2010, a total of £37,636.36 was raised for The Westminster Society and in 2011 and 2012 the Great Ormond Street Hospital and Brain Tumour Research received £11,000 and £14,000 respectively. [26] [27] Furthermore, in 2012 Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill adopted a dog and named it Winston by sponsoring £5000 through the charity Dogs for the Disabled.[28]
References:
[a] The London Encyclopaedia (3rd Edition) - By Christopher Hibbert Ben Weinreb, John & Julia Keay Page 171 – ISBN 978-1-4050-4925-2http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=xa0D0PqiwfEC&pg=PA171&lpg=PA171&dq=stone+toms+and+partners+%2B+churchill&source=bl&ots=_qKopMaO19&sig=WChvfW8XtoHczDfApJydHB7DvS0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EqALUeH3E6iHywHq3oHgCQ&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=stone%20toms%20and%20partners%20%2B%20churchill&f=false [1] http://www.portmanestate.co.uk/heritage/restoration.html [2] Title: Undaunted Author: Jim Smith Publisher: Ashgrove Publishing ISBN: 1853984000, 9781853984006 http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=TH3VWs-8_h8C&pg=PT86&lpg=PT86&dq=loews+us+corporation+%2B+churchill&source=bl&ots=hHoGKs12gn&sig=WShsoWMxq7T5QGY3Skff5LaQpvo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=CgMEUansKKSRygG5u4CICw&sqi=2&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAg [3] Middle East Economic Survey Archives Published on 11 May 1998 - Volume: 41
Issue: 19 Title: NBK Sells London Churchill Hotel for $242Mn http://archives.mees.com/issues/689/articles/27451
[4] Report from Arabian Travel Market 2004 on ehotelier.com
http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=A1558_0_11rel=_0_C
[5] Business Traveller Magazine Published 26 Jan 2011 - Report by Andrew Gough http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/hyatt-regency-london-due-for-refurb
[6] The Telegraph “London's most sumptuous hotel suites” Published August 3 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatpicturegalleries/8675527/Londons-most-sumptuous-hotel-suites.html?image=14
[7]London Evening Standard Published 04 April 2011 - http://www.standard.co.uk/news/hotel-will-treat-guests-like-royalty-in-fournight-marriage-package-6388357.html?origin=internalSearch
[8] The Daily Mail Online Published by Debra Killalea and Michael Lea Title: Passers-by get a shock as Brown and Obama take a turn in the park. Published 26 July 2008 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1038705/Pictured-Passersby-shock-Brown-Obama-turn-park.html
[9] Caterer and Hotel Published by Amanda Afiya on 12 December 2007 http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/28/04/2008/317872/Michael-Gray-named-Hotelier-of-the-Year.htm
[10] Breaking Travel News reported on 26 Jul 2010 http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/michael-j.-gray-appointed-area-director-for-hyatt-international-uk/
[11] VistEatStay Reported on 24 November 2011 http://www.visiteatstay.com/2011/11/the-montagu-restaurant-is-awarded-two-aa-rosettes/
[12] United Kingdom Tea Council Published on 27 March 2012 http://www.tea.co.uk/news-article/London-Tea-Guild-Awards-of-Excellence-2012
[13] Evening Standard Published ‘Wit of Winston Churchill (without the vermouth)’ on 29 November 2012 http://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/wit-of-winston-churchill-without-the-vermouth-8368347.html [14] BigHospitality Online Reported on 09 November 2012 Luke Nicholls
http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Venues/The-Churchill-Bar-and-Terrace-to-open-at-Hyatt-Regency-London
[15] The Observer Published on 27 June 2004 by Jay Rayner http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2004/jun/27/foodanddrink.features2
[16] London Evening Standard Reported on 08 May 2008 by Sebastian Shakespeare http://www.standard.co.uk/news/mayor/cameron-is-simply-a-spectator-at-mayor-show-6671283.html
[17] ‘Monocle Opens Up Hyatt Regency London Location’ published on October 2012 by Life and Times Online Blog http://lifeandtimes.com/monocle-opens-up-hyatt-regency-london-location
[18] Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill - Frieze London Main Partner Hotel – Frieze London Official Website. http://friezelondon.com/visitors/hotels/hyatt-regency-london-the-churchill-frieze-london-main-partner-hotel
[19] Candlestar Official Website http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2009/10/iran-unbowed/
[20] Candlestar Official Website
http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2010/03/perspectives/
[21] Candlestar Official Website http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2010/07/generation-10/
[22] Candlestar Official Website http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2010/10/painting-with-light/
[23] Candlestar Official Website
http://www.candlestar.co.uk/2011/03/crossroads/
[24] Marylebone Journal Online Section: Culture http://marylebonejournal.com/culture/art-break-hotel
[25] The Portman Published Summer 2007 http://www.portmanestate.co.uk/magazine/2007-summer.pdf
[26] The Westminster Society for people with learning disabilities Newsletter Publication on 26 May 2010 http://www.wspld.org.uk/main.cfm?Type=NI&ObjectId=2625
[27] BTRC – Brain Tumour Research Campaign Online Reported on 12 June 2012 http://www.wayahead-btrc.org/2012/06/13/portman-square-garden-party/
[28] Dogs for the Disabled Online Published in November 2012: “Winston” Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill’s life-changing puppy http://www.dogsforthedisabled.org/2012/11/winston-hyatt-regency-london-the-churchills-life-changing-puppy/