Admiralty Arch, London, UK
Prime Investors Capital Ltd. has appointed Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to operate a new luxury hotel that will be housed in London’s iconic Admiralty Arch.
The Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria will open in 2022, following an extensive renovation and refurbishment, which will see the monument’s architectural and historical features restored and protected. The property will include 96 guestrooms and suites and three world-class restaurants. Plans also include a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city’s skyline; private meetings and event spaces; and a state-of-the-art spa.
Prime Investors Capital acquired Admiralty Arch from the British government in 2015. Rafael Serrano, the company’s CEO, explained that since that time, they have made many decisions that will impact not only the future of the building and the local area, but also the profile of the very heart of London. “We have appointed a team of talented experts with the experience and knowledge to capture the spirit of this magnificent building,” he said. “We have created a detailed plan to transform Admiralty Arch into an extraordinary hotel, residences and private members club. And one of the most important decisions we have made is to select and appoint the operator to whom we will entrust the management and running of this hotel.”
Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton, said that the agreement marries the timeless elegance of Waldorf Astoria with the historic grandeur of one of London’s great monuments. “Projects of this calibre are rare, and Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria will provide a truly unforgettable hospitality experience when it opens to guests,” he added.
Admiralty Arch was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, and was designed by Sir Aston Webb, who was also responsible for The Mall and main facade at Buckingham Palace. In addition to housing the official residences of the First Sea Lords, the monument has served as a centre for clandestine wartime intelligence efforts, a Royal Navy outpost, and latterly as a centre for the UK Government’s Cabinet office.
Since construction of the building was completed in 1910, Admiralty Arch has hosted leading figures of states and society, from Sir Winston Churchill—whose office was based within the Arch when he was First Sea Lord of the Admiralty—to Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond spy novels. The Arch offers views down The Mall to Buckingham Palace, and across Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column.
To acquire the 250-year lease of the property, Prime Investors participated in a “rigorous and thorough” office tender process, outbidding 28 institutional bidders from all over the world.
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