DRLondon: Twenty14 Holdings, the hospitality investment arm of LuLu Group International, has completed investment worth Rs. 2800 crore in the UK, with the inauguration of the Great Scotland Yard in London on December 9, 2019.
The historic property was acquired in 2015 for Rs. 1025 crore, and the makeover of the hotel involved a further investment of Rs. 512 crore. In addition to the Great Scotland Yard, Twenty14 Holdings has acquired the celebrated Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian in Scotland in 2018.
The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is located in the St. James’s district of Westminster. The Unbound Collection is an exclusive portfolio of properties and stays—from historic landmarks to storied resorts — designed to captivate travellers willing to pay a premium for distinctive experiences while reassuring them with the Hyatt brand and loyalty program.
The first hotel in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt to open in Britain, the Great Scotland Yard was once a dwelling for visiting Kings of Scotland during the Tudor period, while today the building is most famous as the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Police force. It was during this time the Jack the Ripper crimes were investigated at Great Scotland Yard, and the building was immortalised in the works of writers, including Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 1910, the building served as the British Army Recruitment Office and Royal Military Police headquarters.
On the occasion, Yusuffali M A, Chairman, LuLu Group International said: “London is one of the world’s greatest cities, and the Great Scotland Yard Hotel represents its illustrious past as well as its modern significance. The hotel spotlights the city’s vibrant history, its several celebrated aspects, and its status as a global melting pot. In essence, we have curated an unmatched experience for every guest while recreating the historic premises into a symbol of ultimate hospitality. We welcome you to experience this unique and fabulous experience at the Great Scotland Yard.”
A Grade II-listed building of 1820 with Edwardian & Victorian architecture, the high-end luxury boutique hotel, spanning 93,000 sq. ft. and spread over seven floors, has 153 rooms and 15 suites, including a two-bedroom townhouse VIP suite, created from part of the original Scotland Yard Police premises for visiting business tycoons, celebrities, musicians and heads of state. Inside the hotel, one finds a library, gymnasium with changing rooms, meeting/conference rooms, a 120-seater conference space/ballroom and VIP function rooms.
Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director, Twenty14 Holdings, said: “The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is a dream-come-true for us. The culmination of a path set long ago: transforming one of the world’s most historic addresses into an icon of modern hospitality. Twenty14 Holdings’ focus remained steady right through, keeping the building’s reputation in mind, every effort made in its rebirth had to be extraordinary, beyond expectations. And, this is what has been accomplished. The Great Scotland Yard Hotel invites you to experience its myriad stories.”
Once the famous and historical home of law and order in London’s City of Westminster, Great Scotland Yard will be a modern destination, an innovative and lively space offering multiple F&B option – The Yard, The Forty Elephants, The Parlour and Sibín serving international & British modern food under the supervision of acclaimed chef & restaurateur Robin Gill.
Peter Fulton, Group President EAME/SWA, Hyatt Hotels said: “We at Hyatt feel extremely proud to find ourselves charged with preserving the illustrious heritage of this iconic building, Great Scotland Yard, and give it a new life as the first hotel within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. I could not think of a better London home for this brand, which is all about creating unique stays and story-worthy experiences. I want to thank the LuLu Group for putting their trust in us and handing us the keys to this one-of-a-kind hotel. We look forward to our continued success and building further on the fruitful relationship between Hyatt and the Lulu Group”.
The hotel has partnered with the Koestler Trust, the UK prison arts charity, to showcase some of the award-winning pictures, ceramics and sculptures by serving prisoners from the Trust’s annual competition. The themed luxury hotel has secret doors, hidden rooms, shields, emblems and historic details etched into glass and metalwork. Walls are lined in walnut paneling, antique bronze mirror work, and bespoke joinery, secret doors give access to the whiskey bar and signature restaurant, marble marquetry design flooring graces the cocktail bar with built-in banquet seating lined with button-cushion leather. Newly-commissioned works of art and curated interior displays using antiques, collectables, and ephemera recall multiple aspects of the history of crime, detective work, and the police—as well as the hotel’s location.
