A Knightsbridge hotel that was at the centre of the Swinging Sixties scene when regulars included Michael Caine, Joan Collins and Twiggy has reopened after a £100 million refurbishment.
The Carlton Tower off Sloane Street was shut for 23 months during a refit that was delayed for a year by the disruption caused by the pandemic.
The landmark – London’s tallest hotel when it opened in 1961 - was best known for its Rib Room bar and restaurant, which was described as offering “a gourmet’s feast in an atmosphere of masculine hearty good cheer” when it launched.
The hotel, owned by Dubai-based Jumeirah, fully reopened this week with the Rib Room replaced by a new Italian restaurant Al Mare and rooms starting from £400 a night.
It also has a 20-metre pool, said to be the biggest of any hotel in London with natural light, and a ninth floor gym.
General manager Aaron Kaupp said bookings from the domestic “staycation” market are already very strong with some signs of a revival in the international market towards the end of the year.
To mark the opening four elected members of staff from the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals will be offered complimentary stays in the top suite.
