Robert De Niro plans London hotel
Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro is planning to launch an 83-bedroom boutique hotel in London with BD Hotels and Capital & Counties Properties (Capco).
The star already operates the Greenwich hotel in New York with partners Ira Drukier and Richard Born and now the trio intend to replicate their Manhattan success in Covent Garden.
Plans have been submitted to Westminster Council for a hotel to be developed behind the historic façade of six adjacent buildings (three of which are Grade II-listed) bounded by Wellington, Tavistock, Burleigh and Exeter streets. If given the go-ahead, the hotel will include two restaurants, a deli/café, spa and members' club, all built around a central courtyard conservatory.
De Niro said in a statement: "London is one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in the world. It makes perfect sense to develop a hotel that represents all of that in the heart of this city in Covent Garden.
"The Wellington hotel would honour the heritage of the area, while bringing the best of what we've done in New York to London."
Sarah-Jane Curtis, director of Capco Covent Garden, added: "Robert De Niro and BD Hotels have emerged as the world's leading luxury hoteliers, so the Wellington hotel is a hugely exciting prospect for London, which continues to see strong demand for inventive boutique retreats."
If the plans are approved work will start next year with an opening set for 2019.
Capco acquired an estate comprising over one million square feet in Covent Garden 10 years ago. New developments include the opening of Sushisamba in Covent Garden's Market Building later this year.
BD Hotels, run by Drukier and Born, is one of the biggest names in the New York boutique hotel sector, where its portfolio includes the Bowery and the Ludlow.
*Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The CatererFONT >>*
Latest video from The Caterer
