Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch scheduled to open in 2025
London's first Waldorf Astoria property is set to open in Admiralty Arch in 2025.
Construction has accelerated since Reuben Brothers, who were listed at number three on the Sunday Times Rich List 2022 with a fortune of £22b, took over ownership of the building, at the base of the Mall by Trafalgar Square, from Prime Investors Capital (PIC) last summer.
PIC had completed the purchase of the 250-year-old lease on the Grade-I-listed building in 2015 for £60m, with an initial opening, which has now been delayed, pinned for 2022.
The development of the hotel has changed slightly since the Reuben Brothers takeover, including the replacement of an afternoon tea salon on the fourth-floor bridge with a two-bedroom VIP suite offering views of the Mall and Buckingham Palace, which will be bookable for overnight stays and private events.
The hotel will be divided into a North and South side, stretching upwards from the spa on level -3 up to a rooftop brasserie on level 6. A 320-cover ballroom and reception will be on the lower ground floor.
A spokesperson for Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch said the hotel will be an "F&B destination", complete with an all-day diner and terrace with more than 100 covers, a 50-cover restaurant with chef's table for formal dining, and an underground bar that pays homage to the building's historic residents, including Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming.
It is understood the hotel has made "good progress" in terms of securing chefs, having already entered the contract stages of a partnership.
Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch will have a "unique security status" as state processions will be taking place underneath the hotel.
It is due to comprise 100 rooms and between one and four residencies.
Speaking to press on a hard hat tour of the property today, Dino Michael, senior vice president and global category head, Hilton luxury brands, said: "This is going to be a huge flag for us in London. It's been a city we've been trying to get into for a while. This building is very prominent in televised event scheduling and fits the notion of classic luxury really well."
Admiralty Arch had been commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria. The building was completed in 1912 and acquired by the Hilton group 11 years ago for development purposes.
Christopher J. Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton, which has over 30 Waldorf Astoria properties, added: "Admiralty Arch is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in London and we are delighted to be working with Reuben Brothers on this magnificent hotel.
"With a legacy of preserving and enhancing incredible historical buildings, Waldorf Astoria is a natural fit for this development, and Reuben Brothers' proven track record in delivering projects of this magnitude makes them a wonderful partner."
