The London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square
The manufacturing expertise of hotel furniture specialists ODonnell Furniture Makers was called upon to help bring some quintessential English style to the newly refurbished guestrooms at the five-star London Marriott Hotel in Mayfair.One of the most striking aspects about the multi-million pound refurbishment project at the Marriott, Grosvenor Square Hotel, with two of its three phases now complete, is the dramatic break from the traditional style and finishes associated with Marriott guestrooms.
United Designers defined the brief for their client, Strategic Hotels and Resorts, and produced a contemporary interpretation of a Mayfair Residence within the majestic neo-Georgian façade, drawing on the rich history of Mayfair, English cultural references and attention to detail that surrounds the world famous streets adjacent to Berkeley Square. The hotel renovation currently includes all guestrooms and suites, some with private courtyard gardens, and bespoke furniture all designed in collaboration with ODonnells the Irish furniture makers. There is now an exclusive Club room, multi functional meeting rooms, gymnasium and grand staircase linking the yet to be refurbished lobby flanked on both sides by Gordon Ramsay’s acclaimed Maze Grill restaurant and private dining rooms.
United Designers drew inspiration from the hotel’s strong sense of heritage to take the design of this major refurbishment in a groundbreaking, luxurious and contemporary direction. Integral to this approach was the creation of bespoke bedroom furniture pieces and the choice of a manufacturer who would pay attention to detail and who could deliver the required standard of high quality, crafted goods on schedule and on budget.
Previously, United Designers had worked with ODonnell on other iconic hotel projects including The Clarence in Dublin and The Metropolitan Hotel in Park Lane and it was based on the success of these projects that the relationship continues today at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel.
An in-house team at United Designers were responsible for the initial design ideas and benchmark pieces of bespoke furniture but it was the close working relationship between United and ODonnell that finally realised these into the individual items seen in the rooms today. The aim was to reinterpret classic English detailing and style. The collaboration between designer and manufacturer began in the early stages of the creative process with design discussions and reviews. ODonnell’s input on the structural and manufacturing requirements meant that drawings were continually refined to ensure a practical solution that always complemented the required design aesthetic. During the manufacturing process, prototypes, joinery details and control samples were undertaken to ensure that the highest standards were maintained.
Also closely involved in the project was Cass Naylor, Project Director for the London office of international purchasing agents The Parker Company. Responsible for the sourcing and purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), Cass describes the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel project as “an exciting challenge that called for the best in teamwork between designers, manufacturers and suppliers.”
The Parker Company had previously worked with ODonnell on projects such as The Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch and the Le Meridien Russell in Bloomsbury so they were confident they would satisfy the exacting expectations set by both client and designers. As Cass says: “The collaboration with ODonnell and their commitment to quality of craftsmanship has been evident throughout the design and manufacture process and as a result the finished pieces are of the highest standard and now acclaimed by both Marriott and the hotel guests.”
A variety of bed styles and sizes were specified including four-poster, double and king size beds that include integral lighting and leather headboards highlighting the attention to detail and glamour that defines both ODonnell and United Designers’ work. The use of dark stained oak, tapered furniture legs, polished stainless steel trims and colourful drawer interiors also reiterate the contemporary take on English traditional sensibility. Yet there is an overriding sense of understated modernity.
In addition to the family of bespoke beds, ODonnell were asked to produce desks, bedside tables, ottomans and media units. A limited number of these were made to provide a unique piece of furniture interest to the suites.
Very careful thought and consideration went into the final design of each bedroom. As Mark Aldridge, Director of Sales & Marketing for the London Marriott says: “We wanted to incorporate simple and elegant furniture pieces and a subtle palette with state-of-the-art integrated technology and concealed lighting. The grand four-poster beds, contemporary fireplaces and marble bathrooms give a modern aesthetic yet respect the unique and rich Mayfair heritage.”
The final phase of the refurbishment is due to be completed early in 2010. The London townhouse concept will continue and United will be looking to work with ODonnell once more to extend the current furniture range with the possible addition of items in the upper suites.
Mark Aldridge summarises that everyone connected with the hotel and this major renovation is very pleased with the development and customer reaction. He concludes: “As a work in progress, ODonnell can be rightly proud to have been involved in the creation of some of the most stylish and luxurious hotel bedrooms in central London.”
London Marriott Hotel
Grosvenor Square
London W1K 6JP
Tel: 020 7493 1232
www.marriottgrosvenorsquare.com