Jumeirah Group has reopened its European flagship hotel, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in London following a £100m refurbishment.

The hotel, located in the heart of Knightsbridge, was originally supposed to reopen last summer but was delayed due to the pandemic. London-based design studio 1508 London was appointed to reimagine the iconic property, originally designed by Henry End, who was also responsible for the interiors of the famous Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.

Every corner of the 17-story building has been redesigned during the 18-month closure and refurbishment, the most extensive in its history. Along with a new foyer and reception, there are 186 new look bedrooms and suites, a ballroom for up to 400 and meeting rooms.

The number of rooms was reduced from 216 as part of the transformation as the property will now offer larger accommodations – nearly 50 percent are suites now and 87 have balconies with direct views either over the greenery of Cadogan Square or Harrods and Knightsbridge.

Highlights of the renovation include the new Royal Suite, the hotel’s most exclusive residence featuring three bedrooms with the option to privatise the entire floor for the utmost in security and discretion, and a new health club and spa with London’s largest 20m swimming pool with natural daylight and views through its double-height glass ceiling.

Dining concepts include destination restaurant and bar “Al Mare”, boasting a theatre kitchen for immersive dining, a private dining room and alfresco seating on Cadogan Place, and the Chinoiserie, an all-day lobby lounge and bar offering a ‘cake-o-clock’ afternoon tea concept, served late into the evening. Additionally, a newly created lobby bar offers a refined cocktails and spirits in glamorous surrounds.

The hotel’s enviable position supplies guests with unique access to the private Cadogan Gardens, presenting a green space and tennis courts, normally only open to residents.