Latest news with #fiveStarHotel
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After a decade-long scandal, is it finally makeover time for Park Lane Hotel?
The Park Lane Hotel, once ground zero for one of the biggest global fraud scandals in history, is finally getting its makeover. The Qatar Investment Authority is moving ahead with plans to redevelop the property — which has been called the 'world's greatest site for development' — into a five-star hotel, hotel condos and residences, a source with knowledge of the plans said. Technical consultants and architects are in the process of evaluating different options for the property at 36 Central Park South, the source said. Plans to convert the Billionaires' Row building into condos have been brewing for more than a decade following a series of high-profile scandals. Qatar's sovereign wealth fund bought the 46-story hotel in 2023 from Witkoff Group for nearly $623 million after plans to develop the property fell apart. Steve Witkoff's company and Malaysian businessman Jho Low purchased the hotel in 2013 for $654 million, with the intention of converting the building's 631 rooms into high-end condominiums. In 2016, he and his partners — Harry Macklowe, Howard Lorber's New Valley and Highgate Holdings — put the new development on hold, believing the Billionaires' Row market had become too oversaturated. A few months later, the project seemed back on track after Chinese developer Greenland Group bought a 41 percent stake in the project from Kuwait Strategic Investors. But shortly after the deal closed, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit aiming to seize the hotel as part of its investigation into Low, who owned 85 percent of the property and was accused of stealing $4 billion from the Emirati sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company. Witkoff put the property up for sale in 2017, hoping to fetch a price near $1 billion. At the time, JLL's Jeffrey Davis, who wasn't involved in the listing, dubbed it 'the world's greatest site for development.' Despite Witkoff's high expectations, no one met the steep asking price. The owners refinanced the hotel in 2019 with a $615 million loan from Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan, and the Abu Dhabi fund increased its stake in the property as part of the DOJ's effort to recover funds. A portion of the proceeds went toward a renovation. Years later, and the building — developed by Harry Helmsley in 1967 — is still awaiting its big transformation. The source could not confirm whether the QIA plans to redevelop the existing building or demolish it and build new. It was also unclear whether the plans include any of the neighboring properties. The medical condo building at 30 Central South has long been floated as a possible addition to the development site. In 2015, Extell Development's Gary Barnett approached the condo board of the building — a former hotel that now primarily houses dentists' offices — about a possible purchase, possibly foiling Witkoff's plans for a supertall at the Park Lane site. But no deal was ever struck, and condo board president Alain Roizen told The Real Deal he has not fielded any serious offers. 'Not from the right people,' Roizen said. Barnett may foil Witkoff's bid to build supertall at Park Lane Hotel site Qataris shell out $623M for storied Park Lane Hotel Abu Dhabi fund ups stake in Park Lane Hotel as part of 1MDB funds recovery This article originally appeared on The Real Deal. Click here to read the full story. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
13-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'Run-down' Salisbury Cathedral Hotel to be converted into roof top bar
A Grade-II listed building is set to be converted into a five-star hotel with a roof top for the former Cathedral Hotel in Salisbury, Wiltshire, include 13 rooms, an al-fresco restaurant and a recreation of a historic façade on Milford "run-down" building, which has been vacant since 2022, is due to reopen in Currie, owner of the site, said: "The hotel will be a unique destination which will make a major contribution to the tourism sector and the economic future of the city." It is the first proposal to be approved amid the city's Skyline Policy, which limits the construction of new developments higher than 40ft (12.2m).The building already stands at 53ft (16.1m), but will be 3ft (0.9m) shorter after the redevelopment. The Spitfire Sky Bar, which is inspired by Mr Currie's parents who met in the city while making components for the fighter during World War Two, will offer panoramic views of landmarks across the Bennett, the planning director representing Mr Currie, said the development would be "transformative" for the city."It will not only bring back into use a vacant and run-down Grade-II listed building, but deliver for local people and visitors to Salisbury alike the chance to see and experience this historic city in an entirely new way, from a roof top perspective, and better reveal its numerous heritage assets," he added.
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Newlywed Brits say they had honeymoon from hell at five-star Greek hotel 'construction site' with deafening grinding tools beside the loungers and heavy machinery whizzing between the sunbeds
Newlywed Brits say they had the honeymoon from hell after their five-star hotel was a 'construction site' with machinery whizzing between sunbeds and the sound of drilling echoing across the resort. Phil and Hannah Perkins got married on May 9th and were excited to jet off to Rhodes, Greece, for their holiday two days later. But, their romantic getaway soon took a turn for the worse when they arrived to find the hotel 'in shambles'. The couple claim they sat down by the poolside on the first morning of their trip, hoping to relax, but were shocked to hear a 'deafening' noise from building works taking place. Phil, 56, said he could hear drilling and banging all day long for the duration of their £1,080 holiday, while the noise was so bad it drowned out the music from the bar. Builders reportedly worked in between the sunbeds with trucks and machines, leaving guests having to move their chairs out of the way while they installed glass panels on balconies above the pool. The father claims he and his wife were unable to take any romantic photos due to the hotel being covered in concrete, leaving them feeling like they have not had a honeymoon. While Phil says he tried to get in touch with the holiday rep, he reportedly never received a call back. Phil, from Newport, Wales, said: 'We didn't really expect any problems with it being a five-star resort. When we got there, everything looked nice, on the coast, it was a big place. 'After breakfast, I could hear this constant noise, we had a wander about and there was some building work going on but it was right by the pool, which was called a "relax" pool. 'You had trucks coming through with cement and you had to move your beds to make way. 'I had it for a day and went to see the rep but was told they didn't when she would be back. I gave them my number but she never came back to me. 'It was constant, I watched them put some glass railings above the relax pool and there were people in the pool while they were putting the glass panels in. 'I thought this is not right. There was concrete everywhere. It was just in shambles. 'It was constant drilling, banging. I told my wife, "let's go to the bar and leave this relaxed nonsense", there was a bit of music and we wanted to chill, we thought the music would drown that out, but we could hear no music. 'It was all day every day, it was unbelievable, I've never experienced anything like that. It was a proper building site. The father claims he and his wife were unable to take any romantic photos due to the hotel being 'in shambles' and covered in concrete, leaving them feeling like they have not had a honeymoon. Pictured: Construction workers making noise while working 'I wouldn't expect all the building work, they could've told us before we went, and they're still not advertising it. It ruined our honeymoon. 'We didn't even take one honeymoon photograph, looking around it was so dirty. It was ridiculous, crazy.' But Phil claims the problems had started when the couple first entered their swim-out room and saw the 'brown' sunbeds, leaving them unable to use the pool. After arriving home, the couple complained to EasyJet who reportedly offered them a £281 refund, which the couple initially refused, until it was increased to £381. Phil said: 'We booked a swim-out room, for a little bit of extra. When we got to the room, I opened the curtain to see the swim-out area, and the beds were really grimy and dirty. 'I understand people use tan lotions but it was just brown, they were full of marks we didn't really want to see. It needed a good clean up, hence why we didn't go in there. 'I did go back and asked if there's any chance I could have another room, I wasn't really happy with what I could see. He pretty much said no. 'I get things can go wrong and you can't please everybody but I'm easily pleased. Phil, from Newport, Wales, said: 'We didn't really expect any problems with it being a five-star resort. When we got there, everything looked nice, on the coast, it was a big place 'We went down to see if there was any evening entertainment, there might have been karaoke but there was nothing happening to be honest. 'I complained to EasyJet and a couple of weeks later they apologised £280, the holiday cost us £1,080. 'EasyJet then came back and said they'd offer £380. I just want to forget about it. 'My wife is really down about it; it's like we haven't had a honeymoon. We didn't even take a [honeymoon] photograph. It wasn't right at all.' Phil posted footage from his holiday on social media. One comment on the post said: 'They owe you a free holiday at the very least.' Another said: 'B***** nightmare!!!!!' Another said: 'That's f******* terrible. Like hell could I stay there another day. I've gone fishing and had better holiday than that buddy and didn't catch a thing.' An easyJet holidays spokesman said: 'We're really sorry to hear that Mr Perkins was unhappy with his experience, especially on such a special holiday. 'Once Mr Perkins returned home and got in touch with us, we immediately offered a partial refund. Our team has since been back in touch with Mr Perkins to apologise for his experience and offer a further refund, which was accepted.'
Condé Nast Traveler
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
Travelle at The Langham, Chicago — Bar Review
This swanky lounge, set two stories above the Chicago River, delivers on the promise of 'art-inspired' cocktails. Seasonal specialities leverage top-shelf spirits to anchor bold expressions of flavor, like the Midnight In San Juan—combining bourbon with 23-year-old rum and coconut for a semisweet journey in oak. The Oaxacan Skull Crusher is a savory sort of mezcal martini using Del Maguey Vida and red bell pepper cordial. As an added bonus here, the premium whiskey and wine lists are both exhaustive and expertly-curated. Even if you're abstaining entirely, this versatile program is offering some of the more thoughtfully composed non-alcoholic expressions in town. Given the breadth of options—and panorama—it's no wonder that many guests to this venerated five-star hotel don't make it much further than the lobby.
CNN
15-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
A trip to Rome for state officials. Paid for in part by companies they regulate.
A group of US state officials flew free to Italy and stayed in a five-star Rome hotel thanks to a group funded by corporate interests. CNN's Kyung Lah reports.
