London’s ‘most hi-tech hotel’ launches next month

Having been purchased by renowned hotelier David Byrne in March 2010, the former budget Elizabeth Hotel is being transformed by architects Woods Bagot into a hi-tech boutique property in line with the Design Hotels portfolio.

The adult-only, 39-bedroom hotel, which is housed in two Georgian townhouses, claims to be London’s most hi-tech hotel, as it incorporates traditional English design with the latest technology.

Each room is equipped with iPad 2s; £12k massage beds; marble bathrooms with ‘smart glass’ that turns opaque; control pads that give guests control over all of the room’s electronic facilities; and televisions with the latest in HD and 3D technology.

In addition, a state-of-the-art Media Lounge features the latest video conferencing technology alongside a 103” 3D plasma TV and media wall.

Guest-centric​

Byrne’s daughter Olivia, who graduated recently from L’Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne in Switzerland, has led the renovation as hotel director.

She said: “Both the owning family and the highly talented management team have put their heart and soul and the full weight of many years of experience into creating a hotel concept where the client's wellbeing is at the centre of all considerations.

“We want our clients to leave the hotel feeling better than they did when they arrived,” she added.

Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, Eccleston Square's 50-cover bar and restaurant will serve a modern French a la carte menu alongside an additional bar and tapas menu. A head chef is yet to be found for the property.

Alex Conkleton, formerly of the Halkin Hotel, will lead the staff as hotel manager.

The Berlin-based Design Hotels collection also features 12 additional UK hotels, including The Scarlett Hotel in Cornwall, Town Hall Hotel & Apartments in Bethnal Green, Sanctum Soho Hotel and Boundary in Shoreditch.