The Lanesborough's contents to be auctioned off in preparation for major renovation

By Emma Eversham

- Last updated on GMT

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Contents of Hyde Park Hotel The Lanesborough will be auctioned off before the hotel closes its doors for renovation work on the 20 December
Contents of Hyde Park Hotel The Lanesborough will be auctioned off before the hotel closes its doors for renovation work on the 20 December
The contents of luxury London hotel The Lanesborough are to be auctioned off next month ahead of the property's nine month closure for major renovation work. 

All furnishings and equipment from the 93-bedroom hotel, which is managed by Starwood's St Regis brand, will be sold at the auction from 9 to 13 December before it closes its doors on 20 December for an extensive refurbishment that will see all rooms and public areas, including in-house restaurant Apsley's given a new look. 

The Lanesborough managing director Geoffrey Gelard said: "This marks an unprecedented renovation project for the hotel which brings with it the opportunity to purchase a piece of the hotel’s history at auction as we pave the way for a new chapter for The Lanesborough. 

“Since we first opened 22 years ago, we have been dedicated to surpassing guest’s expectations with attention to detail and unrivalled service. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the hotel industry, undertaking regular updates, however this marks an unprecedented renovation project."

Designs by Alberto Pinto, the renowned interior designer who died last year, will be used as the basis of refurbishment, the first for the property since it was opened by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in 1991. 

The new look is expected to pay homage to the building's Regency style, while also incorporating Pinto's more eclectic designs and new technology. 

"Through Alberto Pinto’s talent and vision combined with the latest innovations, we will undoubtedly reaffirm ourselves as one of the most distinguished and luxurious hotels in the world. We look forward to unveiling a new era for The Lanesborough," said Gelard. 

Staff

A spokesperson for the hotel said staff within reservations and concierge services would be retained during the closure alongside other key members of staff. However the majority of the hotel's 297 members of staff have entered into a consultation over the future of their jobs. Some will be offered positions within existing Starwood hotels while others will be invited to apply for jobs at new properties in the UK and internationally. 

Paul Gayler, executive chef de cuisine, who joined The Lanesborough when it opened in 1991, will leave his post in December and will be replaced on re-opening while chef Heinz Beck, who took over Italian restaurant​ Apsley's at the hotel in 2009, is expected to continue the partnership when the new-look hotel opens in autumn 2014. 

Auctioneers Pro Auction will lead the sale of the hotel's contents, with viewing available to the public by appointment from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December or before the sale starts each day at 10.30am.

The auction will take place at The Lanesborough itself and online bidding will also be available via a live webcast. Lots can be viewed online at www.thelanesboroughsale.com ​or in a catalogue. Call 0207 206 2690 for information. 

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