Renovations Abroad: Hotel Scribe Paris, BodyHoliday St. Lucia; More…

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—From Europe to the Caribbean, hotels are stepping it up in terms of design. Take a look at what’s new:

Budapest Hotel Completes Redesign

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest has completed a redesign of its 27 rooms and 10 suites. The renovation is part of a$10,019,035 (€8.5-million) investment that also included the refurbishment of an additional 126 rooms and three suites. The renovation will continue in 2019.

​British designer, Alex Kravetz, has rebuilt the premium grand deluxe rooms and premium junior suites. The shades have been upgraded with blackout blinds and smart LED TVs were added. Four executive suites now have views of Erzsébet Park and the ferris wheel, Budapest Eye. The two Corvinus Collection Suites are designed in a similar style and both offer additional function with their respective adjoining junior suite.

Three Rome Properties See Upgrades

The Bettoja Hotel Group has begun a $21,216,780 (€18M renovation) on its three hotels: Hotel Mediterraneo, Hotel Atlantico, and Hotel Massimo D’Azeglio.

Starting with the 245-room flagship property, Hotel Mediterraneo will have its first 20 renovated rooms completed this summer. In addition, the property will get an updated conference center and Art Deco-style meeting rooms. The more intimate 65-room Hotel Atlantico, set in an Art Deco building connected to the Mediterraneo, will also be completely renovated. The last phase will involve the 185-room Hotel Massimo D’Azeglio. The Sala Risorgimento and Sala Umberto meeting and event spaces can accommodate up to 200 guests. At Massimo D’Azeglio, there is a focus on history, with original paintings from the 1860s Risorgimento (unification) period.

All three properties are proximate to the Colosseum, Opera House, Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. For dining options, there are two restaurants, including Massimo D’Azeglio and the Roof Garden. The Massimo D’Azeglio also has a vaulted wine cellar that can be reserved for private parties.

Paris Hotel Gets Restored to Former Glory

Hotel Scribe, managed by Sofitel and part of the AccorHotels Group, has begun a renovation to be completed by fall 2019. The first guestrooms will be completed by September. Hotel Scribe has joined Wilson Associates and its artistic director Tristan Auer to restore the hotel. The hotel, which will remain open during its transformation, aims to emphasize its location in the Opera district through its new design and food & beverage offerings.

Tristan Auer’s designs for the guestrooms recall a Parisian apartment, with fireplaces, moldings, wainscoting and fabric headboards. Bathroom ceilings reflect the colors of the Oper Garnier’s ceiling as painted by Chagall.

St. Lucia Property Revamps Rooms, Dining Options

BodyHoliday St. Lucia, will undergo a $20-million renovation just in time for the property’s 30th anniversary. As part of the multimillion-dollar plan, the resort will transform its guestrooms, six restaurants, public spaces and back-of-house facilities. Doors will close on July 1 for renovations and will reopen on Aug. 26.

A total of 76 oceanview rooms will receive a full makeover with a new eco-friendly air conditioning system. BodyHoliday will also be introducing two new villas, Villa Lara and Villa Calypso. These will include an apartment and a junior suite that can be rented either separately or as a full unit.

In addition, the resort’s wellness center will undergo further updates along with more dining options. Tao, the Asian-fusion restaurant, will be fully renovated with new designs and include an outdoor deck and new organic menu.