June 27th, 2007
New London
The West Hollywood Wyndham Bel Age has an unusual New Year’s resolution: getting people to remember its new name.
The Bel Age will soon be called London LA–one of two locations that owner LXR Luxury Resorts is opening that may form the cornerstone of a new hotel brand.
The change comes with a remodel that will be completed in two stages, so that the property can remain open. “The Bel Age is going to get a pretty comprehensive overhaul,” said Amy Campbell, a spokeswoman for the hotel.
Irish designer David Collins has been hired to transform interiors of the guest rooms and public spaces, while Gordon Ramsay, the British chef of Fox Broadcasting Co.’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” will open two restaurants at the London LA.
Another Ramsay-headed restaurant and bar will open at London NYC, the new name of the existing Rihga Royal Hotel in New York. Like the Bel Age, the Rihga is an all-suites hotel that will be getting a substantial makeover.
The London locations are part of LXR’s 23-hotel portfolio, which is owned by the Blackstone Group, the giant private equity firm. The Group purchased Wyndham International last year in a deal valued at $3.24 billion.
The London LA remodel is expected to be finished in spring 2007, while the remodel of the London NYC should be completed next fall.