LONDON — Twenty14 Holdings, the hospitality investment arm of UAE’s LuLu Group International, has completed investments of AED 1.43 billion in UK, with the inauguration of the Great Scotland Yard in London. The hotel will be open for business from today (December 9, 2019).
The Great Scotland Yard was officially inaugurated by Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State, Sir Edward Lister, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Chief Strategic Adviser, Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to Britain, Mark Hoplamazian, Global President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels in the presence of Yusuffali M A, Chairman of Lulu Group and Adeeb Ahmed, Managing Director of Twenty14 Holdings in London.
The historic property was acquired in 2015 for AED 550 million, and the makeover of the hotel involved a further AED 250 million. In addition to the Great Scotland Yard, Twenty14 Holdings had acquired the celebrated Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian in Scotland in 2018 for AED 440 million.
The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, which is being managed by Hyatt under their The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, is located in the St. James’s district of Westminster.
Steeped in history, The Great Scotland Yard was once a dwelling for visiting Kings of Scotland during the Tudor period, while today the building is most famous as the former headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police force. In 1910, the building served as the British Army Recruitment Office and Royal Military Police headquarters.
Speaking about the new project, Yusuff Ali said: “London is one of the world’s greatest cities and the Great Scotland Yard Hotel represents its illustrious past as well as its modern significance. The hotel spotlights the city’s vibrant history, its several celebrated aspects and its status as a global melting pot. In essence, we have curated an unmatched experience for every guest while recreating the historic premises into a symbol of ultimate hospitality. We welcome you to experience this unique and fabulous experience at the Great Scotland Yard.”
An 1820s Grade II listed building with Edwardian & Victorian architecture, the high-end luxury boutique hotel with 7 floors and spanning 93,000 sq. ft. has 153 rooms and 15 suites apart from a 2-bedroom townhouse VIP-suite created from part of the original Scotland Yard Police premises. The hotel also features a library, gymnasium, meeting/conference rooms, a 120-seater conference space/ballroom and VIP function rooms.
Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director, Twenty14 Holdings, said “The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is a dream come true for us. The culmination of a path set long ago. Transforming one of the world’s most historic addresses into an icon of modern hospitality. Twenty14 Holdings’ focus remained steady right through, keeping the building’s reputation in mind, every effort made in its rebirth had to be extraordinary, beyond expectations. And, this is what has been accomplished. The Great Scotland Yard Hotel invites you to experience its myriad stories.”
Once the famous and historical home of law and order in London’s City of Westminster, Great Scotland Yard will be a modern destination, an innovative and lively space offering multiple F&B options – The Yard, The Forty Elephants, The Parlour and Sibín serving international & British modern food under the supervision of acclaimed Chef & restaurateur Robin Gill.