KATARA HOSPITALITY MARKS THE ‘TOPPING OUT’ OF THE ROYAL SAVOY HOTEL, LAUSANNE
Lausanne, Switzerland 26 October 2014
Iconic Swiss property celebrates milestone after four years of redevelopment
The Royal Savoy Lausanne, a five-star hotel owned by Katara Hospitality, has celebrated the ‘topping out’ of its contemporary new building.
Katara Hospitality Chief Executive Officer and Board Member joined the Katara Hospitality Switzerland team to officially commemorate the completion of the high-rise shell of Royal Savoy Lausanne’s iconic project. The ceremony was also attended by Daniel Brélaz, Mayor of Lausanne, Olivier Français, Head of Real Estate Development in the city, among other officials, dignitaries, contractors, workers and community members from across Lausanne.
Katara Hospitality bought the hotel in 2007 and is returning the property to its former glory. The official re-opening of the iconic Swiss property is planned for June 2015 opening a new chapter in the history of this landmark hotel after four years of redevelopment work.
The hotel’s acquisition has been part of Katara Hospitality’s international expansion strategy, which has seen it invest in properties in Europe and key markets around the world.
Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Katara Hospitality, said: “With the architectural style of a “Grand Chateau”, its international standing and unique design, the Royal Savoy is both a historic building and the pride of the city of Lausanne. In short, this hotel perfectly complements our international portfolio of iconic hotels in that it represents both a rich heritage and a shining future.
“This spectacular Swiss project is an important part of the Katara Hospitality international development plan inspired by our ethos. We are always on the lookout for remarkable establishments which have set industry standards and pushed the boundaries of hospitality to become internationally-recognised benchmarks.”
Constructed in neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, the hotel was beautifully fitted out using the finest materials and quickly became an essential part of Lausanne’s historic heritage.
The hotel will have 196 bedrooms and suites spread between the historic (101) and the new contemporary building (95). The main restaurant can host 120 diners, with the space divided into the main room and an annex, as well as an Orangerie and terrace with space for an extra 100 guests.
The elegant lobby lounge has 60 seats and serves food, beverage and a range of refreshments. The new Sky Terrace on the roof has space for 60 guests, and will be a spectacular addition thanks to the unique 360° panoramic views it provides.
To tempt corporate and business customers, the hotel will provide 1200 m² of banqueting and conference space including five conference rooms, the 280 m² Royal Salon and the largest hotel ball room in Lausanne boasting 574 m² of space.
The wellness spa will fulfil all the desires of the hotel guests and Lausanne residents in pursuit of excellence. Its 1500 m² of space will include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, separate male and female areas, eight treatment rooms, two private spas and a next-generation gym which will be open all day. There will also be a comprehensive offering of cosmetic and massage care treatments.
Royal Savoy Lausanne façade
An exceptional heritage
Opened in 1906, the Royal Savoy Hotel is a prestigious symbol of Lausanne. Its architectural magnificence and tradition of hospitality has always attracted the aristocracy and celebrities. The Royal Family of Spain stayed at the hotel while in exile for many years, and the King of Thailand spent the prime of his youth there. The names of other illustrious figures also appear in the guest book: Queen Fabiola of Belgium (1940 and 1943, 1997), Prince Victor Emanuel of Savoy (1993), Carl Lewis, the Olympic 100 metre and long jump champion (1987), and even the Brazilian football legend, Pelé (1997).
