KATARA HOSPITALITY ACQUIRES GROSVENOR HOUSE LONDON
London, UK 07 November 2018
The historic hotel marks the company’s 3rd acquisition in the United Kingdom
Doha, Qatar – 7 November 2018 – Katara Hospitality, Qatar Investment Authority’s hotel unit, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator, announced the expansion of its global portfolio with the acquisition of JW Marriott Grosvenor House, a historic hotel on the famed Park Lane in London’s Mayfair district, reflecting trust in the United Kingdom’s market as part of State of Qatar 5 billion pounds investment plan.
The acquisition brings Katara Hospitality’s portfolio of properties in operation or under development to 43 and marks the company’s third acquisition in London after The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel and the Adria Boutique Hotel. The announcement further builds on Katara Hospitality’s vision for iconic properties in strategic markets to commit significant investment over the long term.
Opened in 1929 and frequented by royalty and celebrities, Grosvenor House was the first hotel in London at that time to have a separate bathroom and entrance lobby for each bedroom and running chilled water in every bathroom. When the hotel first opened, it was also the headquarters of the International Sportsmen’s Club. Its facilities included Turkish baths, a swimming pool, squash courts and a gymnasium.
The hotel is now one of the world’s truly great hotels, providing travelers with an unrivalled blend of historical significance and elegant accommodation. Operated by Marriott International under the JW Marriott brand, Grosvenor House is a five-star hotel that offers 496 luxurious guest rooms, extensive facilities including 5-star amenities, a fitness centre and 31 meeting rooms. Each room offers space, privacy and many modern comforts.
The Great Room at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House is the venue of many prominent awards evenings, charity balls and the like, and it is often seen on British television. Since the 1930s, the Great Room has hosted the world’s oldest charitable ball, the Royal Caledonian Ball, and it is one of the largest ballrooms in Europe.
Katara Hospitality’s vision is to build a portfolio of leading hotels in key destinations around the world. Grosvenor House is the ideal opportunity to expand the company’s footprint into the vibrant and exciting London market.
