The iconic U.S. Embassy, a landmarked building designed by Eero Saarinen in the 1950s will become a luxury hotel next year when the Embassy moves to a new building elsewhere in London.
The change will also open the square to freer public use; it’s often been disrupted by security considerations, and has been the scene of many large demonstrations.
The renovation, part of a nearly $1.5 billion redevelopment of the area, will include a spa, five restaurants, luxury shops and a ballroom for 1,000. The developer is the Qatari Diar real estate group.
The Telegraph (UK) has more details, and also a series of short pieces on other unusual hotel conversions, ranging from barracks to island forts and even a few prisons. To see that article, click HERE
Illustration: artist’s conception of entrance to new hotel, from Qatari Diar
