VirtuosoLife - January/February 2008 - (Page 43) English Major The Connaught in London has long mirrored its traditional Mayfair neighborhood. Now, with new boutiques by the likes of Marc Jacobs and Balenciaga, the hotel is making itself over, balancing English reserve and contemporary convenience in 92 rooms refurbished with modern art and new bathrooms. Work continues through January 2009 on a new wing to house 31 rooms and a spa. Doubles from approximate $786, including breakfast. Far East field trip: The Peninsula Beijing. ExTrACurriCuLAr STAYS Children can now experience the cultural immersion that adults enjoy at Peninsula Hotels. The new Peninsula Kids’ Academy introduces young guests to a master kite maker in Beijing, teaches them to make dim sum in Hong Kong, and chauffeurs them by private car to New York’s icons, including the Statue of Liberty and FAO Schwarz. The Connaught’s fresh new look. Capital Gain Rather than resting on its laurels, the 1926-vintage St. Regis Hotel, Washington, D.C. closed for 16 months to reopen in December in its Renaissance-style palace with a fresh look and technology updates. The renovation reduced the room count from 193 to 175, embedded TVs behind the bathroom mirrors, and created 11 new suites serviced by dedicated butlers that guests call via wireless handheld devices. A-list Manhattan interior design firm Sills Huniford gave the historic hotel its new bright and refined look. Doubles from $800, including breakfast and a bottle of champagne on arrival. Newly inaugurated: The St. Regis Hotel, Washington, D.C. BY ELAINE GLUSAC J A N U A RY | F E B R U A RY 2 0 0 8 43
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