‘The Dilly’ is the new name above the door of the former Le Méridien Piccadilly. The property dates back to 1908 and the transformation over the coming months into London’s newest independent 5* hotel will see The Dilly defined by its history – as well as its London location, style and connections – with the future at its heart.
The Dilly’s General Manager, James Olivier comments: “When you explore everything that makes a location the place to be for business, pleasure or simply to recharge, this is it – London’s epicentre, Piccadilly Circus and a meeting point known throughout the world. Our hotel’s new name is memorable, playful and ultimately inspired by our address in the centre of London on Piccadilly. We can truly say ‘We Are London.’”
One of the city’s first grand hotels dating back to Edwardian times, the hotel has witnessed the comings and goings of London’s great and good – and others besides. In the 1930s, an outdoor pool on the terrace was centre stage for high class London’s social life and now the hotel has one of London’s largest indoor luxury pools, now part of the new Health Club at The Dilly. The hotel’s meeting and function rooms – designed in the style of Louis XIV with epoque chandeliers and detailed oak panelling – have been the destination for many weddings, dinner dances and private events and will play host again as soon London laws permit. In addition, the Oak Room – one of London’s most famous and impressive banquet rooms will initially feature Madhu’s Mayfair – a fine dining Indian restaurant featuring Punjabi cuisine with a Kenyan twist – as a pop-up restaurant and bar.
Transformation of the property will immediately include a new exterior design to the entrance of the hotel and an extensive lobby refurbishment. The re-design of the 255 bedrooms and 28 suites will be ongoing, although 39 will be completed when the hotel plans to open on 1 April, subject to the reopening date for London hospitality. A VIP check in area will be located on the mezzanine floor with a private lift to rooms and suites.
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Olivier adds: “At the core of our new story is the desire to represent London, whether that is through our new interior design, our food and beverage style driven by local suppliers, our knowledge of London experiences to share with our guests, our sustainable approach with local suppliers or our connections to the neighbourhood’s history and culture. We are determined to be different. Every one of our guests has chosen London for work or play and often both; they want to be at the heart of the action so our team will be able to share our in-the-know insights and contacts.”
Many of the bedrooms and suites have views over either Regent Street or Piccadilly and the stunning roof tops of London’s West End. Green Park is also located on Piccadilly, Fortnum & Mason is opposite, next to Europe’s largest bookshop Waterstones with Shaftesbury Avenue and theatreland just around the corner of the adjacent Piccadilly Circus.
London suppliers will be evident throughout from food and beverage suppliers to in-room amenities and specific focusses on interior design. A nod to the hotel’s heritage will be reinstated every evening at 6pm when the sound of a gong will signify the end of the day and time to enjoy the evening, either within the hotel or in London’s West End.
