Built in 1903 by famed Russian architect Alexander Ivanov, Hotel National has been a historic landmark for more than a century, in a magnificent location overlooking the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square in the very heart of Moscow’s historical, cultural and business center. The award winning hotels that make up The Luxury Collection include Hotel Danieli, Venice; Grande Bretagne, Athens; Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain; The Laguna Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills; and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world’s most enriching and desirable destinations, where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “Celebrated for its distinct Russian heritage, classic architecture and Art Nouveau design, Hotel National adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection’s glittering ensemble.”

“With the opening of Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, we proudly introduce The Luxury Collection brand to Moscow. This hotel is a true expression of its destination, making it a perfect addition to The Luxury Collection’s portfolio of spectacular hotels and resorts,” says Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The property’s long-standing history of welcoming prominent people from around the world, combined with its striking location, impeccable service and renovated interior ensure it will provide a unique and enriching experience to our guests.”

The historical grandeur and understated elegance of the property, together with the exceptional signature The Luxury Collection services and discrete modern technology, makes Hotel National a favorite destination in Moscow for sophisticated global explorers. Hotel National has undergone an extensive renovation of all guest rooms, suites and public areas, restoring the hotel to its original splendour creating a contemporary luxury that will uphold the hotel’s legacy as a landmark destination. Each of the 206 luxuriously appointed guest rooms feature genuine and exclusive furniture inspired by the hotel’s nineteenth century décor, spacious bathing and dressing areas, as well as state-of-the-art technologies including plasma TVs and DVD players. In addition, the hotel’s 56 historical suites are adorned with authentic and rare Russian antiquities, including vases, lamps, mirrors, statues and paintings. Many of the hotel’s guest rooms boast exceptional city views including panoramas of the Kremlin.

The second renovation phase is scheduled to commence in 2010 and will bring about an underground parking, new spa and fitness facilities as well as two magnificent Presidential suites. Future renovation plans will also include the addition of an exclusive courtyard restaurant as well as a redesign of Hotel National’s renowned Alexandrovsky bar and Moskovski restaurant with a new haute cuisine culinary concept. Combining historical ambience in the best possible location with innovative elegance and a legacy of unparalleled service Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel is the epitome of Russian hospitality and has played host to kings, heads of state, aristocrats and dignitaries from around the world. The restoration of Hotel National will be completed by the end of 2012.

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The Reception

The Rocco Forte Collection is delighted to confirm that its twelfth property, The Augustine, opened the 14th of May 2009 in Prague. The 101-bedroom hotel has been created from a set of seven buildings, many of which have historical significance, including the 13th century Augustinian St Thomas’s Monastery, after which the hotel is named.  Several practicing monks still live in a separate part of the monastery, adjacent to the hotel grounds.

Conveniently located in Prague’s picturesque Malá Strana quarter in the heart of the city centre, The Augustine is a stone’s throw from the majestic Prague Castle, the Wallenstein Gardens and the famous Charles Bridge and within easy reach of the Golden City’s many colourful tourist attractions.  The hotel is also in close proximity to the city’s commercial district and Prague’s Ruzyne International Airport is a 30 minute drive away.

The Augustine’s beautiful historic features have been restored and carefully crafted into the hotel’s design by London-based design company RDD under the guidance of Olga Polizzi, The Rocco Forte Collection’s Director of Design.  The hotel’s elegantly designed bedrooms all boast stunning views over the courtyards, the monastery chapel or Prague Castle.  The suites will include an impressive 150sqm Presidential Suite and a Tower Suite, located in the monastery’s original tower.

Bedroom

The outstanding Tower Suite comprises three floors, one for the living room, another for the bathroom, complete with freestanding bathtub and large walk-in shower, the top floor for the bedroom, with breathtaking panoramic views of the rooftops and brightly coloured spires of Prague.

The Augustine will offer four private rooms suitable for exclusive events, dinners and meetings as well as a large 196sqm ballroom in a protected double-height vaulted hall, ideal for elegant weddings and parties.  The hotel also has direct access to St. Thomas’s Church and the stunning Wallenstein Gardens for the ultimate summer event or wedding reception.

For relaxation, the hotel’s spa will feature four treatment rooms, a hamam offering special heat treatments, a steamroom, relaxation area and an 80sqm fully-equipped gym.  The Monastery restaurant will have 90 covers and will overlook a large courtyard with outside seating during the summer months.  Guests will have the choice of two bars; Tom’s Bar, located in the monastery’s former barrel-vaulted double-height hall and The Brewery bar, housed in the cellar, in the former St Thomas’s brewery building, complete with seventeenth century stalactites and stalagmites.

The Brewery Bar

The Monastery

Bedroom

The Bar

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