Italian fashion house Armani is reportedly planning to transform London’s iconic Admiralty Arch into a luxurious hotel, with a budget of £100 million. If the project moves forward, the historic archway that connects Trafalgar Square to the Mall and Buckingham Palace will be converted into a 100-room hotel, designed entirely by Giorgio Armani.
Armani, known for its hotels in Dubai and Milan, has expressed interest in opening a London location. Initially considering the upscale neighborhood of Knightsbridge, the focus has now shifted to the Admiralty Arch. Early reports suggest the hotel will feature sleek marble interiors for its 80 to 100 guestrooms, along with royal and presidential suites. Each room’s renovation is estimated to cost around £600,000.
Set to open in December 2015, the hotel will include a restaurant, bar, and an Armani boutique. However, any plans would need to address security concerns, as the arch overlooks Whitehall, which houses British governmental offices. An Armani spokesperson has dismissed these rumors as ‘unfounded,’ and London-based developers have not yet selected an operator for the property.