IDH’s Guardian™ chosen for the Savoy Hotel

IDH's Guardian™ is the cable of choice for the Savoy Hotel.This landmark hotel opened in 1889 and to this day is considered one of the most prestigious of London's luxury hotels. In 2005 Saudi billionaire, Prince al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud, bought the Savoy for £1.25b and as of December 2007 the hotel closed to undergo a £100m restoration.

This is the most expensive restoration in British hotel history.The Savoy is a Grade II-listed historic building.This means the building itself cannot be radically altered. Instead, the aimis to update the Savoy, while paying homage to its history. The hotel's 268 rooms and suites will offer an extensive array of modern amenities, while their Art Deco and Edwardian features will be restored. The Savoy is set to reopen in late 2009.

The Savoy's general manager Kieran MacDonald explained the restoration ethos: "We wanted to stay true to the Savoy and we are passionate about restoring the hotel, not renovating it. The designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, has captured the spirit of the Savoy wonderfully. It's very exciting."

The River Restaurant, which closed eight years ago, will reopen with Gordon Ramsey at the helm. The American Bar will be largely unchanged, with pictures of famous guests such as Humphrey Bogart and Barbra Streisand on the walls. The hotel ballroom will become a cocktail bar. The famous Thames Room will now feature a winter garden with gazebo and waterfall under the original glass dome.

In keeping with the architectural restoration, modern technology must be low-key. Wi-fi and discreet TVs will be used in the bedrooms, and the Savoy has opted for eco-friendly heating and lighting.

Click here to download the full Newsletter »