The Scotland Yard, the headquarters of London Police, has been converted into a 5-star hotel by a Kerala billionaire. Yusuff Ali, owner of the Lulu International Group, has reportedly spent around 75 million euros for its rejuvenation; an average night at the hotel would come to around 10,000 euros or Rs 75 lakh.
The iconic hotel will provide a mix of luxury bedrooms, restaurants, library, lobby/lounge and private meeting, entertaining and dining rooms complete with 24/7 concierge service. An adjoining Grade 2 Listed Victorian townhouse will be incorporated into the hotel. The completed hotel will be seven storeys high with two basement levels. It will retain the grand Edwardian Imperial red brick and stone facade with arched main entrance, ornate pediment and tall windows with feature brick and stone detailing.
The hotel site has a fascinating history. Between 1829 and 1890 Great Scotland Yard formed part of the headquarters of the newly-founded Metropolitan Police force. It was here that the famous Plaistow Marshes (1864) and Jack the Ripper (1888) crimes were investigated and Scotland Yard was made famous by novelists including Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
-Inputs from PTI