The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Unveils The Restored Hotel Maria Cristina For Its 100th Anniversary

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), reopens the doors to the historic Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian, following an extensive $25 million restoration. The renovation of Hotel Maria Cristina, which was completed in time for its 100 ^th anniversary this month, is part of a larger strategy to invest in the restoration of Starwood’s most celebrated Luxury Collection hotels. The reopening of Hotel Maria Cristina follows in the footsteps of Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville, which underwent a meticulous multi-million dollar refurbishment earlier this year. The restored Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris and The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, will debut in 2013.

“As part of Starwood’s strategy to strengthen our Luxury Collection brand portfolio, we are making major investments to renovate and restore some of our most iconic hotels,” comments Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East.

“Hotel Maria Cristina has been a beloved landmark in this city since 1912 and has been centre stage to the San Sebastian Film Festival for more than half of a century,” continues Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “We are delighted to reintroduce this historic icon and unlock the exceptional and indigenous experiences of this destination to our guests, as only The Luxury Collection brand can.”

Rising above the vivacious and storied city centre of San Sebastian, the building is considered to be one of the grandest hotels in Europe, originally designed by famed French architect Charles Mewès for its namesake, Queen Maria Cristina. The extensive nine-month project, which was led by Idom Engineering & Architecture, features interiors restored by HBA Design; the firm took special care to enhance the élan, soft curves and powerful feminine presence that have characterised the hotel since it opened. The hotel also offers The Luxury Collection Concierge service to all guests, promising the most discerning global travellers an extraordinary experience.

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