Jumeirah’s flagship hotel in London’s Knightsbridge neighborhood, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, has announced a major renovation. The hotel, which first opened in 1961 as The Carlton Tower and was once London’s tallest hotel, will close for refurbishment on Sept. 1 and is scheduled to reopen in summer 2020 after work is completed.
The comprehensive renovation will span all 17 floors and transform the hotel’s interiors. Planned upgrades include a redesigned lobby, refreshed on-site restaurant, an updated rooftop health club and new spa facilities featuring an indoor pool. Guest accommodations will also be rethought: the renovation introduces new signature and junior suites and reduces the total number of rooms from 216 to 188 to create larger, more luxurious spaces.
José Silva, CEO of Jumeirah Group, said the project represents a substantial investment in Knightsbridge. He emphasized the meticulous attention to detail guiding the refurbishment and the goal of preserving the hotel’s role as a community landmark while reinforcing its position in the luxury hospitality sector. Silva added that the reimagined Jumeirah Carlton Tower will play a key role in Jumeirah’s global repositioning.
The renovation aims to combine contemporary luxury with the hotel’s historic character, improving guest amenities and modernizing public areas while maintaining the property’s distinctive presence in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods. With enhanced wellness facilities, refined dining spaces and enlarged suites, the updated Jumeirah Carlton Tower will cater to both local residents and international travelers seeking high-end accommodation in Knightsbridge.
By reducing the number of rooms and focusing on larger suites and upgraded public facilities, the hotel seeks to offer a more exclusive, boutique-style experience within its historic shell. These changes are intended to raise service standards and meet evolving expectations for comfort, privacy and wellness among luxury travelers.
Throughout the renovation, the hotel’s management has emphasized careful planning to minimize disruption to the surrounding community and to ensure the property reopens with a cohesive design vision. The combination of restored heritage elements and contemporary design touches is positioned to attract discerning guests and to strengthen Jumeirah’s portfolio in the competitive London market.