Katara Hospitality marks ‘topping out’ of the Royal Savoy, Lausanne THE ROYAL SAVOY Lausanne, a five-star hotel owned by Katara Hospitality, has celebrated the ‘topping out’ of its contemporary new building. Katara Hospitality CEO and Board member, Hamad Al Mulla, joined the Katara Hospitality Switzerland team to officially commemorate the completion of the high-rise shell of Royal Savoy Lausanne’s iconic project. The ceremony was also attended by Daniel Brélaz, Mayor of Lausanne, Olivier Français, Head of Real Estate Development in the city, among other officials, dignitaries, contractors, workers and community members from across Lausanne. Katara Hospitality bought the hotel in 2007 and is returning the property to its former glory. The official re-opening of the iconic Swiss property is planned for June 2015 opening a new chapter in the history of this landmark hotel after four years of redevelopment work. The hotel’s acquisition has been part of Katara Hospitality’s international expansion strategy,
Key stakeholders from left: Bruno H Schöpfer, Hamad Al Mulla, Daniel Brélaz (Mayor of Lausanne), Kamal Rhazali, Olivier Français (National Council and Director of Building Dept. of City of Lausanne), Alain Kropf
which has seen it invest in properties in Europe and key markets around the world. Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Katara Hospitality, said,“With the architectural style of a“Grand Chateau”, its international standing and unique design, the Royal Savoy is both a historic building and the pride of the city of Lausanne. In short, this hotel perfectly complements our international portfolio of iconic hotels in that
Hamad Al Mulla addressing the guests
Royal Savoy Lausanne façade
8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
it represents both a rich heritage and a shining future. “This spectacular Swiss project is an important part of the Katara Hospitality international development plan inspired by our ethos. We are always on the lookout for remarkable establishments which have set industry standards and pushed the boundaries of hospitality to become internationallyrecognised benchmarks.” Constructed in neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, the hotel was beautifully fitted out using the finest materials and quickly became an essential part of Lausanne’s historic heritage. The hotel will have 196 bedrooms and suites spread between the historic (101) and the new contemporary building (95). The main restaurant can host 120 diners, with the space divided into the main room and an annex, as well as an Orangerie and terrace with space for an extra 100 guests. The elegant lobby lounge has 60 seats and serves food, beverage and a range of refreshments. The new Sky Terrace on the roof has space for 60 guests, and will be a spectacular addition thanks to the unique 360° panoramic views it provides.