A quarter million pound investment has seen the former billiard room of the hotel transformed into a luxury, comfortable space for executive customers to relax. The interior design of the new Lounge, by Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, has been sympathetic to the elegant styling of the original Waldorf design, whilst injecting more contemporary elements – a juxtaposition that has worked so successfully throughout the hotel. It is interesting that these changes also now have the hotel referring to ‘customers’ rather than guests, too.

During the renovation a series of original corniced ceilings were discovered, complete with the original paint work to which the new colour has been matched. The existing wall paneling has been retained or re-instated and painted either in ivory or deep chocolate off setting the dark patterned historical wallpaper.

The furniture incorporates a mix of sofas, armchairs, ottomans and a large breakfast table alongside smaller dining tables. Photographs, bookshelves, silk cushions, candles and flowers provide the final touches to the sumptuous surroundings.

The Lounge also serves as a quiet working area for guests as it is equipped with WiFi wireless technology enabling laptop use anywhere in the room. A 42-inch plasma screen television is tuned into a news channel throughout the day and a selection of books, national and international newspapers are available.

The Executive Lounge is open from 7am to 11pm daily. Guests can help themselves to complimentary all day dining including Continental breakfast, afternoon tea and drinks canapés in the evening.

Use of the lounge is exclusive to guests staying in Executive rooms, which are a minimum of 35 square metres in size with either additional seating or a private study area, fresh fruit and flowers daily, enhanced complimentary beverages and a deluxe Molton Brown toiletry range. Furniture was supplied by directory company RHA Furniture