Discreet works underway at Starwood’s Mercer Street and Bond Street hotels amid portfolio transition

Subtle construction activity has been observed at two of the central London hotels acquired by Starwood Capital Group from Edwardian Hotels — the properties on Mercer Street in Covent Garden and Granville Place near Bond Street. According to local observations, light drilling and minor interior works have taken place in recent weeks while both hotels have remained open to guests.

The two properties form part of the £800 million acquisition completed by Starwood Capital in January 2024, which included ten Radisson Blu Edwardian hotels across central London, together offering more than 2,000 rooms. The transaction, one of the largest hotel deals in the UK that year, expanded Starwood’s presence in the capital’s upper-upscale hospitality market.

Although no major planning applications have been lodged publicly for either the Mercer Street or Bond Street sites, the works appear consistent with early-stage refurbishment or systems upgrades often undertaken ahead of broader redevelopment. Staff and nearby contractors confirm that day-to-day operations continue, with guests largely unaffected.

Starwood Capital stated at the time of acquisition that it planned to invest substantial capital into upgrading the portfolio and enhancing guest facilities. However, the company has yet to publish a detailed renovation or rebranding schedule. Market observers suggest that the discreet activity seen in recent weeks could mark the preparatory phase of that programme, which may roll out gradually to maintain occupancy levels and revenue.

Both hotels occupy prime locations within London’s West End, where room demand and footfall remain strong. Maintaining operations while conducting preliminary works fits with Starwood’s wider European strategy of phased reinvestment — balancing asset improvement with continued cash flow.

Edwardian Hotels London, which continues to manage the portfolio under a transitional agreement, has not commented on the current works. Industry analysts expect Starwood to outline a more comprehensive refurbishment plan in 2026, once planning and design phases across the ten-hotel portfolio are complete.

Photo: Radisson Blu Hotel, London Bond Street