London // 15 November 2017 Set to be complete in spring 2018, famed Danish architect Arne Jacobsen's only hotel, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, is in the final stages of its extensive renewal and modernization.

The world-famous landmark is undergoing a major redesign and already now, the entire meeting space, the new Café Royal Restaurant, the entire lobby and most of the guest rooms are renovated. Award-winning Danish design company SPACE Copenhagen is responsible for the design and in spring 2018, the entire hotel will be completely renewed.

In 1960, the legendary Danish architect Arne Jacobsen designed the entire 'Royal Hotel', from the façade through to the famed EGG chair and even the cutlery.

“By combining functionality and sophisticated design, our aim is to revive the iconic heritage of Arne Jacobsen. We carefully protect the legacy whilst at the same time modernize and add in new design elements to meet the expectations of a new generation of travelers”, explains Brian Gleeson, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen.

Some of Arne Jacobsen's lesser known design classics have been revived, such as his Giraffen dining table in the restaurant and the rare Pot chair which is now to be found in the lobby. In addition, the Arne Jacobsen 'Mayor' sofa, drawing upon Danish tradition for fine wood, is both in the suites and in the new restaurant.

All the new meeting rooms are named after Arne Jacobsen's design classics, such as the 'EGG' chair, designed especially for this very same hotel back in 1960. The walled artwork in the modernized meeting spaces were brought from the hotels archives and have been reframed to let the guests relive the rich legacy of the hotel.

Room 606 – one of the world's most famous hotel rooms and a key stop on design-aficionado's Copenhagen pilgrimages – will remain untouched and kept exactly as it was originally designed by Arne Jacobson.

Brian Gleeson commented: “Room 606 is a living proof of our heritage and is open for anyone who would like to experience Arne Jacobsen's design and immerse themselves in Danish modernism. By interpreting our iconic heritage, we aim to recreate this legendary building and escalate it to new heights for the future”.

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Notes to editors

Café Royal

For a complete sensory experience, the hotel's newly opened restaurant 'Café Royal' is a Danish dining destination for locals and travelers alike. Here the visitors can experience the world's most unique Afternoon tea, inspired by Arne Jacobsen himself, served on Royal Copenhagen porcelain. In addition, the guests can indulge in classic bistro dishes, 'Danish smørrebrød' and Rib Eye Steak dry aged for a minimum of 25 days. The restaurant also offers unique design-led cocktails and a 'Weekend Hyggelig Brunch'.

The hotel's heritage

The Royal Hotel, today known as Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, was a forerunner in many ways when it opened in 1960. It was Denmark's first skyscraper and is recognized as the world's first designer hotel and the only hotel designed by the world-famous architect Arne Jacobsen.

To limit disturbance to guests, the modernization of the hotel has been implemented in steps, letting the guests continue to enjoy the iconic hotel throughout the process. In addition to the meeting space, the restaurant and the new lobby, most of the guest rooms are already completely renewed, inviting the guests to experience a modern version of Arne Jacobsen's design. All 259 guest rooms and suites will be finalized within few months, leaving the entire hotel completely renewed spring 2018. 

One room will remain untouched throughout the renovation; the iconic Room 606 on the sixth floor. That is one of the world's most famous hotel rooms and it is kept exactly as it was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1960.

Facts about Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Copenhagen:

• World's first and original designer hotel, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1960
• 260 rooms and suites offering amenities such as Free high-speed wireless Internet and 24-hour room service
• The city's top attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, are just a short walk from the hotel. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is about 8 kilometers away
• The Meetings & Events Space can accommodate up to 300 guests in 10 meeting rooms
• The hotel's fully equipped fitness center includes dry and steam saunas, as well as fitness classes, personal trainers and massage services
• The hotel was awarded Condé Nast's “Readers' Choice Awards 2017: Top Hotels in Northern Europe”, “Denmark's Leading Hotel 2017” by World Travel Awards and 'Denmark's leading business hotel 2016' by World Travel Awards

About The Rezidor Hotel Group

The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the most dynamic hotel companies in the world and a member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. The group features a portfolio of 479 hotels with over 106,000 rooms in operation or under development in 79 countries.

Rezidor operates the core brands Radisson Blu® and Park Inn® by Radisson in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), along with the Club CarlsonSM loyalty program for frequent hotel guests. In early 2014 and together with Carlson, Rezidor launched the new brands Radisson RED (lifestyle select) and Quorvus Collection (luxury). In 2016, Rezidor acquired 49% of prizeotel. Rezidor has an industry-leading Responsible Business Program and was named one the World's Most Ethical Companies by the US think-tank Ethisphere.

In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden. HNA Tourism Group Co., Ltd., a division of HNA Group Co., Ltd.—a Fortune Global 500 company with operations across aviation, tourism, hospitality, finance and online services among other sectors—became the majority shareholder in December 2016.

The Rezidor Hotel Group and its brands employ 43,700 people in EMEA and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

For more information, visit www.rezidor.com

Twitter @carlsonrezidor

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/2364

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About Space Copenhagen

Established in 2005 by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou, both graduates of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Space Copenhagen is a Copenhagen-based design practice that creates interior spaces, furniture and objects for luxury and lifestyle clients across the world. Through their work, Space Copenhagen has developed a design process that is both emotional and poetic, instilling architectural, interior and furniture design projects with modernism, a strong personal vision and an aversion to the mundane.

UK Press Office

For any press enquiries, please contact the Grifco PR team; Claire Griffin, Jenna Osborne, Kate Leahy and Hannah Kirton (radissonblu@grifcopr.com / 0207 751 8010).