The Strand Palace Hotel boasts a rich history, dating back to 1907, when permission was granted to erect a grand hotel on London’s prestigious Strand thoroughfare. Just two years later, this iconic London hotel opened its doors, and it has proudly stood under the same name ever since. Back then, a cozy room with breakfast would cost you a mere five shillings and six pence, equivalent to 27 pence today! Imagine enjoying a luxurious stay for such a small price!
A Roaring Twenties Makeover
The Strand Palace Hotel continued to flourish as London entered the exciting 1920s. The hotel expanded and modernized by acquiring the neighboring Haxell’s Hotel. After a significant transformation, the hotel was reborn as an Art Deco masterpiece in 1928, boasting a whopping 980 bedrooms.
Art Deco elements graced many of the public spaces, making the hotel a vibrant social hub. The Charleston and Tango were the dances of choice, and the hotel became a popular venue for London’s elite to showcase their dazzling moves. The hotel’s historic exterior still proudly displays some of its original Art Deco charm, and it has even been featured in several films and television period dramas.
A Grand Entrance and a Winter Garden
The hotel’s grand entrance was the envy of London, outshining even the famous Savoy and Claridges. The rear of the property housed the Winter Garden Restaurant, now known as the Gin Palace, Lounge Bar and Reception area. This stunning restaurant featured a magnificent domed ceiling and could seat over 500 guests, all served by a team of over 100 dedicated staff.
Wartime Resilience and a Father-Son Legacy
While the hotel thrived on the outside, some crucial behind-the-scenes changes were underway. Two repurposed coal-fired steam boilers, salvaged from World War I battleships, were installed in the boiler house. These behemoths required constant attention, running 24 hours a day. Legend tells of a father and son duo who diligently tended to these boilers for an incredible 36 years, only seeing each other at the beginning and end of their 12-hour shifts. Their dedication is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Strand Palace Hotel.
A Refuge in War and a Symbol of Unity
During World War II, the hotel provided a haven for Londoners and soldiers alike. Food ration vouchers could be exchanged for meals in the restaurant, and air raid shelters were provided for all guests in the basement vaults. The hotel’s spacious bedrooms made it a popular choice for American troops before they were sent into combat, and it was officially commissioned as a US rest and recuperation center. The hotel once again became a vibrant social scene, as Londoners and weary soldiers danced the night away, enjoying the jive and jitterbug. Today, many of those servicemen and their families still visit the Strand, eager to relive memories and pay homage to this historic hotel.
A Legacy Preserved
The Strand Palace Hotel‘s rich history has not been lost to time. During excavation work in the Normandy fields, a Strand Palace Hotel room key was unearthed from a First World War trench. This key, along with other Art Deco treasures, is now part of the esteemed collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. These artifacts serve as a reminder of the hotel’s long and fascinating journey.
A Continuous Evolution
The post-war era saw the Strand Palace Hotel embark on a period of significant modernization. In 1958, private bathrooms were installed in every guestroom, leading to the installation of new oil-fired boilers to meet the increased demand for hot water. The era of coal-fired boilers came to an end, as the son of the original boiler house team finally retired after 36 years of dedicated service. The hotel embraced the latest technology, installing electronic cash registers.
Embracing the Future
The 1960s brought further changes. The hotel’s front hall, ground floor restaurants, and the Winter Garden were re-designed, and London’s first computerized billing system was implemented. The once-fashionable revolving doors at the main entrance were donated to the Victoria & Albert Museum due to their exceptional quality and historical significance.
A New Chapter Begins
In 1976, the Forte Hotel Group took over the lease for the Strand Palace Hotel from the Lyons Hotel Group. The next decade saw minor refurbishment projects throughout the hotel. A more extensive refurbishment project was completed in 1985, encompassing all floors. This included the addition of new furniture, bathrooms, and a complete redecoration of the bedrooms.
A Fresh Start
In 2006, the hotel was acquired by its current owners, London & Regional Properties. A significant development project was undertaken, transforming the hotel from top to bottom. All bars and restaurants, the main reception area, and over 500 bedrooms were completely refurbished. This included the corridors and the conference areas.
A Legacy of Hospitality
Today, the Strand Palace Hotel, a fully computerized establishment, is ready to embrace its next century. This London hotel, a premier destination in the Waterloo area, offers comfortable accommodations and impeccable service, complemented by exceptional catering facilities and top-notch conference suites. The hotel continues to welcome guests from all over the world, eager to experience the charm and hospitality that have defined the Strand Palace Hotel for over a century.
