GENEVA Le Richemond hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva will join Dorchester Collection in August, marking the group’s first third-party management agreement.
Cedar Capital Partners acquired the 109-key luxury hotel in December from Rocco Forte and Family Ltd. Dorchester will take over management of the 136-year-old property from The Rocco Forte Collection.
Le Richemond will undergo a refurbishment of its public areas, including the restaurant and bar, as well as its guest suites. The hotel will remain open during the project.
“We are delighted to have been chosen to operate the illustrious Le Richemond as its excellent situation complements our existing locations, which are some of the best in the world,” says Dorchester CEO Christopher Cowdray. “We set out our vision to grow our portfolio of luxury hotels and to seek management agreements, so this being our first third-party management agreement is an exciting strategic addition.”
Francois Delahaye, Dorchester’s chief operating officer, will be responsible for the property and oversee the transition to integrate the hotel into the Dorchester Collection brand. “We are looking forward to positioning Le Richemond at the center of Geneva society and playing an active role in the local community, as well as welcoming the hotel’s staff to our company,” Delahaye says. “We trust that with the planned refurbishment of the public areas this iconic landmark will have a renewed vibrancy synonymous with Dorchester Collection.”
Le Richemond will be Dorchester Collection’s eighth hotel when the management agreement commences in August. The New York Palace is in the process of being sold to Northwood Investors, with the deal expected to close July 12. In September, the group will open its ninth hotel, 45 Park Lane, London, and in October the legendary Hotel Bel-Air, which has been closed for a major renovation, will reopen.
