London's iconic Admiralty Arch to be turned into luxury hotel

Admiralty Arch to be turned into luxury hotel Getty

London's iconic Admiralty Arch is set to be turned into a luxury hotel and restaurant with views over Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace after being sold to Spanish developers of £60 million.

The gateway, built in 1912 as a memorial to Queen Victoria, has seen hordes of marathon runners beneath it, as well as the Prince William and Duchess Kate's wedding party.

New owners Prime Investors Capital have bought 80,000 square foot space on a 99-year leasehold contract, and will now seek planning permission to turn the building into a hotel with 100 rooms, and a panoramic restaurant and bar at the top.

The new owners hope to attract more than 50,000 guests a year to the hotel and more than 50,000 visitors for the views.

After decades serving as an office block for civil servants, ministers last year decided the building could be better used as a tourist destination.

Francis Maude, a Cabinet Office minister, said he hope the new owners would "bring the arch back to life".

He told the Daily Telegraph: "Rather than letting it fall into disrepair we are taking action. Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for property that isn't needed."

Mr Maude said the sale of public buildings will "spur growth" as well as being a heritage project, adding: "The restoration will bring jobs to London and beyond. The freehold of the building will remain in the hands of the public, ensuring they have a say in the future of this building forever."

Fancy a break in the capital? See a host of top hotels in London here:

Top 10 hotels in London

Best for couples: Dean Street Townhouse
 If you're looking for romance in the city, check into the Dean Street Townhouse in Soho, which is a sanctuary from the bustling London life. The rooms boast authentic Georgian features, beautiful vintage sofas and Egyptian cotton linens, plus some have antique-style bathtubs - perfect for a romantic night in! For an intimate dinner, the English Dining Room has private corners and serves traditional British food. Book: A Medium room and request one with a bath from £320 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.deanstreettownhouse.com/" target="_blank">deanstreettownhouse.com</a>
Best for spa lovers: K West
 Enjoy the ultimate spa experience at the contemporary K West Hotel in West Kensington. The spa has a stylish hydrotherapy pool, an icy Snow Paradise, Kuddles wall loungers (pictured) for relaxing after your treatments and an aromatic herbal steam room among other cool spa features. Around the hotel there are sleek rooms, the laidback K Lounge, the Quiet Zone and creative dishes in the Kanteen Restaurant. Book: A K Suite for the huge Philippe Starck tub, oversized showers and high pressure body jets from £450 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.k-west.co.uk/" target="_blank">k-west.co.uk</a>
Best for city slickers: Hotel Verta
 Stylish urbanites will feel right at home at Hotel Verta, which is located on the south of the River Thames in Battersea. With its cutting edge setting among chic restaurants and office buildings in Battersea, the place to be seen, Hotel Verta's luxurious rooms and sleek, modern feel has just the right amount of cosy, old-fashioned features attracting trendy city slickers. It's adjacent to the London Heliport too so you can really arrive in style! The most exclusive spot is in the Patrisey restaurant where you can see who's coming into London by helicopter and the Vertilan Bar offers panoramic views of the Thames and classy cocktails. Book: A Metropolitan room with its rich furniture, books and maps from £139 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.hotelverta.com/" target="_blank">hotelverta.com</a>
Best for foodies: London Syon Park
 Discover the city's urban countryside at London Syon Park where you'll stay in one of 137 elegant bedrooms and enjoy a true foodie experience with fresh, seasonal and home-grown food served in the restaurants. The Capability restaurant has rustic and seasonal British cuisine and Brownies is for the child in you, offering sundaes, fun non-alcoholic cocktails, brownies and lots more sweet treats. The biggest attraction for food lovers is the Edible Garden which allows you to sample dishes with vegetables and herbs that have grown onsite while sat at the chef's table in the greenhouse (pictured). The bedrooms are luxurious and cosy - think vintage-style velour chairs and cutting edge technology. Be sure to check out the spa where you can relax in the pool and choose from an array of treatments. Book: A Syon Room for spectacular views of Syon Park from £319 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.londonsyonpark.com/" target="_blank">londonsyonpark.com</a>
Best for families: The Athenaeum
 A five-star hotel may not be the first place you think of bringing the kids but you won't be disappointed if you check the whole family into The Athenaeum. Before you even arrive at the hotel the staff will get to know your children's hobbies so they're full of ideas during your stay. There are science experiments with bubbling potions, a treasure hunt around London, art and crafts sessions at the Serpentine Gallery and the chance for your child to make their own London documentary about Harry Potter, the Houses of Parliament or London Zoo. Other kid-friendly services at the hotel include a dedicated kids' concierge, milk and cookies before bed and in-house nannies. For the parents there's a luxury restaurant and bar, an indulgent spa and heavenly rooms that include pillow menus, your favourite magazines and glorious views of London. Book: A luxury apartment adjoining the hotel so the whole family can experience living like locals in Mayfair. It includes a fully stocked kitchen, CDs, DVDs and iPod docks, bunk beds and stylish sofas for everyone to enjoy from £499 per night for two adults and two children. Visit <a href="http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/" target="_blank">athenaeumhotel.com</a>
Best for affordability: Aloft London Excel
 Budget-conscious visitors to London will love the new Aloft London Excel located in the Docklands. Urban design, loft-style rooms and a buzzing bar scene make this hotel somewhere affordable where you'll want to be seen. It's perfectly located near the Olympic Park, the O2 and Westfield Stratford and there's fast and free WiFi throughout the hotel plus free access to the re:charge gym and the splash swimming pool. The rooms have high ceilings, oversized windows and comfortable beds as well as walk-in showers with Bliss Spa products. Check out the wxyz bar for its cool cocktails and regular DJ nights. Book: A large from £120 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.aloftlondonexcel.com/" target="_blank">aloftlondonexcel.com</a>
Best for luxury: Claridge's
 This iconic London hotel is the epitome of luxury, located in fashionable Mayfair and with a history of hosting royal guests. The Art Deco and Victorian-style decor of the rooms, plush dining spaces like Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, The Reading Room and The Foyer, plus award-winning afternoon tea make Claridge's perfect for those in search of a decadent stay in the city. Top designers like Diane von Furstenberg have left their mark on the hotel and you can choose from lavish rooms, suites and penthouses with terraces and views across London. Book: A suite from £795 per night. <a href="http://www.claridges.co.uk/" target="_blank">claridges.co.uk</a>
Best for arty design: Rough Luxe
 Tucked away in a quiet side street in London's King's Cross is the quirky Rough Luxe Hotel where historic Georgian Terrace house meets unconventional and arty interiors. There's a mixture of the old and new with original distressed walls combined with beautiful fabrics. It may look like the builders haven't finished their job but look a little closer and you'll find opulent wallpaper, modern pieces of art and top quality furniture. There are eight cosy rooms with fine linen and characterful furniture. Cutlery, crockery and furniture were bought at auction at the Savoy Hotel and the dining table where you eat breakfast is made from wood salvaged from Brighton Pier. Book: The small en-suite with double bed that has art by Aki Koruda and Rabih Hage for £200 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.roughluxe.co.uk/" target="_blank">roughluxe.co.uk</a>
Best for views: Marriott Hotel County Hall
 Enjoy stunning views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at the Marriott Hotel County Hall set on London's South Bank. It was originally built as a seat of government and retains its historic architecture while boasting a prominent position along the River Thames. The Rotunda Lounge and The Library Lounge offer magnificent views, so whether you're having breakfast, afternoon tea or dinner you won't have to miss out on the stunning surroundings. The hotel is steps away from the London Eye too so when you've taken in the views from the hotel you can hop onto a capsule and see even more of London and the Thames. Book: The Big Ben Executive room that looks straight out onto the landmark from £375 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lonch-london-marriott-hotel-county-hall/" target="_blank">marriott.com</a>
Best for glamour: W London
 If you fancy rubbing shoulders with fashionistas, jetsetters and musicians in a stylish and vibrant setting, check into W London located in the entertainment centre of Leicester Square. The cool W Lounge serves cocktails and bites, the Sweat fitness centre offers rooftop views of Soho while you workout and the bedrooms have true wow factor with names like Wonderful, Fabulous and Marvellous. The Whatever/Whenever service allows you to have any wish granted, whether it's a pair of limited edition Prada shoes or dinner under the stars at The Serpentine! Book: The EWOW Suite that comes complete with a rotating Chesterfield sofa, a walk-in dressing area, a double jacuzzi and four-person shower from £5,000 per night - it doesn't get more glamorous than this! A Wonderful room costs from £335 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.wlondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.wlondon.co.uk/</a>