First look: Jumeirah’s Carlton Tower hotel to reopen in December

The Carlton Tower Jumeirah will reopen in December, having undergone an “all-encompassing” renovation over the last year.

The hotel’s bedroom count has been reduced from 216 to 186, with a new design across the property, as well as the new Talise Spa.

New bar and dining concepts at the property will include a destination restaurant and bar with a theatre kitchen; while the Chinoiserie will be an all-day lobby lounge and bar offering a ‘cake-o-clock’ afternoon tea concept, served late into the evening.

Aaron Kaupp was appointed general manager of the property last year, joining from Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris.

The closure of the hotel in September 2019 was an upsetting time for more than 300 staff, whose roles were made redundant.

Several spoke to The Caterer about the "distress" they had experienced about being offered no more than the statutory redundancy payments, capped at 20 years' service, even though some employees had worked for the company for more than 30 years.

There was also criticism about the lack of thanks to the staff for their service, particularly from Jumeirah's chief executive José Silva and president of brand operations Pedro Deakin.