Le Méridien Piccadilly to reopen as ‘The Dilly’ early next year

02 December 2020

Le Méridien Piccadilly will reopen as The Dilly, an independently owned and operated hotel in early 2021.

The hotel dates back to 1908 and the transformation over the coming months and years will see The Dilly defined by its “London location, style and connections”.

The Dilly Hotel’s general manager, James Olivier said: “When you explore everything that makes a location the place to be for business or pleasure, or simply to recharge, this is it – London’s epicentre, Piccadilly Circus and a meeting point known throughout the world. Our hotel’s very name is memorable, playful and ultimately inspired by our address in the centre of London on Piccadilly – We Are London.

“The Dilly has a unique and colourful past. It was part of London’s Edwardian society and it embraced diversity throughout the 20th century; it also has a special place the history of the area and Piccadilly in particular. As a newly independent hotel, we are able to bring new life to this heritage building, celebrate its past, preserve its romance and tell its stories to deliver a true London experience to every guest.”

The property’s owners – Archer Hotel Capital – made the decision to operate The Dilly as an independent hotel when the management contract with Marriott International expired. Axiom Hospitality will manage The Dilly on behalf of Archer.

Alex Pritchard, director of Axiom Hospitality added: “We believe The Dilly has the potential to be the place to see and be seen in Piccadilly as it once was. This year has been difficult but has given us an opportunity to re-focus on why this city is one of the greatest in the world to welcome guests back to. There are over a million small businesses in London and sourcing from them is going to be our top priority. We want to find those that can give The Dilly a really special, local feel, which we believe is a new concept for London, whether it be with flowers, guest amenities, food or London sourced drinks – we are currently searching and at the same time, we want to encourage these independent entrepreneurs to come and find us too.

“We want to find those that can give the Dilly a really special, local feel, which we believe is a new concept for London, whether it be with flowers, guest amenities, food or London-sourced drinks – we are currently searching and at the same time, we want to encourage these independent entrepreneurs to come and find us too."

Archer has a portfolio of 11 hotels in Europe operated by Hilton and Marriott International, with the Dilly its only UK property.