Robert De Niro is continuing to take over the luxury hospitality industry with plans to open a boutique hotel in the heart of London. The legendary actor already owns Nobu in the Philippines and New York's The Greenwich – but planning permission means Covent Garden will be getting a touch of old Hollywood.
The Oscar-winning actor has received the go-ahead to build an 83-bedroom hotel in six buildings across Burleigh, Exeter, Tavistock and Wellington Streets. Each are historic sites and three are even Grade II Listed.
© Photo: RexRobert De Niro already owns hotels in New York (pictured) and the Philippines
He first revealed plans to construct The Wellington in May, and Robert's new business venture will include two restaurants, spa facilities and a private members' club. The 73-year-old explained: "London is one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in the world. It makes perfect sense to develop a hotel that represents all of that in the heart of this city in Covent Garden.
"The Wellington Hotel will honour the heritage of the area, while bringing the best of what we've done in New York to London."
© Photo: RexHe has planning permission for a luxury hotel in Covent Garden
While the Tribeca-situated Greenwich hotel has been successful, Nobu in Manila was named one of the worst luxury hotels of 2015.
But Westminster city council insisted Robert's grand opening will increase tourism and attract "visitors from all over the world".
Deputy leader Cllr Robert Davis said: "This is one of the finest schemes we have considered for Covent Garden in years. The design of the highest quality and it fits the bill as a Covent Garden building that meshes the new with the old.
Robert seems to be following a trend big with Hollywood stars right now; Clint Eastwood and Elizabeth Hurley are among those who already own hotels, while Leonardo DiCaprio will his Belize resort in 2018.
