The Rock Hotel Gibraltar
NEWS INFORMATION
The Rock Hotel is restored to its former glory
Colonial style with modern day comfort and amenities
The Rock Hotel is as synonymous with Gibraltar as the famous Barbary Apes themselves. And just like the apes, this British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar wouldn't be the same without the Rock Hotel.
Perched high on the Rock with outstanding views over the Mediterranean, this piece of Gibraltar's history has now been refurbished and restored to its former colonial glory. From its commanding position high on the Rock with its waterfront views the restored brilliant white façade presents a warm Gibraltarian welcome to its guests.
The restoration is to the highest standards in keeping with the stunning architecture and historical design of the original building. A new and welcoming lobby greets guests and assures them of a whole new hotel experience where colonial style and sophistication lives on anew. With its soft pastel shades you can almost imagine looking at a sepia photograph of the Hotel's early days.
The new, comfortable bedrooms have been designed in true colonial style with all modern facilities to enhance the overall hotel experience. Double glazed, smart-glass windows, manufactured in keeping with the hotel's traditional architecture eliminate noise and offer guests a truly relaxing and enjoyable stay. Every room faces the bay with its magnificent uninterrupted panoramic views.
The new restaurant offers fine dining of the highest standard in an imposing setting where you can once again enjoy the best of Gibraltar's magnificent seascape as you enjoy your sumptuous meal. Breakfast is now also available served al fresco style and every preference is catered for. Residents and members of the community can all enjoy the Rock Hotel's magnificent dining facilities which provide the ideal setting for that very special celebration.
At this time of year many people want to take advantage of the beautiful surrounding views of the neighbouring Botanical Gardens and dine outdoors. The Wisteria Terrace, much loved by generations of locals and visitors to the Rock, now offers an enhanced al fresco venue for all day dining. What more could you ask for on a balmy Mediterranean evening than a relaxing gin and tonic overlooking the bay of Gibraltar and the North African coastline enjoying the enticing fragrances of the surrounding flora.
The lounge bar is a veritable testimony to Gibraltar's rich heritage, where the décor depicts photographs and images of the Rock's colourful past and its days as a fortress defending Britain's interests in the Mediterranean. Traditional afternoon English and Moroccan tea is served in the lounge and is the highpoint for many of the cruise ship visitors who embark in Gibraltar for the day.
Corridors with lobbies on every floor have also been refurbished enhancing the hotel's public areas.
A new conference and banqueting facility, which now has its very own private terrace with spectacular sunset views, complements the hotel's existing and extensive exterior space. For those corporate, private and social events the exclusive Sunset Terrace and Victory Suite will surpass all expectations. Alternatively, functions can be held by the poolside marquee, known as the Khaima, undoubtedly Gibraltar's premier venue for weddings.
The famous Rock Hotel pool, membership of which is also available to the local community, is arguably the most magnificent setting in Gibraltar. Adjacent to the lush Botanical Gardens with its jasmine fragrances and beautiful plants and greenery, the poolside makes an ideal setting for many outdoor corporate or social events and celebrations.
Charles Danino, the Rock Hotel's general manager, said: "The Hotel's 1930's origins are evident in the subtle colours and timeless décor which combines elements of Gibraltar's colonial heritage with more contemporary touches."
Built by John Chrichton-Stuart, the Marquis of Bute in 1932 it was acquired by its present owners, The Bland Group in 1959. Like the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, The Rock has been a magnet for royalty and the rich and famous. As well as Sir Winston Churchill, Errol Flynn, Alec Guinness and Sean Connery, John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed at the hotel and exchanged their wedding vows in one of its private rooms. More recently the Rock Hotel has been the venue for BBC's ‘New Tricks' which was shot on the property while the cast stayed in the hotel which remains the preferred choice for visiting celebrities and dignitaries today. These famous visitors are soon to be immortalised at the hotel when it introduces its ‘Hall of Fame' gallery.
You don't have to be rich or famous to stay or visit the Rock. There is a warm welcome for everyone. Bland Group Chairman, James Gaggero, said: "The Rock Hotel is Gibraltar's jewel in the crown and I am proud that my family has been associated with this landmark property since 1959. It has now been restored to its former glory and we are committed to providing the very best hotel experience that Gibraltar has to offer."
The Rock Hotel now ventures into a new and exciting era as its takes its rightful and historic place as Gibraltar's most famous and prestigious hotel offering modern day comfort with colonial style and sophistication.
Ends
For further information contact:
Leanne Delaney
Mobile: +350 58288000
Office: +350 200 73000 813
Or
Martin Newman Public Relations
martinnewman499@virginmedia.com
Mobile: +44 (0) 7717 717 981
Office: +44 (0) 161 766 6479
Note for editors:
The evolution of the Bland group over 200 years is both unique and remarkable. It currently consists of 15 diversified companies incorporating extensive property interests, travel, leisure and sea transport, specialist engineering and manufacturing. Although the Group's heritage and deepest roots are in Gibraltar companies also operate from Morocco, Spain and the UK.