Dorchester Collection announces that Le Richemond will join its growing portfolio of luxury hotels from 1 August 2011.  Set on the banks of Lake Geneva, the prestigious 109-room hotel will be Dorchester Collection’s first third-party management agreement.  The group was selected against strong competition, following a change in ownership of the hotel.
To further position itself as one of the leading luxury hotels in Geneva and in line with the standards of Dorchester Collection, Le Richemond will undergo a refurbishment, primarily of its public areas including the restaurant and bar, as well as its suites.  The hotel will remain open during this time and any guest disruption will be minimised. 
Commenting on this new addition to Dorchester Collection, Christopher Cowdray, Chief Executive Officer of the group, said: ‘We are delighted to have been chosen to operate the illustrious Le Richemond as its excellent situation complements our existing locations, which are some of the best in the world.  We set out our vision to grow our portfolio of luxury hotels and to seek management agreements, so this being our first third-party management agreement is an exciting strategic addition.’
Francois Delahaye, Dorchester Collection’s Chief Operating Officer, will be responsible for the property and oversee the transition to integrate the hotel into the Dorchester Collection brand.  Mr Delahaye said: ‘We are looking forward to positioning Le Richemond at the centre of Geneva society and playing an active role in the local community, as well as welcoming the hotel’s staff to our company.  We trust that with the planned refurbishment of the public areas this iconic landmark will have a renewed vibrancy synonymous with Dorchester Collection.’