It’s essential to Claridge’s that its laundry is equipped to care for luxury garments as well as linen from the hotel.
Claridge’s wanted to ensure it could deliver tailored and quality service on-site and extend capacity, as well as providing luxury laundry care for its sister hotels The Connaught and The Berkeley.
The expansion needed a wealth of expertise.
Ron Davidson, Claridge’s consultant of 40 years, enlisted a team of specialist architects, contractors, and engineers to tackle the build.
Extending two floors above and three floors below, state-of-the art Miele laundry systems were craned down to sub-level 3 during the construction process.
Claridge’s had to choose Miele as Ron has worked with the brand throughout his career.
Director of Housekeeping, David Cerezo and his team opted for three Benchmark Professional washing machines and three Professional heat pump dryers, installed by Miele Professional Partner First Choice Marshalls (FCM).
Despite disruption from the pandemic, the project took two years to complete; FCM were involved in the planning and design of the new laundry from day one.
Potential hurdles were ironed out in the initial meetings as the teams liaised to strategise an efficient and practical laundry system.
However, the project was not without challenges.
Problems with ventilation meant amending the original specification to allow for heat pumps.
The late addition of WetCare to the laundry meant a change from the original laundry spec from Miele’s PW5105s to 811s.
Of course, installing the laundry at a subterranean level meant that there was an increased concern for health and safety.
Additional challenges were faced when soil pipes were installed at a different height than originally planned resulting in the very late addition of plinths, some of which were out of stock in the UK.
However, FCM and Miele worked hard to source the necessary materials, and so the problem was resolved.
Once installation was complete, Sam Holden, business account manager at Miele, and Darren Dimmick, Miele field service manager, provided Claridge’s housekeeping staff with a hands-on training session on the new products and how to achieve the best laundry results.
Despite delays, the project was completed to very high standards, giving Claridge’s exactly what it needs to maintain and extend its prestigious reputation.
Now health and hygiene are of increased concern, the implementation of Miele products means Claridge’s can assure guests that both personal items and hotel linen is cleaned to the highest hygiene standards.
For more info please contact: claire.james@skoutpr.com
