Cheshire

ST. LOUIS (August 5, 2011) – The roots of The Cheshire date back to the late 1920’s. Now after a multi-million dollar restoration, the landmark hotel reopens today, beginning the next chapter in its storied past.

The hotel and adjacent restaurant were purchased by St. Louis-based Lodging Hospitality Management Inc. (LHM) in December 2010. Over the past seven months, the hotel has undergone a massive renovation, taking the building down to its “bones,” and then restoring and rebuilding into a luxurious boutique hotel. Yet while the hotel features modern amenities and systems, the charm and character that The Cheshire has long been known for has been painstakingly preserved. Many of the antiques, artwork and architectural details have been restored and repurposed in keeping with the hotel’s British theme.

“The Cheshire’s unique character and authentic details are what make it special,” explained Bob O’Loughlin, chairman of LHM. “From the moment we took on this project, our intention was to capture that spirit and reinvent it for a new generation. We think guests will be pleased with the balance of old and new.”

The property’s history dates back to the late 1920’s when St. Louisan Bill Medart opened a luncheonette in a log cabin on the site. The casual hamburger stand was known as Medart’s Olde Cheshire and was a hot spot for decades. In 1960, Steven J. Apted purchased the property and remodeled the restaurant into The Cheshire Inn, complete with authentic British art, antiques, furnishings and details. Four years after opening the new restaurant, Mr. Apted built The Cheshire Lodge (today’s hotel building) and furnished it with antiques and collections from his world travels.

Many of those charming British furnishings and details are woven throughout the “new” Cheshire. Additionally, each of the 108 guest rooms and suites is named in honor of a British author. As they check in, guests are given a bookmark emblazoned with a quote from their room’s author and then will discover a hard-bound sample of his or her work in their royal quarters. The cozy wood-paneled study is lined with shelves bursting with British literature and presided over by a portrait of Captain Frederick Burnaby, the legendary British explorer and travel writer.

Another feature for which the old Cheshire Lodge was known was the Fantasy Suites. The new Cheshire boasts six “Novelty Suites” a fresh take on the concept. Each of these spacious suites is custom designed to capture the spirit of a major work of literature. From James Bond to Romeo and Juliet, the décor, furnishings and artwork are all customized to the theme and several include unique features like Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. In addition to the Novelty Suites, the hotel offers mini suites, a quiet executive level, poolside rooms and extended stay mini suites. All offer luxurious pillow-top beds, flat-screen TVs, vintage artwork and Archive bath products. Pets are also welcome at The Cheshire (up to 60 pounds), and the Noble Pet Program, in partnership with Nestle Purina, provides items such as custom dog beds and bowls, maps of area parks and dog runs, food and water bowls, and pet walking/sitting service.

In addition to the classic details like the red phone booth (repurposed to house an ATM machine) and the elaborately carved living room mantle, the hotel also boasts modern amenities and features including an outdoor heated pool offering poolside food and beverage and massage by The Face and Body; a sleek wellness center featuring Matrix fitness equipment; modern bathrooms with granite counters and nickel fixtures; and a business center with computer stations and printer.

No British inn would be complete without a proper pub, and The Cheshire is no exception. The legendary Fox & Hounds Tavern has been restored and re-launched, complete with its cozy stone fireplace, wood-paneled booths and rustic ambiance. The tavern features an extensive list of Irish, American and Scottish whiskeys, half-yards of ale, and of course, other beer, wine and cocktails. A small plates menu features traditional pub fare, ensuring that one’s cocktail of choice can be enjoyed alongside a savory lunch, dinner or late night snack. The tavern’s menu is also served at the Poolside Terrace and on the garden-like Clayton Courtyard, a new addition to the front of the hotel.

For more information about The Cheshire, please visit: www.cheshirestl.com. For additional information on the hotel’s owner, Lodging Hospitality Management, please visit: www.lhmc.com. To schedule an interview or for other media inquiries, please contact Heather Strahorn at 314/600-1874 or hstrahorn@twiststl.com.