(Tarrytown, NY) – January 11, 2013 – Gilbert Baeriswil, General Manager at Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown announced the suspension of all property operations effective January 2 through May 1, 2013.  Baeriswil commented that closing the property for the next few months will “allow us to more effectively facilitate the $10M-renovation project that began with the construction of the luxurious THANN™ Sanctuary Spa in October.“  The entire renovation project will be completed in five months and the Castle Hotel & Spa will reopen in May 2013.

In addition to the introduction of the new spa, the property-wide renovation will include 4,100 square feet of meeting & banquet space, the 31 luxurious guest rooms and suites, public spaces, and the award-winning Equus restaurant and kitchen.

According to Krystle Louie, Project Designer from Gettys, the award-winning global hospitality design and interior architecture firm, every attempt is being made to maintain the feeling of being in a family home with a great deal of history and a storied past. The unique architectural elements of the main building of the Castle will be carefully preserved and will showcase the cherished collectibles gathered from around the globe. The Castle was originally built in 1897 as a private residence of General Howard Carroll and took more than 100 crafstmen several years to complete. Originally named “Carrol Cliff”, it was inspired by the famous Castle Lismore in County Waterford, Ireland which was built by King John.

The Castle figured prominently in Westchester and New York City Society circles and, according to Louie, we want to make sure that from arrival to departure, guests feel that sense of sophisticated elegance and comfort at the Castle Hotel & Spa.

The vast collection of antiques and vintage items will be carefully preserved, along with cherished artwork and sculpture. A careful blend of modern pieces will be incorporated to maintain that feeling of being in a comfortable and graceful estate complete with mahogany books shelves, working wood fireplaces, intricately carved stairways, glowing sconces, and elaborate stained glass windows. Most of the design elements in the main building will be refreshed with soft goods and other furnishings that will add to the tasteful elegance and not detract from it. With a gentle transformation, The Lobby Lounge and the Tapestry Room will continue to glow an aura of gracious living that adds a rich and lush feeling, ideal for a casual wine tasting.

The 1,500 square-foot Great Hall, perhaps the most spectacular feature of the Castle, features 40-foot vaulted ceilings and original Gothic windows with heraldic motifs. This spacious yet intimate room is filled with fine architectural details and complemented by leather panels on the ceiling, meticulous carvings in the foyer, and a grand balcony overlooking the room.  Six-foot tall, custom-designed torchiere wall sconces with hand-crafted bronze metal will be complemented by a warm maroon color palette and rich gold accents.

The Caramai Ballroom will maintain its graceful atmosphere by preserving the crystal chandeliers and artistic moldings encircling the entire 1,500 square-foot room that is soaked in natural light. Rich cream tones with gold accents, along with turquoise trim and moldings will play a dramatic role in the restoration of this space and will complement the lush new upholstery.  Custom-designed wall sconces with detailed metal accents will continue to provide an ideal ambiance for social gatherings, romantic weddings, and special occasions.

Each of the seven suites will undergo a full renovation along with a refreshing update to the guest rooms. There are two suites themes: first theme presents an elegant feminine air  with a romantic palette of cranberry, rich chocolate brown with gold accents. According to Gettys’ Krystle Louie, “the furniture plays on the idea of the soft curves of a woman's hat to the delicate lace of her gloves. Each room has antique collectibles from her travels.”  The second theme offers deep green tones and gold accents, bold antique bronze metal trim and luxurious velvet upholstery.

Mr. Jiro Sato, President of Sankara Hospitality Group, commented; “it is our goal to continue to help this magnificent property evolve to an even more luxurious small hotel and to continue to serve our guests and exceed their expectations.  This dramatic transformation of Castle Hotel & Spa was designed with total guest comfort in mind, from the new THANN Sanctuary Spa to the lavish guest rooms and suites, the sumptuous lobby and public space, the award-winning Equus restaurant, and the efficient and comfortable meeting and event space.”

Mr. Sato notes that a “small luxurious hotel” is defined by Sankara Hospitality Group by three exacting qualifications:

1. The stunning setting and masterful presentations of Executive Chef Takei’s Natural French Cuisine continues to receive the highest culinary praise and distinctions.  “Exceptional cuisine and service to bring happiness and joy to every customer” said Mr. Sato.

2. “Supreme bliss of total relaxation” will be introduced with the creation of THANN™ Sanctuary Spa, known throughout Asia as an oasis of peace and tranquility.  THANN will bring a wide variety of luxurious treatments based on the art of natural therapy, where all the senses are awakened by the unique holistic spa concept and ambience.   The THANN™ Sanctuary Spa at Castle Hotel & Spa will be the first of its kind in the United States.

3. To continue to provide an unparalleled atmosphere of total guest satisfaction and comfort in every aspect of their experience including creating sumptuous and opulent atmosphere in their guest room or suite.

Castle Hotel & Spa
Castle Hotel & Spa features the rich, time-honored ambience of Old-World style and elegance with contemporary amenities and is only 25 miles north of Manhattan. Accommodations include 31 luxurious guest rooms and suites of more than 1,000 square feet each. Each room features all the amenities you expect – and more. The Castle is highlighted by intricately carved stairways of dark burnished wood, glowing sconces, mammoth hand-hewn oak beams and leaded-glass windows.

Gettys is an award-winning, creative and innovative team of business-minded hospitality and hotel design experts headquartered in Chicago with offices throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For 25 years across the globe, Gettys has specialized in creating value through interior design, procurement, branding, and development services from project conception to completion. For more information and a sampling of Gettys’ extensive portfolio, please visit www.gettys.com.

About Castle Hotel & Spa
Castle Hotel & Spa is perched majestically atop one of the highest points in the region overlooking the historic Hudson River in the lower Hudson Valley of Westchester County, NY.  The award-winning estate is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Historic Hotels of America and sits on ten tranquil wooded acres that provide a respite of refinement and luxury with Old-World elegance.

Castle Hotel & Spa features 31 traditionally appointed guest rooms and suites, 4,100 square feet of meeting and event space, 24-hour health and fitness center, whirlpool, landscaped jogging paths, and a spectacular outdoor seasonal swimming pool.  The renowned Equus restaurant has received Four Diamonds from AAA and Five-Star Diamond Award from The Academy of Hospitality Sciences.  It was named to Conde Nast’s “Gold List” and the elite Top Twenty US Small Hotels. Equus is highly rated from Zagat for extraordinary food, service and décor and received the prestigious Award of Unique Distinction from The Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Castle Hotel & Spa is owned and managed by Sankara Hospitality Group, known throughout the world for creating and managing contemporary luxury hotels that are defined by their warm and vibrant personality, and inspired by the spirit of their location.  Sankara is passionate in their belief of offering a service that is effortless, personal and genuine, enabling its guests to do the things they value most. For additional information, visit the website at:  http://www.castleonthehudson.com/