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The Savoy, one of London's landmark luxury hotels, is set for a refurbishment that is thought to be in the region of £85m.

The project to revamp the hotel is at an early stage, but John Rowan & Partners has been tipped to land the role of and quantity surveyor.

The Savoy, which is grade II-listed, first opened in 1889 and the planned project involves the refurbishment of all 263 guestrooms, the foyer and the restaurant, and the delivery of new luxury suites. The external facades of the hotel will be renovated.

Although these proposals have not yet made it through the planning system, a spokesperson for the Savoy confirmed that the work was planned. He said: "The refurbishment will not be starting until the end of 2007 but we are working closely with English Heritage and walking around the hotel with designers and builders."

Savoy: Taken over by Canadian group last year

The Savoy was bought by Toronto-based group Fairmont Hotels and Resorts last year. After a review, the new owners are thought to have decided to invest about £45m on fabrics and a further £40m on fixtures and fittings. The spokesperson said that exact amounts had yet to be confirmed.

The refurbishment will not start until the end of 2007 but we are walking around the hotel with designers

Savoy spokesperson

John Rowan & Partners declined to comment but it is understood that the firm, which is led by managing partner Stephen Gee, has beaten rivals including Gardiner & Theobald and AYH.

John Rowan & Partners has a strong presence in the hotel sector and one of its biggest clients in the past has been Intercontinental Hotels. It also works for the De Vere group and the owners of the Holiday Inn chain.

A contractor and architect have yet to be appointed at the Savoy. They are expected to be named when the appointment of John Rowan & Partners is confirmed.

The plans come at a time when the hotel market is experiencing a recovery after a lengthy period in the doldrums after the 9/11 attacks on the USA.