10what's new Renderings Courtesy Tonny Saada REVELING in Ravel Hotel’s EXPANSION The Estate at Ravel, an expansion of The Ravel Hotel, will bring the community and hotel guests various brand new amenities including an ice skating rink, outdoor park space, a catering hall and ballroom. BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO One of Long Island City’s luxury hotels is getting a $10 million facelift. The Ravel Hotel, located at 8-08 Queens Plaza South, announced construction had started on its renovation and expansion plan which will add a new 10-story building adjacent to its current six-story hotel. The two will be connected by a walkover bridge. “We are very excited about this transformation as we make our mark on Long Island City,” said Ravi Patel, owner of The Ravel Hotel. “Our focus is to bring both our guests and neighbors a great space to stay, eat, celebrate or simply unwind. We look forward to this new chapter and to the continued success of our property and the neighborhood.” The new building, called The Estate at Ravel, will have more than 45,000 square feet of catering and meeting areas, 54 additional guest rooms, two bridal suites and 35,000 square feet of outdoor space and landscaped gardens. On the third floor, guests will find an indoor/ outdoor space with a reflecting pool which changes into an ice skating rink in the winter. All outdoor spaces have views of the 59th Street Bridge, East River and Manhattan skyline. Each of the new rooms will feature a private outdoor space, low platform beds and bathrooms with walk-in showers. The bridal suites will include wraparound terraces, an outdoor pool table, a moveable bed that can be rolled out to the terrace and a staircase leading to the penthouse pool area. The new building will also include a brand new ballroom on the ground floor that can fit up to 400 guests. In order to accommodate outdoor guests together with hotel patrons, members of the community will be allowed to purchase a membership for the hotel which will allow them access to the various amenities. “There are tremendous benefits not just for hotel guests but the community as well,” said Patel. “It kind of gives it a cool close community and exclusive feel.” Keeping the outdoor spaces, dining and shopping facilities private to members allows the facility to build a “close knit community,” said Patel. The plan is being led by boutique firm TSID. Construction will not affect any current hotel, restaurant or event operations. Phase one of the plan is expected to be completed by May of 2014 and full construction is slated to be finished by winter of 2014.
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