As part of the sales agreement, Starwood has agreed to rebuild the library below the hotel.

WSJ: Starwood's Crystal Vision

For a touch of class try the Library Bar in the Lanesborough Hotel (1 Lanesborough Place, Belgravia).

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While the hotel interiors, library and rooms were designed by grand master Jacques Garcia to have Parisian flair (many have a claw foot tub in the room, faux garret-style), it is the restaurant that is getting a lot of early buzz, with rave reviews already coming from the New York Times and top food blogs.

BBC: Openings: Maldives, New York, Edinburgh, Boston

Missing were the kind of sparks you'd expect when, say, representatives of the American Library Association share a drafty hotel ballroom with members of Family-Friendly Libraries.

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Starwood acquired the rights to the site from hotel developer Orient Express, which had a contract to buy the land from the New York Public Library but never closed.

WSJ: Starwood's Crystal Vision

Though neither had any experience as hoteliers or philanthropists, they bought the land and began construction on a 60-room hotel, cultural center and library.

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There's a dedicated gym, movie theater, library and billiard room, and residents have access to the rooftop pool and cabanas and hotel spa.

WSJ: The Roster at the Ritz��WSJ Mansion