Ralph Lauren Joining the Hotel Crowd?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Aug 14th 2006 at 12:05PM

Yesterday, I mentioned the Miss Sixty hotel. Today comes news of another designer moving into the hotel business. Vogue UK reports that Ralph Lauren is set to launch a line of hotels. Lauren's hotel empire is still in the early planning stages. No definite details are known yet but given Lauren's penchant for Americana, I'm betting on a Western theme.

Tags: designer, hotel, ralph lauren, RalphLauren

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Celebrity Shopping

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

al schrader Aug 16th 2006 6:00PM

Sounds like a terrific new hotel idea.
But, none of them can provide the type, and high quality food and beverage care that I have developed.

Chef Alfred

Emery Nicoletti Aug 16th 2006 6:11PM

Well, if the quality of his hotels are anything like his line of paint, I should hope that he thinks about improving on it's quality. It took me five freaking gallons to paint a small guest room at $35.00 per gallon when I was promised that it would only take one! Ralph Lauren's name has always held high regards but lately it seems like it's been slipping. I hope he can reinvent his reputation with these hotels. Having been a big fan of Lauren's in the past, I would like to see his name restored to the namesake that it was in the 80's and 90's. If he would like me to critique his hotels by offering me a free vacation, I would be more than happy to offer my heartfelt advice......yes, that would be nice!!! Oh, and I'd need to bring at least ten other couples.....Let me know Ralphy!!!

Don't dance no more no big black woman Aug 16th 2006 8:00PM

ref #2: Must be some low quality paint, I've never used that much paint in any room....perhaps you are the fool though and he is just savvy. I wouldn't pay $35 for any gallon of paint!

Michael Aug 16th 2006 9:00PM

Sounds like a risky venture as travelers are fickle and the hotel industry is cut throat.

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Greg Hartmann Aug 19th 2006 2:34PM

Your blog suggests that the news of a Ralph Lauren Hotel is recent news (8/14/06), but according to the Vogue article you post it was sourced back in 2001. Did you hear something more recent than this, or is that the only (dated) source of the information?

Sean Aug 21st 2006 2:28PM

I Hope there is a giant polo PONY in the front of each hotel

Jenna Snyder Aug 21st 2006 2:37PM

I have worn Ralph Lauren Clothes for some time now and love the fit, style and how well they are made and I am sure it will shine through in his hotels. There is nothing cheap or tacky about RL.

Sue Aug 21st 2006 3:04PM

I've been to his RL restaurant in Chicago, right beside his flagship store. Everything in there is top quality. He invested millions in artwork and decor for a restaurant that takes reservations from anyone. He flies his beef in from his ranch in Montana (the Steak Diane was fab). His restaurant is a class act, so I suspect his hotels will be as well.

KIm Aug 21st 2006 3:16PM

I have used RL paint, and it covers in one coat and is great. don't know what you are talking about and it was not 35.00 a gallon either.. it was the same price as Benjamin Moore, no cheaper, no more expensive.. RL is quality, as always, his hotel's will be the same thing.. the standard we have all come to respect and pay money for.

Vivi Aug 21st 2006 5:48PM

All anyone is paying for is a "name". The quality is not any better than any other paint.

Yvonne Aug 21st 2006 6:01PM

I absolutely LOVE the RL paints, colors, textures, etc. BUT...they are difficult at times to use, even when you use their rollers, etc. And it is $30-35 a gallon..at least in our area. But you can't beat or match his colors and finishes. They're incredible after you get the hang of it.

marshall Aug 21st 2006 6:02PM

I wish Ralph Lauren is branching out in his business.Most people in business always making non-stop money flow...I hope he is very successful I hope his hotels are going to be cheap for his public temporary lodging..?
Good Luck~~!!

kjmoore Aug 21st 2006 7:06PM

Well, I've been into RL for many years now. I say 75 to 80% of the money I spend for clothes goes to RL, I even own stock in the company. I really believe that this could be a fantastic idea for the company, if done correctly. The brand is known worldwide for the high class, sophisticated style. If they can put this into the design and decor of the hotel while providing great service, I believe this could become a phenomenon across the world. Think about it most people have designers that they love, imagine if the some of the upscale hotels offered the "RL" room designed with all RL signature products (sheets, comforters, rugs, paint, etc.), people into "names" would love to indulge in somethuing like this. I see big things with this...

Thad Aug 21st 2006 7:10PM

Listen little people....RL will do well with what ever he does....I used to buy his ties in 1972...YES Folks in 1972 and they were totally hand made then...get a grip...his paint is difficult to work with...but the professionals don't mind it...that is how it is...
RL is not for everyone...That is how life is!

Brian Rupert Aug 21st 2006 7:39PM

Now that RL has been around the monopoly board a few times and has aquired at least 4 houses he is by the rules allowed to buy hotels. No doubt the gift shop will be a side show of its own. The concierge will have a ball selecting items for VIP's arrival.
I have high expectations of this group of hotels. Ambience is one thing, of which RL has mastered like Tiger has the golf. What we don't know is if he will have the wherewithall of delivering the service expections of his customers on a 7/24/365 basis. Few can and do. Only time and money and consistency will tell.

K. Rosenquist Aug 21st 2006 7:44PM

My son is a professional painter by trade- RL paints a do not cover well and he and other painter's who have been in business for many years do not even like to use them nor even suggest them to their clients because of the paints lack of coverage.
As far as his clothing most of it is of good design, but not unique design, as far as his prices, I hope he is paying the seamstress's well - not third world paychecks- because his clothing prices warrant paying others well.
The hotel?? I'm not sure, I wish him the very best though!!!!!

Brian Rupert Aug 21st 2006 7:47PM

Now that RL has been around the monopoly board a few times he has aqcuired 4 houses a minimum to buy hotel(s)
Only time will tell if he has the management skill of putting hotel teams together that can stay focused to the service of his customers on a 24/7/365 basis.
Ambience he can create. Location he can buy. Service is a dedication mixed with humanity, emotions and flair to match a poor man's show business. No other business has the variety of demands as the hotel business.

MATT Aug 21st 2006 7:54PM

if you are painting with a deep base color you can use black on the first coat for a primer then your finish color will wrap in one coat and not five.

Gilbert Revson Mills Aug 21st 2006 8:04PM

RL in hotel biz a good idea, but here is a better idea, knowing the gent and where his hotels would probably be:
They should be opened as quarter-shares, a timeshare for 3 mos. at a time. Big sellers when a celeb is attached. Enormous returns all but guaranteed and will be able to really do some over-the-top decorating in a super luxe RL manner. My family are pros in the timeshare biz, and believe me this setup would be excellent for RL.