A fascinating discovery at the newly renamed Marble Arch Hotel by Thistle has unveiled a precious piece of the hotel’s history. A stunning Italian marble floor, dating back to the 1960s, was uncovered during a recent renovation of the hotel’s entrance area. The rich history, beautiful neutral tones and elegant geometric line work prompted the decision to reinstate the marble as the hotel’s new focal point, bringing the marble back to Marble Arch.
This unveiling marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the hotel and the Thistle brand, which has undergone a transformation. As part of a rebrand, a select collection of Thistle hotels will now be known as ‘by Thistle’, reflecting a newly reimagined vision and an elevated offering that champions distinct, location-led experiences designed with today’s discerning traveller in mind.
Each ‘by Thistle’ hotel is a distinct destination, proudly shaped by its iconic surroundings. The Marble Arch Hotel is the first property to launch in the collection, highlighting its prime location in one of London’s most iconic districts—Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest shopping street.
The marble floor, which is believed to have been installed when the building first became a hotel under the name The Mount Royal Hotel, is Italian Carrara marble, used in some of the world’s most remarkable structures dating back to the Roman era. This unanticipated find is particularly special given the hotel’s proximity to Marble Arch, the famous landmark just steps away, which itself is clad in Ravaccione marble—a unique grey and white variety of Carrara marble.
When the Arch was constructed, it was the first time marble was used in this way on any British building, marking an important moment in architectural history. Now, The Marble Arch Hotel’s newly reinstated Italian marble reception serves as a beautiful homage to this legacy, connecting the hotel’s rich past with the vibrant pulse of London today.
“How wonderful to restore something so historic to its former glory!” said Tony Hill, the hotel’s general manager. “Having the original marble floors welcoming guests again, just as they did when the hotel first opened in the 60s, is truly magical. The new rebrand, along with this historical feature, enhances the guest experience, creating a lasting impression from the moment they walk in. Our new approach to guest experiences—anchored by a modern, personalised welcome—makes this an exciting time for us. We’re not just offering a place to stay; we’re providing an experience where history, convenience and a friendly face meet seamlessly.”
As part of the ongoing evolution of the brand, the ‘by Thistle’ collection will continue to focus on championing location-centric experiences and personalised services. A prime example is the tailored concierge service, which enables guests to create unique itineraries based on their needs and interests, ensuring every stay feels custom-crafted.
At its core, Thistle’s commitment to comfort, convenience, and great value remains at the forefront of every guest experience. The rebrand of The Marble Arch by Thistle will enhance this modern evolution while also preserving the timeless elements that make the hotel so special.
