The legendary BT Tower, an unmistakable fixture on London's skyline, is poised for a remarkable new chapter as a luxury hotel following its £275 million acquisition. Since its grand opening in 1965 under the auspices of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, this 177-metre marvel (rising to 189 metres with its original aerial) served as the epicenter of British telecommunications and television broadcast infrastructure.
Once the tallest building in London—holding that title until the NatWest Tower's debut—the BT Tower has now been purchased by MCR Hotels. This acclaimed hospitality group operates 150 distinctive properties across the United States, including the TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport, Gramercy Park Hotel, The New Yorker, and Pasadena Hotel & Pool in California.
The BT Tower’s public access was permanently discontinued decades ago, following security concerns heightened by an IRA bombing. Despite its Grade II listed status, which affirms its architectural and cultural distinction, the tower has long divided opinion among Londoners—ranking just behind the Barbican Arts Centre in surveys of the city’s most controversial buildings.
Originally named the Post Office Tower, its defining role in the evolution of communications technology led to the removal of its iconic microwave dishes. The once-celebrated public spaces, including the famed revolving restaurant overseen by Billy Butlin, offered guests 360-degree views of London before closing to the public in 1971 due to security incidents.
MCR Hotels’ CEO, Tyler Morse, has articulated a vision to honor the BT Tower’s storied past while reinventing it as a world-class hospitality destination. Plans are underway to create a hotel experience that weaves together the building’s rich narrative with contemporary luxury, ensuring its legacy endures for generations of visitors.
Discover more:
The Businessclass Guide to London’s Finest Destinations
43 Top Luxury Hotels in London
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