The Voltaire Hotel

As seen in

The Voltaire Hotel is one of four connecting hotels in the Paradiso Infernale Group. It is the largest and most prestigious of the four attracting the most wealthy VIPs and business men who stay in Plymouth, UK. 
The hotel stands at the forefront of the 5 hectares of prime real estate seafront land occupied by Paradiso Corp owned by reclusive billionaire Damian Rees Jr who owns much of the Barbican waterfront space including the Bubble of Marine Science. The Rees family arrived in Plymouth in the sixteenth century and were instrumental in turning around the fortunes of the city after the great plague. Since then the Rees' have been the most magnanimous benefactors to the city with gifts of art to the city gallery including some previously unknown Botticelli, and Michaelangelo pieces.

Purpose / Function

On the surface of it, The Voltaire Hotel is a high-class, prestigious hotel whose opulence and prestige precedes it.  The hotel is host to regular balls and gala dinners for the wealthy elite as well as for business and other conferences.

Alterations

The original building was destroyed by the blitz. Due to the Naval base at Devonport, Plymouth was the most heavily bombed city in the UK during World War II destroying most of the buildings, displacing the plymothian  population and leaving the city charred and in ruins.
The Voltaire hotel was rebuilt in the original style and remains the pride of the Hoe.

Architecture

Overlooking the Hoe, the Voltaire stands an impressive seven stories tall in 17th Century Jacobean red-brick style with large crenelated bay windows, the frames of which stand bleak white against the rich red. The windows themselves are sash, with their tops half latticed. In front the glass conservatory entrance is reached via a broad off white limestone stairway leading up to a neo-palladian entry that should be out of place given the Jacobean architecture. The roofs are as eclectically shaped due to the buildings hexagonal partial protruding towers and copper domes offer both strength against strong offshore winds and storms, and a pleasing artistic quality to the design.

History

The Voltaire was acquired by the Rees family on arrival to Plymouth in 1545 through a bet. Since then, the Rees family acquired the Seven Stars Guest House, The Fortescue, The Mariners Respite and the Sea Shackover the next 100 years as various waves of pestilence and plague swept through the city killing 600 in 1579 and despite the efforts of the bishops of Plymouth Cathedral proclaiming public fast every Wednesday, more than 2000 died in the 1625 outbreak. 
The Federation of Custodians of the City of Plymouth was formed in 1630 and after this the Rees family became reclusive. Many have speculated to the identity of the family and whether they are in fact real. Some conspiracy theorists postulate that the Federation feared the Rees family's sudden accumulation of wealth, power and standing in the community and fearing for their lives changed their names and live among us as ordinary people, with ordinary lives, running their myriad businesses indirectly through appointed proxies.

Tourism

Despite its relatively new build appearance, Plymouth has a rich and diverse history that attracts many visitors throughout the year. Holiday makers come from all over the country to sample the infamous Plymouth Gin, and visit the nautical museums and attractions including the naval museum, the tudor museum and the Marine Aquarium. 
The city is also rich in culture hosting cultural events throughout the year including a literary festival, art festival, pirate festival and music festivals.

The Oval Hall

by The Tourist in Paris

One of the dining halls at The Voltaire Hotel. Inspired by Pinterest Image of a hotel in Paris

Founding Date

1947

Type

Hospitality, Hotel

The Savante

A dining room at the Voltaire, exclusive to guests only. Inspired a hotel in Amsterdam.

Hotel Room 1

by The Jacobean Hotel in Coventry

An average room availalbe at The Voltaire Hotel

Wedding Venue at The Voltaire Hotel

by The Royal Cafe - London

Wedding Breakfast Room

by The Royal Cafe - London

Luxury Dining Room reserved for the most oppulent gala's and occasions