Landmark Acquires the Grand Summit Hotel, Plans the Albion

On Oct 30, 2023

The Albion Summit, formerly known as the historic Grand Summit Hotel, is undergoing its first renovation phase by Landmark Hospitality for the 2024 season. Bringing together a progressive, environmentally-sensitive design, phase I includes perimeter landscaping enhancements to add a band of a park-like buffer and a downsizing from 154 rooms to now 100. Lush designs and amenities range from the critically acclaimed Felina restaurant, the Stork Club Lounge, and Muddy Cup co-working space. Meanwhile, the traditional ballroom will be updated with an open, interactive kitchen for cocktails receptions.

“Having been a part of the New Jersey community for the past 25 years, Jeanne and I have long awaited the opportunity to introduce Landmark Hospitality to the Summit community,” said Frank Cretella, principal and co-owner of Landmark Hospitality. “Designed to become an anchor for the downtown area, we believe The Albion Summit will create a significant positive impact on the surrounding community and businesses. We have many exciting plans in the works and look forward to introducing the new concept as an inclusive space for travelers and locals alike.”

The original Grand Summit Hotel was first built in the 1860s, a time when New York socialites flocked to Summit for its beautiful rural charm, refreshing atmosphere, and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Throughout the years, the hotel has served as an oasis for some of the region’s most prominent politicians and celebrities. Incoming General Manager and Summit local, Adam Parnes, joins Landmark Hospitality in its efforts to celebrate and honor the importance the Grand Summit Hotel had for the surrounding community.

The Albion, originally the poetic term for Great Britain, will serve as the inspiration for the room remodeling project. Spearheaded by Landmark Developers, a boutique real estate development company established by Frank Cretella, and Black Dog Construction, Landmark’s in-house construction firm, the Albion Summit will undergo two phases of renovations. Phase one will take eight months to complete and include updates to the guestrooms and existing special events hall and the creation of a new restaurant, bar and lounge, and co-working space. The 100 guestrooms and suites in the main building will be redesigned, one row at a time, to convey a tasteful British Rock atmosphere with carefully selected pop art and street-art adornments.

The lobby will receive an entire makeover; as guests walk into the main entrance, the front desk will be transformed into a bar and lounge area with visitors being able to check in by phone or by kiosk with assistance from a host. Felina, an open-kitchen restaurant, will be designed across from the bar area, while a large, open co-working space will be located down the main center hallway, intending to serve as the social hub of downtown Summit and bring together the community. The pre-existing special events hall will be refreshed with a two-story fireplace and beautiful original stained-glass windows that were discovered under plywood and sheetrock.

Phase two of the upcoming accommodation plan includes a spa with ancient baths, an amphitheater-style movie theater, a rooftop restaurant and bar, La Terrazza, and a second event space built as a private home separate from the hotel yet remaining connected.

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