HotelChatter

Austrian hospo agency Martinez Hotels & Resorts, who Baturina christened to run the place, are proclaiming (in standard PR parlance) that the redesign "will reposition The Morrison as a 'vibrant, hip hotel and eatery.'" They're staying mum on the deets, but you can sneak a glimpse under-construction views of the Penthouse (pictured) and restaurants (there will be two) on its Facebook page.

Dublin architect Nikki O'Donnell helmed the refab, including a total revamp of all the hotel's 138 rooms, lobby, and public spaces. There will also be a new bar, 24-hour "business zone," split-level fitness center, and spacious event space. GM Patrick Joyce (he's new, too) promises the restaurants will emphasize Irish-grown produce.

Don't worry about the the rebranding causing the "hip" Morrison to lose its edge to the corporate humdrum, though. DoubleTree's been upping its game lately. The brand was behind a fresh revamp of NYC's Metropolitan Hotel in August. And you know we lurve the Barbie room at Costa Rica's Hotel Cariari! The Burlington, another Dublin mainstay, is rumored to be next on the branding block.

[Photos: The Morrison Hotel]