I have a 10 day stay for pleasure coming in February. I know they have started on a 6 month refurbishment plan for the lounge and dining room and all meals, with both menus available, will be in the American Bar. I am somewhat disappointed with this as I had planned to entertain guests at dinner, albeit not enough guests to warrant a private dining room. Also, the entrance will be closed with entry via Blue Ball (Bell?) Court, off St James Street. I did call yesterday to be reassured that my room would not be directly under the work going on in the main buildings. I am in favor of this work, things had gotten a bit tatty. But I do not want it to mar my visit. <g> I will be going back in September and it will be lovely to see all the changes, assuming they don't change the general character of my favorite hotel.