Maybourne Hotel Group


Maybourne Hotel Group is an Irish and Qatar owned British luxury hotel operator, which owns and manages The Berkeley, Claridge's and The Connaught hotels in London.

History and Background

The , formerly The Savoy Hotel Group has been operating super luxury hotels in London with origins that go back 205 years. The group was renamed when the Savoy Hotel was sold off from the original group of four iconic hotels; The Savoy, Claridges, The Berkeley and The Connaught. The oldest hotel in the group is The Connaught which was originally built as the Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel in 1815. It was renamed The Connaught in 1917 after Queen Victoria's third son, Prince Arthur, the first Duke of Connaught. In December 2019 Maybourne acquired the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills,California and said the acquisition is part of a global expansion strategy bringing Maybourne's European luxury concept to new markets across the globe.
Its legacy and heritage make the Maybourne Hotel Group one of the most prestigious and oldest hotel management companies in the world. The Maybourne name was formed when a group of Irish investors headed by Patrick McKillen bought the Savoy group of hotels from Blackstone and Colony Capital in 2003 for £750m. It was decided soon afterwards that the Savoy Hotel did not fit into the plans and was sold to Kingdom Holdings for approximately £250m. As the three remaining hotels were in a very poor state of repair, McKillen immediately set out on a grand plan to completely refurbish the properties beginning with The Connaught. Finance for the purchase of the group was provided by Anglo Irish bank. When the financial crisis hit, Anglo Irish Bank was not able to survive and the group's fully performing loans were transferred to NAMA, a bad bank created by the Government of Ireland in response to the Irish financial crisis.
In a controversial move NAMA sold the loans which were the bank's best to the UK's Barclay Brothers while the company was finalising its refinancing away from Irish banks. This gave the Barclay Brothers a once in a lifetime opportunity to launch a hostile attack on the hotel company. The Barclay Brothers owned the Ritz Hotel in London and always nurtured an interest in the three Maybourne hotels. They immediately set a pre-pack administration in motion in an attempt to eliminate McKillen's shares and take over the company. McKillen went to the High Court on the day the attack was launched and succeeded in blocking the takeover attempt. This set in motion the most expensive High Court legal action of its time. The case became extremely bitter between McKillen and the brothers lasting 5 years and costing over £50m.
The Barclay Brothers amassed shares from original shareholders in the Maybourne Hotel group which McKillen claimed was illegal. McKillen lost every case in the marathon legal action but effectively wore down the Barclay Brothers and their interest in the company was successfully transferred to the Qatari royal family. McKillen continues to have a substantial investment in the hotel group and personally manages the group on a day-to-day basis.

Hotels

The Connaught hotel on Carlos Place, Mayfair was closed for a year of restoration in 2008. It was reopened totally restored including a modern wing with 121 rooms, an Aman Spa, an underground swimming pool and a restaurant operated by the famous 2 star Michelin chef, Helene Darroze. Currently, The Connaught trades as one of the world's highest revenue performing hotels, with its suites among the most desirable internationally. The chef, Jean George Vongerichten runs the hotel's all day dining restaurant and also the recently opened Connaught Grill. The Connaught bar has won major international awards including World's Best Bar and is currently voted the best bar in Europe.
Claridges opened in 1898. Designed by CW Stephens, it is located in the heart of Mayfair and became famous for its legendary art deco design. By 2004 Claridge's with its famous Art Deco lobby was also in a poor state of repair. McKillen with the architect Michael Blair won a major planning permission to excavate a five level basement under the hotel by hand. Remarkably the hotel is maintaining normal business while this work is being carried out. The newly created space will provide new amenities and services to significantly improve the guest experience for the next generation. New Spas, swimming pools, a screening room, laundries and bakeries are being created. At the same time, three new floors will be added on the roof providing some of the world's most luxurious rooms and penthouses. These works are due to be completed by 2021. In 2019, the hotel unveiled a new restaurant, Davies and Brook, run by chef Daniel Humm, former holder of World's best restaurant at Eleven Madison Park in New York. The hotel is embarking on an ongoing series of room and suite restorations, recently unveiling a new Royal Suite, an award-winning Empress Eugenie Suite and Prince Alexander Suite.
The Berkeley, which was built on its present site in 1972 in Knightsbridge, has been completely renovated over the last few years. In 2017 a major contemporary front facade face lift was unveiled. It was designed by The Pritzker prize winning architect, Lord Rogers. Michelin starred chef Marcus Wareing has his famous restaurant at the Berkeley, and it is home to the award-winning Blue Bar. Hong Kong based Designer Andre Fu completed a series of new pavilion penthouse suites at the hotel in 2018.
MONTAGE, BEVERLY HILLS
On 20th December 2019 Maybourne acquired Montage Beverly Hills, its first hotel outside London. In 2020, Maybourne will announce further plans for the re-positioning and renovation of Montage Beverly Hills, to bring the hotel more in line with the three London properties. The acquisition is part of a global expansion strategy bringing Maybourne's European luxury concept to new markets across the globe.

Christmas Trees

The Maybourne Hotel Group are pioneers of bringing bespoke, creatively designed Christmas trees to London. Their most distinguished guests from the fashion/style and art world are invited to design Christmas trees for the hotels and this has become a world famous occasion. The tradition began in 2009 when John Galliano was invited to design the Christmas tree for Claridges. Subsequently, Alber Elbaz, Dolce & Gabbana, Christopher Bailey for Burberry, Jony Ive and Marc Newson, Karl Lagerfeld, Diane Von Furstenberg and Christan Louboutin designed trees. At the Connaught, the Christmas trees has been designed by leading artists from Damien Hirst and Anthony Gormley, to Tracey Emin, Michael Craig Martin and Sean Scully. At The Berkeley, Sir Richard Rogers has created an annual light installation called ‘Snowfall’ that has become a neighbourhood landmark.

Awards and Accolades

THE CONNAUGHT
2019
Forbes Travel Guide: 5 star rating *****
World's 50 Best Bars: The Connaught Bar is awarded second place at the World's 50 Best Bars and named Best Bar in Europe.
2018
World of Fine Wine: Hélène Darroze at The Connaught wins the prestigious 3-star award for '2018 World's Best Wine List'.
AA Hospitality Awards: Helene Darroze at The Connaught awarded 5 AA Rosettes
Michelin Guide: Helene Darroze at The Connaught retains two Michelin Stars
2017
Food & Travel Reader Awards: The Connaught wins Best Hotel of the Year – City
Mixology Bar Awards 2017: Agostino Perrone, our Director of Mixology, wins the award for 'European Mixologist of the Year', while the Connaught Bar is named 'European Bar of the Year'.
2016
AA Rosette Awards 2016: Hélène Darroze at The Connaught wins the acclaimed 5 AA Rosettes Award.
10th Annual Spirited Awards: The Connaught Bar wins the awards for 'World's Best Cocktail Bar' and 'Best International Hotel Bar'.
World of Fine Wine 2016: Hélène Darroze at The Connaught wins the prestigious 3-star award for '2016 World's Best Wine List'.
Time Out London Bar Awards 2016: The Connaught Bar is awarded 'Classiest Bar' at the very first Time Out London Bar Awards.
2015
Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef 2015: Hélène Darroze is named the Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef 2015.
2014
Good Food Guide 2014: Hélène Darroze at The Connaught makes first entry into top 50 UK restaurants.
2013
Travel & Leisure 2013: The Connaught listed in its Top 3 World's Best Business Hotels.
Bilanz Magazine Hotel Awards 2013: The Connaught is awarded Best City Hotel in the World 2013.
International Traveller Magazine Australia 2013: The Connaught is listed in its Top 100 hotels in the world.
Conde Nast USA Traveler Reader Awards 2013: The Connaught is awarded Best UK Hotel 2013.
The World's 50 Best Bars 2013: The Connaught Bar is awarded fourth place this year.
Forbes Five Star rating 2013: The Connaught is awarded a Five Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide in 2013.
2012
Hotel & Lodge Awards 2012: The Aman Spa at The Connaught wins the first prize award in the spa category.
Fodor's 100 Hotel Awards 2012: Selected as a Global Icon award winner.
Hotel Cateys Award 2012: Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year 2012.
Food and Travel Reader Awards 2012: 'Bar of the Year' is awarded to the Connaught Bar.
Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Spa Awards 2012: Aman Spa is featured in The Best Spas in the world.
Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award 2012: The Connaught Bar is voted 'World's Best Cocktail Bar'.
'Best Hotel Spa' - Tatler Spa Guide 2012: The Aman Spa at The Connaught is awarded the 'Best Hotel Spa' by the new Tatler Spa Guide.
2011
The Villégiature Awards In 2011: The Connaught wins awards for 'Best Service in a Hotel in Europe' and 'Best Bar in a Hotel in Europe'.
2011 'Spa of the Year' Quintessentially Awards: The Aman Spa at The Connaught is named the 'Spa of the Year' 2011.
Wallpaper Design Awards 2011: The Connaught's housekeeping team is awarded 'Best Housekeeping' for its impeccable service.
2011 Michelin Guide: Already the proud holder of one Michelin star for her restaurant in Paris, Hélène receives her second Michelin star for Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
2010
Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2010: Erik Lorincz, Senior Mixologist at the Connaught Bar, competes against 23 international finalists and wins the prestigious 'World Class Bartender of the Year 2010' award.
World's Best Hotel Bar 2010: The Connaught Bar proudly receives the 'World's Best Hotel Bar 2010' at the Tales of the Cocktail event, New Orleans.
THE BERKELEY AWARDS
2019
Hotel Cateys 2019: Alan Noone wins Concierge of the Year
Afternoon Tea Awards 2019: The Berkeley Prêt-à-Portea wins best themed afternoon tea.
Imbibe Drinks List of the Year Awards 2019: Blue Bar wins Overall Drinks List of the Year 2019
2018
The Chad Clark Certified 25 2018: Featuring the Out of the Blue Experience.
Install Awards 2018: Out of the Blue wins Hospitality Project of the Year.
The International Hotel and Property Awards 2018: The Junior Suite wins the Best Hotel Suite Europe Award.
2017
Harden's London Restaurant Awards: The Collins Room wins the award for Best Afternoon Tea.
Restaurant & Bar Design Awards: The Collins Room at The Berkeley wins the Best Luxury Design award.
Belgravia in Bloom: The Berkeley wins the award for Best Pub, Hotel or Restaurant Display for McQueens' Wizard of Oz floral creation.
2016
US Conde Nast Traveller Gold List: Only 7 hotels in London included.
Observer Food Monthly Awards: Pierre Koffmann received Lifetime Achievement Award.
2015
Johansens Readers' Choice Awards: The Bamford Haybarn is awarded Best City Spa.
Tatler Restaurant Awards: Marcus is awarded with Best Front of House.
2014
Business Traveller: The Berkeley Gym is awarded number 2 in Top Ten Hotel gyms in the world.
2013
Tatler Spa Awards: The Berkeley is awarded Best Pool in the United Kingdom.
2012
Best Snow Queen Vodka cocktail – The Algonqueen, by John Higgins of The Blue Bar at The Berkeley Hotel: The snow queen competition, run by Imbibe and Square Meal magazine. We are awarded the consumer vote for best cocktail.
Conde Nast Traveler Gold List: The Berkeley, London.
2011
Wallpaper Design Awards: The Berkeley are awarded Best Hotel Service for our exquisite vintage accessories and jewellery Fashion Trunk.
2010
Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants: Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley is named top restaurant in London.
Best Kitchen at the Tatler Restaurant Awards: Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley wins Best Kitchen Award for the best quality food in the UK.
CLARIDGE’S AWARD’S
2019
Tatler Travel Awards – Claridge's wins Best Hotel – Old School is the best school.
Forbes Travel Guide: 5 star rating *****
International Property Awards: Empress Eugenie Suite wins Best International Hotel Interior and Best Hotel Interior in London
2018
International Property Awards: Claridge's Suites win, Best International Interior Award, Best Interior Suite in London and Best Interior Suite in UK.
The Caterer Hotelier's Hotel Awards: Claridge's named in top 5 London hotel list.
2017
Michelin Guide: Fera at Claridge's is awarded one Michelin Star.
Forbes Travel Guide: Claridge's is awarded a Five Star rating.
The AA Hotel Services Awards: ‘Breakfast Award’ in recognition of Claridge's high quality breakfasts
World of Fine Wine: Fera at Claridge's wins prestigious three-star award, as well as ‘Jury’s Prize’.
US Condé Nast Traveler Gold List: Claridge's is one of only five London hotels included
The Caterer Hoteliers’ Hotel Awards: Claridge's wins 'City Hotel of the Year'
2016
Mayfair Magazine Awards: Claridge's Royal Suite awarded 'Best Suite in London'
Food and Travel Magazine Awards: Claridge's wins 'Best City Hotel'
Michelin Guide: Fera at Claridge's is awarded one Michelin Star
The Caterer Hoteliers’ Hotel Awards: Claridge's listed in Top 10
Afternoon Tea Awards: Claridge's takes home the title of ‘Best Traditional Afternoon Tea’
World of Fine Wine: Fera at Claridge's wins the prestigious three-star award in ‘World's Best Wine List’
Institutional Investors, Best Hotels in the World Award: Claridge's is number one in London
Forbes Travel Guide: Claridge's is awarded a Five-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide in 2016.
US Condé Nast Traveler Gold List: Claridge's is one of only seven London hotels included.
CNN The World's 10 Most Legendary hotels: Claridge's is the only London entry Ultratravel Greatest 50 Hotels in the World Award: Claridge's is number one in London.
2015
Condé Nast Traveller Awards: Claridge's wins the award for ‘Best Business Hotel’
Food and Travel Magazine Awards: Claridge's wins Best City Hotel
Forbes Travel Guide: Claridge's is awarded a Five-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide in 2015
Michelin Guide: Fera at Claridge's is awarded one Michelin Star
Ultratravel Awards: Claridge's wins Best Hotel in UK
Veuve Clicquot Food and Drink Awards for GQ Magazine: Claridge's is named ‘Hotel of the Year’
AA Rosette Awards: Fera at Claridge's is awarded 3 AA Rosettes
The Mayfair Magazine Awards: Claridge's wins ‘Best Hotel in London’
The Mayfair Magazine Awards: Fera at Claridge's wins ‘Best Dining Experience’ award
Food and Travel Magazine Awards: Claridge's wins ‘Best City Hotel’
Tatler Restaurant Awards: Fera at Claridge's is named ‘Best Newcomer’
2014
Walpole British Luxury Awards: Claridge's wins ‘British Luxury Service’ award
Michelin Guide: Fera at Claridge's is awarded one Michelin Star
Good Food Guide: Fera at Claridge's makes first entry into top 20 UK restaurants
Forbes Travel Guide: Claridge's is awarded a Five-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide in 2014
Condé Nast Traveller Reader Awards: Claridge's is awarded ‘Best UK Business Hotel’
2013
Forbes Travel Guide: Claridge's is awarded a Five-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide in 2013
The Sunday Times Travel: Claridge's is listed in their Top 10 London hotels
Travel Weekly Best Hotels in the World: Claridge's listed as their top hotel in the world
Tatler Travel Guide: Claridge's included as one of the 101 best hotels in the world
International Traveller Magazine Australia: Claridge's listed in their Top 100 hotels in the world
2012
Junior Magazine, Design Awards: Claridge's wins ‘Best Family Hotel’ award
The Mayfair Awards: The Grand Piano Suite at Claridge's is awarded ‘Best Hotel Room’ by the Mayfair Magazine
The Mayfair Awards: Claridge's takes home ‘Best Hotel’ award
2011
Tea Guild's Top London Afternoon Tea: Claridge's wins the highest 'accolade' of the tea world by winning the Tea Guild's 'Top London Afternoon Tea'