Maybourne, a Qatari-owned hospitality giant, stands as a beacon of luxury in the world of hotels. This British company manages a collection of iconic properties, including The Berkeley, Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Emory in London; The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles; and The Maybourne Riviera in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Their story is a tapestry woven with rich history, daring ventures, and a commitment to unparalleled guest experiences.
A Century of Opulence: London’s Finest Hotels
Maybourne’s roots run deep, tracing back over two centuries to its origins in London. The group was previously known as The Savoy Hotel Group, boasting a prestigious portfolio of London’s finest hotels. However, following the sale of The Savoy, the group was rebranded as Maybourne, focusing on the remaining iconic hotels – Claridge’s, The Berkeley, and The Connaught.
The Connaught, the oldest of the group, originally opened its doors in 1815 as the Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel. In 1917, it was renamed in honor of Queen Victoria’s third son, Prince Arthur, the first Duke of Connaught. This timeless establishment embodies the spirit of traditional elegance and impeccable service.
A Global Expansion: Embracing New Horizons
In December 2019, Maybourne embarked on a bold venture, acquiring the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. This move signaled their ambition to expand beyond the borders of London, establishing a presence in a new, coveted destination. This acquisition marked a significant step towards their global expansion strategy, showcasing their commitment to reaching a wider international audience.
A Story of Acquisition, Conflict, and Triumph: The Maybourne Legacy
The formation of Maybourne itself is an intriguing tale. In 2003, a consortium of Irish investors, led by Derek Quinlan, purchased The Savoy Hotel Group from Blackstone and Colony Capital. The group’s vision, however, did not include The Savoy, which was subsequently sold to Kingdom Holding for a significant sum. The remaining hotels, however, were in desperate need of revitalization.
Enter Paddy McKillen, a prominent investor who envisioned a grand restoration project for the three iconic hotels, beginning with The Connaught. However, the path to revitalization was far from smooth. The group’s finances, initially secured by Anglo Irish Bank, were thrown into turmoil by the global financial crisis, leading to the transfer of their loans to the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).
The subsequent sale of these loans to the Barclay brothers, a move that attracted much controversy, sparked a fierce battle for control of Maybourne. The Barclay brothers, already owners of The Ritz Hotel in London, saw an opportunity to acquire the coveted Maybourne properties. A hostile takeover attempt ensued, prompting McKillen to seek legal protection.
The resulting legal battle raged for five years, a grueling process that cost over £50 million. The Barclay brothers, through a series of controversial maneuvers, attempted to gain control of Maybourne. McKillen, however, fought relentlessly, ultimately proving victorious. The Barclay brothers’ interest in the company was ultimately transferred to the Qatari royal family, marking a decisive turning point in Maybourne’s ownership.
Despite the tumultuous legal battles, McKillen’s contributions to Maybourne’s revitalization cannot be overstated. He continues to play a crucial role in the company, providing invaluable consulting services.
A Legacy of Transformation: Restoring London’s Finest
The restoration of The Connaught marked a significant step in Maybourne’s journey. Closed for a year, the hotel underwent a complete transformation, emerging with 121 modern rooms, a luxurious Aman Spa, an underground swimming pool, and a world-class dining experience. Helene Darroze, a celebrated three-Michelin-starred chef, presides over the hotel’s exquisite restaurant, while Jean George Vongerichten oversees the all-day dining venue and the newly opened Connaught Grill. The hotel’s renowned bar has garnered global recognition, earning prestigious titles such as World’s Best Bar and Best Bar in Europe.
Claridge’s, a renowned landmark in the heart of Mayfair, also underwent a major transformation. Built in 1898, the hotel’s famed Art Deco design was in need of revitalization. Under McKillen’s leadership, and with the guidance of renowned architect Michael Blair, an ambitious excavation project was undertaken, creating a five-level basement beneath the hotel. This massive undertaking was completed without disrupting the hotel’s operations.
In 2019, Claridge’s unveiled a new culinary gem, Davies and Brook, helmed by chef Daniel Humm, known for his acclaimed restaurant Eleven Madison Park in New York. The hotel continues to refine its offerings, recently unveiling a new Royal Suite, an Empress Eugenie Suite, and a Prince Alexander Suite.
The Berkeley, a Knightsbridge icon, has also undergone a meticulous revitalization in recent years. The hotel’s façade received a modern makeover in 2017, designed by the celebrated Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Richard Rogers. Marcus Wareing, a Michelin-starred chef, graces the Berkeley with his acclaimed restaurant, and the hotel is also home to the sophisticated Blue Bar. Hong Kong-based designer Andre Fu added a touch of Asian elegance to the hotel in 2018, creating a series of stunning pavilion penthouse suites.
Maybourne’s Future: A Bright Horizon of Luxury
The acquisition of Montage Beverly Hills in 2019 marked a pivotal moment in Maybourne’s history. Rebranded as The Maybourne Beverly Hills, this property represents the company’s commitment to expanding its global reach. The future of Maybourne looks bright, promising a continued commitment to luxury, innovation, and a dedication to crafting unforgettable guest experiences.
