Maybourne, a Qatari-owned British luxury hotel operator, boasts an impressive portfolio of iconic properties. They own and manage some of the most famous hotels in the world, 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.
This article delves into the fascinating history of Maybourne, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global symbol of luxury hospitality.
A Century of History
Maybourne’s roots are deeply entwined with London’s rich history. It traces its origins back over 200 years, originally operating as The Savoy Hotel Group. This prestigious group included The Savoy, Claridge’s, The Berkeley, and The Connaught, each a landmark in its own right.
The Connaught, the oldest hotel in the group, was built in 1815 as the Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel. It was renamed The Connaught in 1917 after Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Arthur.
A New Era Begins
The Maybourne name came into existence when a group of Irish investors, led by Derek Quinlan, purchased the Savoy group in 2003 for a whopping £750 million. They quickly realized that the Savoy Hotel didn’t fit their vision and sold it for £250 million.
The remaining three hotels, Claridge’s, The Berkeley, and The Connaught, were in dire need of restoration. Paddy McKillen, a member of the investment group, took the lead in a complete refurbishment, starting with The Connaught.
However, the financial crisis of 2008 cast a shadow over the group’s future. The group’s loans were transferred to NAMA, a state-owned bank established to address Ireland’s financial crisis.
A Dramatic Turn of Events
NAMA’s controversial decision to sell the loans to the Barclay brothers, for their full value plus accrued interest, ignited a fierce battle for control of Maybourne. The Barclays, who already owned the Ritz Hotel, saw an opportunity to take over the three remaining hotels.
They launched a hostile takeover attempt, aiming to eliminate McKillen’s shares. However, McKillen went to court and successfully blocked the takeover. This triggered a protracted and expensive legal battle, spanning five years and costing over £50 million.
Despite losing every legal battle, McKillen effectively wore down the Barclays, allowing the Qatari royal family to emerge as the ultimate owner of Maybourne. Although no longer a shareholder, McKillen continues to advise the group.
A Legacy of Excellence
Maybourne’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences is evident in the meticulous restoration of its properties. The Connaught, after a year of restoration in 2008, reopened with a modern wing, a luxurious Aman Spa, and a subterranean swimming pool. It boasts renowned dining options, with Michelin-starred chefs Helene Darroze and Jean George Vongerichten leading the culinary scene.
Claridge’s, known for its art deco design, underwent a major renovation, which included excavating a five-level basement. The hotel has also unveiled a new restaurant, Davies and Brook, run by Daniel Humm, who previously helmed Eleven Madison Park, named the World’s Best Restaurant.
The Berkeley, completed a comprehensive renovation, unveiling a contemporary façade designed by Richard Rogers. It houses a Michelin-starred restaurant by Marcus Wareing, and The Blue Bar, a stylish destination for cocktails.
A Global Expansion
Maybourne’s commitment to global expansion was evident in the acquisition of Montage Beverly Hills in 2019. This acquisition marked the group’s first venture outside of London. The hotel was rebranded as The Maybourne Beverly Hills, solidifying the group’s position as a leading player in the global luxury hotel market.
Maybourne, with its rich history and unwavering commitment to excellence, continues to redefine the standards of luxury hospitality. Its iconic properties, each with its unique story, have captivated the world for centuries. With its global expansion and continued focus on innovation, Maybourne is poised to remain a leader in the luxury hotel market for many years to come.
