The Connaught in Mayfair, London, opens after £70 million Renovation

The Connaught, the legendary Mayfair hotel built in 1897, has opened its doors on Carlos Place after a £70 million restoration and renovation programme. The detailed work includes a magnificent redesign of the guest rooms, suites and interiors, and has brought together some of the world’s finest designers and craftsmen.

“As one of the world’s most distinguished addresses, The Connaught’s magnificent restoration will immediately establish the hotel as one of the world’s most coveted and luxurious destinations,” said Stephen Alden, CEO of Maybourne Hotel Group. “We have appointed the most talented design teams to bring this Mayfair gem into the 21st century while preserving the authentic elegance and distinct personality so beloved by its guests, and the results are truly remarkable. Having taken the unprecedented step of keeping The Connaught staff during the restoration we are confident our guests will experience the personal, familiar welcome that has made the hotel so special.”

Guy Oliver, Mayfair based interior designer, was responsible for the design of the guest rooms and suites. Oliver’s illustrious portfolio consists largely of private residences, and he is renowned as an expert in creating a discreet English feel that is in balance with contemporary design. Oliver’s approach was uncompromising in ensuring that the original features were not only preserved but enhanced, resulting is an opulent feel without losing the sense of relaxed residential apartments. Many of the antiques and works of art that had previously been in the hotel have been meticulously restored and special attention has been paid to every detail of the room; Oliver has chosen light fixtures that are reminiscent of the original sconces, remade every door in solid mahogany and skilfully inter-mingled soft leathers and plush fabrics to create warm and inviting spaces.

Acclaimed New York interior designer team Sills Huniford, has overseen the redesign of some of the hotel's public spaces. Most notably the newly created Gallery, an informal yet elegant dining venue with sweeping views over Carlos Place and the ever fashionable Mount Street. Their designs emphasise elegant, modern luxury with a rich, residential feel. Taking a modern approach to traditional sensibility, they have created clean, tailored and luxurious spaces with custom designed furniture and fabrics.

Designed by renowned Parisian designer India Mahdavi and honouring the original name of the hotel, the Coburg Bar has been created to evoke the spirit of the old Connaught, but with a contemporary twist. It offers chic comfort, luxury and warmth in an intimate setting framed by two elegant fireplaces at either end of the room.

Mahdavi’s signature furniture pieces are complimented by contemporary artwork by artists such as Julian Opie and Michael Kukri and ensure the bar is very much of the moment.

In addition to welcoming back all of its original employees, the hotel has also re-invented the role of the famed Connaught Butler for the 21st century. Working with great names such as John Lobb, Kilgour, Bentley & Skinner, Blackberry and Apple, Connaught Butlers will be masters of style and technology.

“The Connaught Butler service will be enjoyed by all guests in residence, spearheading our continued commitment to offer uncompromising and intuitive service throughout the hotel, which have long been hallmarks of The Connaught,” said Anthony Lee, The Connaught’s General Manager.

Anthony Lee has been in The Connaught for nearly three decades and serves at its 7th general manager, a remarkable achievement given its history.

Early June will see the opening of The Connaught’s new signature restaurant and the much anticipated Connaught Bar being created by renowned designer David Collins. Later in the year there will be the revival of the iconic Connaught Grill.

The Connaught is located on Mount Street in the heart of Mayfair, an area experiencing a recent renaissance, with some of London’s hippest shopping and restaurants, including the much talked about Marc Jacobs shop, and the newly opened Balenciaga and Christian Loubotain boutiques.

The Maybourne Hotel Group whose headquarters is also in Mayfair, owns and manages, Claridges, The Connaught and The Berkeley three of the world’s most renowned hotels.

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