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The Chesterfield Mayfair and Vincent Van Gogh

2010-01-29 17:33:26

Vincent Van Gogh, for whom colour was the chief symbol of expression, once said, “great things are done by a series of small things brought together”. So, true to these words, is the relationship between The Chesterfield Mayfair, the four-star luxury boutique hotel in Mayfair, London, and The Royal Academy of Arts, whose partnership invites guests to experience Art, Culture, award-winning Service and Luxury in London between 23rd January and 18th April 2010.

Founded in 1768 by George III, The Royal Academy of Arts is an independent, privately funded institution, led by eminent artists and architects, whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.

The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters, is a landmark exhibition for the Royal Academy. Over 35 original letters, rarely exhibited to the public due to their fragility, will be on display, together with around 65 paintings and 30 drawings that express the principal themes found within the correspondence. The first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years, this will be a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the complex mind of this extraordinary artist.

To experience The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters exhibition, visitors to London can choose The Chesterfield’s ART AND CULTURE AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS package which includes:

One night's accommodation in a beautifully appointed room or suite
Full English Breakfast daily
Two guaranteed, fast track tickets to the exhibition of your choice
A framed postcard of the exhibition as a souvenir

Vincent Van Gogh would have felt at home at The Chesterfield Mayfair. Bedrooms and suites are lavishly designed, adopting Van Gogh's love of colour, reflecting the pinstripes of nearby Savile Row, the florals of an English cottage garden, or the vibrancy of the African savannah. These are the rooms for a sound night's sleep filled with dreams and of course, inspiration!

If already in London, enjoy the Exclusive Sunday Evening experience, where the exhibition opens between 6.30pm and 9.00pm on selected Sundays for guests to immerse themselves in Van Gogh’s artful treasures away from the madding crowds.

The EXCLUSIVE SUNDAY EVENING EXPERIENCE includes:

Two tickets to The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters exhibition
Choice of either a Sunday Roast Dinner or a Full Afternoon Tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair

Situated in the heart of London's most prestigious district, the quiet and understated elegance of The Chesterfield Mayfair is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. Discreetly tucked away near Berkeley Square, and a mere stone's throw from Green Park Tube station, the quiet, calm and efficient service blended with supreme comfort characterize this luxurious four-star hotel. The 94 deluxe guest rooms and 13 luxurious suites are each uniquely designed and equipped with the latest technology. Boasting an exclusive location, Library, Butlers Restaurant, the light and airy Conservatory and the intimate bar cater for every culinary whim or inclination, the traditional British old-world charm of The Chesterfield Mayfair is the perfect London address for business or pleasure. The Chesterfield Mayfair is part of Red Carnation – the luxury five and four star collection of family-run boutique hotels.

A room at the Chesterfield Mayfair with every bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal for only £295

2009-02-23 10:33:12

Louis Roederer’s Cristal and London’s Mayfair district have much in common. Both are synonymous with elegance and luxury, stylish in their appearance, desired for their status and are nothing less than first class. Small wonder that they are beloved of the rich and famous the world over – the place, and the drink, that is on the lips of countless celebrities and royalty. Some would say the two go hand in hand.

Cristal may not be your regular tipple… it is probably something you would like to experience at least once in a lifetime, and now you can at Red Carnation’s exclusive Mayfair Hotel. Spoil yourselves at The Chesterfield Mayfair with an offer too good to miss. From just £295 you will receive a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal accompanied by a Deluxe room, serving full English breakfast daily. If you really want to impress, enjoy your Cristal with a Suite and enhance your stay with a selection of thoughtful touches such as romantic turndown or chocolates on your pillow.

We will serve your bottle of Cristal perfectly chilled in the bar, in your room, during dinner or even at breakfast… the choice is yours.

Situated in the heart of London's most prestigious district, the quiet and understated elegance of The Chesterfield Mayfair is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. In addition to its fine dining, this 4 star hotel is the perfect location from which to enjoy the many artistic attractions the city has to offer, in an atmosphere which is understated but exclusive. The Chesterfield Mayfair is part of Red Carnation – a luxury collection of family run hotels.

Louis Roederer Cristal is available from the 1st February to 31st December 2009. Rates are subject to availability, priced per room from £295 for one night a Deluxe room based on two people sharing, including Full English breakfast and VAT at 15%.
Romantic Turndown and Flowers & Chocolates are extra
A supplement of £50 applies to upgrade to a Junior Suites and £150 to upgrade to an Executive Suite

About Louis Roederer Cristal
Established in 1776 Champagne Louis Roederer is one of the few remaining completely independent family owned, great Champagne houses. By 1876 the house had achieved such a reputation for quality that the second Louis Roederer was asked by Tsar Alexander II to create Cristal for the exclusive use of the Russian Tsars and in so doing created the first ever Cuvée de Prestige. It is only ever produced in the finest vintages. A blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from only the most highly rated sites of Roederer’s own vineyards, Cristal is released after five years ageing in the cellars in Reims. To taste Cristal is to be offered a taste of the sublime.

To book: Contact The Chesterfield Mayfair on Tel: +44 (0) 207 491 2622 or email Reservations bookch@rchmail.com or book on line at www.chesterfieldmayfair.com

Entree Magazine

2009-02-26 15:46:36

Entree Magazine comment on The Chesterfield Mayfair's own award-winning Loris Lucchini and The Butler's Restaurant.

Restaurant Manager Loris Lucchini wins Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year

2008-11-14 15:51:19

The Caterer & Hotelkeeper has named Loris Lucchini of the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, in London, as Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year.

Winning a prestigious Hotel ‘Catey‘ is a resounding personal success for Loris, who has managed the Chesterfield’s Butler‘s Restaurant for the last three years, prior to which he was Restaurant Manager at the Savoy. It is also fitting recognition of the restaurant’s entire service team and reflects the hotel‘s committment to offering exceptional service throughout.

Located at the rear of the hotel between the conservatory and glorious walled garden (owned by neighbour Dartmouth House, home of the English Speaking Union), the wood-panelled Butler‘s restaurant exudes character and good breeding. Executive head chef Ben Kelliher offers British cuisine which is always perfectly in harmony with the seasons and where typical dishes might include smoked salmon (properly sliced at the table), saddle of venison with New Forest ceps, a great roast rib of beef from the trolley or, as Loris himself describes it,. “the best Dover sole in London”.

Oliver Raggett, General Manager of the Chesterfield Mayfair comments:
"Loris's character is what sets him apart. Exemplary restaurant skills are taken as a given in a restaurant such as Butler's. I speak for Loris's guests and colleagues alike when I say that his genuine hunger to get to know the people he comes into contact with is heart warming”.

He goes on: “Loris always remembers people’s faces, and the story behind the face. This is what motivates his team in the restaurant and charms our guests”.

The Chesterfield Mayfair is part of Red Carnation Hotels, a luxury hotel collection with hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva, Palm Beach and South Africa.

Chesterfield Mayfair wins top tea award

2008-09-24 15:13:22

Discover the ‘gold standard’ for tea at this superb Mayfair hotel

When it comes to the perfect cuppa, no-one knows more about how to brew it than the UK’s prestigious Tea Guild. The Guild is a unique organisation that represents and encourages those outlets who are dedicated to both brewing and serving tea to the high standards outlined by the United Kingdom Tea Council.

So when the Tea Guild makes its annual Awards of Excellence, it knows exactly what it is talking about.

The Chesterfield Hotel, located off Berkeley Square in London’s Mayfair, is one of only nine establishments in the capital to be honoured with such an award for 2008. The hotel’s elegant conservatory is the setting for afternoon tea, an experience which appeals to all the senses. Your choice of leaf tea is correctly brewed, in an old-fashioned china pot, using water at boiling point, just as it should be. Whether you are a ‘milk and then just as it comes’ person – with acknowledgment to John Betjeman – or you like to pour milk in afterwards, you won’t find a better cuppa in all London.

But tea at the Chesterfield goes way beyond the nation’s favourite beverage. Finger sandwiches – cheese, chicken, ham and smoked salmon – are presented on a silver étagère, along with traditional cakes baked in-house. Depending on the day, Madeira, Battenberg or marble cake might be offered. And on the top level of the étagère stand, fabulous home-baked scones with Tiptree strawberry jam and clotted cream. What could be more delicious!

The United Kingdom Tea Council founded The Tea Guild in 1985, after an independent survey discovered that, out of the thousands of outlets serving tea, very few were, in fact, achieving the Council’s high standards. Visit their website at www.tea.co.uk.

Hot Chocolate at The Chesterfield Mayfair

2008-09-24 15:14:25

What better way to spend a cool late winter afternoon than relaxing in The Conservatory at the Chesterfield Mayfair, sipping a glass of silky smooth hot chocolate, laced with a drop of liqueur of your choice?

Our hot Chocolate 'sommelier' is passionate about creatively blending the best ingredients - Valrhona Chocolate, fresh Jersey Cream, and he finest flavourings and liqueurs to create a truly unique selection for your enjoyment.

Do come in, relax, and enjoy one of the following:

Hot Chocolate, Topped with Whipped Cream
£4.75

Hot Chocolate & Marshmallow
£5.00

Hot Chocolate with Marmalade
£4.75

Or choose from our delicious range of Boozy Hot Chocolate; laced with

Grand Marnier   -    Chocolate & Orange - £7.95

Poire William   -   - Chocolate & Pear - £7.95

Bailey's   -   Chocolate & Irish Whiskey Cream - £7.95

Amaretto   - Chocolate & Almond - £7.95

Frangelico   - Chocolate & Hazelnut - £7.95

Glayva   - Chocolate & Scottish Whisky - £7.95

And for those of you who prefer hot chocolate as an accompaniment, The Conservatory, flooded with natural daylight, is ideal for a light lunch. The hotel includes other dining venues as well: the award-winning Restaurant, which serves International and English cuisine that changes with the season; the Library - perfect place for a private dinner, quiet drink or afternoon tea; and the Terrace Bar, where light meals are served throughout the day.

Situated in the heart of London's most prestigious district, The Chesterfield Mayfair is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. In addition to its find dining, The Mayfair also is the perfect location from which to enjoy the many artistic attractions the city has to offer, in an atmosphere described by Bliss for Brides magazine as, "understated but exclusive".

For more information call +44 (0)20 7491 2622 or email bookch@rchmail.com. Visit us at www.chesterfieldmayfair.com.

2008: The Chesterfield Mayfair was voted 9th Best Luxury Hotel in the World and 4th Best Luxury Hotel in Europe by the readers/visitors of Tripadvisor.com
2007:   AA Hospitality named Red Carnation Hotels 'Small Hotel Group of the Year'
AA: Superior Four Star Hotel.
"Investors in People" Award for commitment to training and staff development

Tatler Restaurant Guide 2008

2008-09-24 15:14:41

They do a cracking roast rib of beef at this paneled restaurant hidden away at the back of the Chesterfield Hotel. Prices are extremely modest given the quality of the food and the very gracious service is a throwback to a time when nightingales still sang in neighbouring Berkeley Square. If it’s on the menu, try the lemon posset for pudding.

Easter Weekend at The Chesterfield Mayfair

2008-09-24 15:13:45

What better way to celebrate Easter than at The Chesterfield Mayfair and in the heart of London? What a delightful combination. The hotel is ideally located off Berkeley Square, near to Green Park and a stroll-away from the elegant shops of Bond and Regent Streets.

Easter Weekend package at The Chesterfield includes:

2 nights accommodation (21st Friday / 22nd Saturday or Saturday 22nd / 23rd Sunday)
A bottle of Champagne in your room
English breakfast each morning
Personalised Easter egg
Easter Sunday Lunch for two in our beautiful Butlers' restaurant
Late Check-out: 6 p.m.

Stay in one of our luxurious King rooms for only £440.00 inclusive of VAT and subject to availability.

For more information click here. For reservations please contact the hotel direct on +44 (0) 20 7491 2622 or email bookch@rchmail.com

Red Carnation Hotels is a collection of luxury family-run properties. The Four-Star London properties are The Chesterfield Mayfair in the heart of exclusive Mayfair; The Montague on The Gardens, adjacent to The British Museum; and The Rubens At The Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace. The Chesterfield Palm Beach, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, is on the exclusive island of Palm Beach.

2008: The Chesterfield Mayfair was voted 9th Best Luxury Hotel in the World and 4th Best Luxury Hotel in Europe by the readers/visitors of Tripadvisor.com.
2007: AA Hospitality named Red Carnation Hotels ‘Small Hotel Group of the Year’
AA: Superior Four Star Hotel.
“Investors in People” Award for commitment to training and staff development

A Culture of Hospitality

2008-09-24 15:12:58

The turning point was the moment when I practically stumbled -- harassed and hurried -- across the threshold of the Chesterfield Mayfair hotel in London and suddenly found myself inside a cozy lobby, feeling as comfortable as if I had slipped into a snug, furry glove.

It wasn't large, grand or flashy. On the contrary, it was furnished with soft tapestries and draperies, warm woods, traditional design elements. It was elegant, not ostentatious, with a shiny marble tile floor, square Corinthian columns, and a crystal chandelier. The design favored soft organic materials over hard-edged plastics and metals. The word "homey" comes to mind, and that feeling may well have been imbedded deeply under the surface of the hotel environment because that lobby had once been someone's home. If those walls could speak!

The Chesterfield Mayfair made its debut in the early 1970s when its founders turned three private homes into a single hotel. At the time, the city of London was trying to boost hotel inventory by offering subsidies to anyone who added rooms to the market. It was one of many hotels created at that time from pre-existing buildings. When I took my first tour of the hotel with Alex Bray, the Chesterfield's general manager, I quickly came face to face with the elements that drive the business, including what creates the personality of the company and the ambience that enveloped me when I walked in the door.

My own room, Stanhope Suite 101, was amazing. It had a soft, comfortable couch and easy chair, a coffee table, a dining table and a desk with a painting of Winston Churchill above it; in the next room, a sunken bedroom area featured an inviting bed with an upholstered headboard and a velvety vermillion bedspread with gold braids. The room had the standard kinds of high-end amenities advertised in hotel brochures, like cable TV, Internet access, and a CD player with a selection of CDs. But what was most striking were the paintings, the statuettes and vases, the collector's pieces around the room -- personal things you don't typically see in hotel rooms. They gave the room a personal touch, the distinct feeling of being in someone's home. And I soon discovered that my first impression was not accidental.

"Beatrice Tollman, our president and founder, treats the business as if it were a private home," says Bray. The room was specifically furnished with individually selected collectibles, creating a feeling of intimacy that is the opposite pole to the standardized hotel experience. As I continued to explore the rooms of the Chesterfield and the other Red Carnation properties, I saw that the whole business is operated as if it were an extension of someone's home -- at least someone who loves to entertain and dazzle guests.

The same innate feeling of honor and hospitality that pervades the atmosphere of Red Carnation's hotels extends to the company's employees and management. "Mrs. Tollman treats the staff members who take care of the hotel as very important people," says Bray. "She has a sensitive way with them. She has time to engage the whole staff. She remembers names, birthdays, Christmas gifts with an encyclopedic mentality. It's a level of engagement and involvement that is very rare. It spurs motivation. It's a culture that has been created over the years."

The decor of each Red Carnation property is the special project of Beatrice Tollman. Though each hotel is distinct, each has the individual stamp of someone's loving attention. I toured several of hotels with Terry Holmes, Red Carnation's managing director and practically a legend in the London hotel business. Holmes followed his father into the business at the Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane at age 15, and has run prestigious London hotels such as the Stafford and the Ritz during his career. Holmes further reinforced for me the sense of personal involvement by Red Carnation's ownership.

"Red Carnation puts a lot of money into their hotels," says Holmes. "I always tell people if you haven't seen a Red Carnation hotel in the last year, you haven't really seen it. I've always had high standards, but these people have incredibly high standards. It is a profitable company, but they put a lot of money back into the business. A lot of companies don't. I ran the Ritz for 12 years. In that time I got the fountain working in the Palm Court and I got the staff to smile. I haven't had to do that with this staff. The staff loves the owners and the owners love the staff."

Holmes is like the Oxford Unabridged Dictionary of hotel lore and culture, but he has the ability to break the business down to its simplest terms. The central tenet of the business, he says, is that the client is king. "The best hotel is where you're best known," he says. "Everyone wants to be known. One of the biggest things is to be recognized. At the end of the day we're innkeepers. We sell rooms and we take care of people for the night. The hospitality part of it hasn't changed, but the way you do it has."

We visited all of the London properties: the Milestone, the Edgerton House, the Rubens, The Montague and "41." The style I had first seen at the Chesterfield was not carried throughout the group. Instead, there was a wide variety of décor in every property, but the personal touch, attention to detail and the design integrity built around discernible themes remained constant. "We market ourselves as individual hotels, not as a chain," says Jonathan Ragget, managing director of Red Carnation Hotels. "We're not like Four Seasons where every one is the same. The individual hotels are known. That is more important to us."

According to Holmes, all of Red Carnation's hotels, whether they are four or five stars, use high-end products, from pillows to wine to soaps. "The artwork at all the hotels is at the highest levels," he says. "It doesn't just happen. It happens because someone has taste and style. The people who benefit are the clients. It's what they get. It's like staying with people who love their homes."

The hotels' design themes also have an element of playfulness. The Rubens has a series of rooms designed in honor of various royals. There's a Henry VIII room, and one each for Ann Boleyn, Elizabeth I and Victoria. Each had expertly painted copies of historic portraits of the respective namesakes. A music-themed room had sheet music wallpaper; a diorama containing a violin and various musical paraphernalia and even F-holes painted onto a natural wood toilet seat.

Red Carnation dates back to 1985, when the company purchased the Chesterfield Palm Beach in Palm Beach, Fla., and the Chesterfield Mayfair in London, though at the time the Red Carnation brand had not officially emerged. "In 1994 we formed Red Carnation with those two," he says, "and we've bought one every year since," Raggett says. "We look for hotels that are under-priced in the market, that need investment and have a very special location. We then put them through a massive refurbishment, increase the staffing 30 to 40 percent and increase the star rating."

Raggett trains staff to follow a 12-point code of service standards with such principles as: "Smile and use positive eye contact in every guest encounter. Anticipate guests' needs. Through pride and professionalism, act as a RCH ambassador."

"We're big on training," Raggett says. "This business is very much a people business. I tell my team that it is show business -- it is theater. The mood and lighting should be right. This business is not rocket science, but it is hard work and craft. You can't teach that. But if someone's got it, you can direct it."

All of Red Carnation's top management have put in their time learning every corner of the business,. "Mrs. Tollman grew up in the business," says Raggett. "She was a fantastic chef for many years. I've done dishes and cleaned bedrooms. I've done it all and I can do it all. And I respect the staff members who clean the rooms."

For more information, visit www.redcarnationhotels.com.

David Cogswell
Executive Editor-Tours & Packages