We go behind the scenes with Mathilde Maitre at Maybourne.
How would you describe Maybourne?
Maybourne operates some of the world’s most storied and extraordinary bespoke hotels, including Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley, The Emory, The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Maybourne Riviera. Maybourne’s purpose is to create stories of distinction that reflect the individual nature of its properties, its guests and its people, whilst maintaining a timeless and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its values.
Tell us something most people don’t know about Maybourne Group & Hotels?
Maybourne stands for “Born in Mayfair” as it originates from when we had just 3 hotels located in Mayfair; Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley. The Berkeley began its life as a coffee house in Mayfair where it became a hotel in 19th century but later moved to its current location in Knightsbridge in 1972. After 50 years with just 3 hotels, Maybourne expanded internationally with the addition of The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Maybourne Riviera in 2020/2021. We most recently opened The Emory, the very first all suite hotel of its kind in London, which also houses Surrenne, our holistic wellbeing club.
What kind of people hang out here?
We attract anyone from longstanding legacy guests of our hotels to the newer generations that now come through our doors and love what they see.
Who has checked into Maybourne over the years?
From Royal family members from around the World to celebrities and politicians, the list is endless. Some more notable would be Winston Churchill during WWII when he had his office at Claridge’s.
Ralph Lauren has always been a huge fan of The Connaught, so much so, he had The Connaught staircase replicated for his flagship store in Chicago! With our hotel in LA being in the heart of Beverly Hills, we are spoiled for eye watering visits.
Who’s thrown parties here, any stand out stories?
DVF designed our Christmas tree one year and threw a party in our Claridge’s Ballroom and Mirror Room for her closest and nearest 250+ guests. The guest list kept growing and growing and so when deciding on placement and whom to sit in the adjoining Mirror Room versus the main Ballroom, Diane picked herself and said “if I sit there, everyone will think it’s the VIP room”.
During COVID and when weddings were very very intimate, I was asked to stand as a witness for a royal wedding with just the couple in attendance, myself as one witness alongside another team member as the second; it shall remain a memory I will cherish forever.
Who’s the chef and what’s your favourite dish?
We have a team of wonderful Executive chefs throughout our properties as well as extraordinary culinary operators in others; from Jean-Georges Vongerichten with his Jean-Georges at The Connaught restaurant but also abc kitchens at The Emory and soon to open his new location at The Maybourne Riviera along with La Môme at The Berkeley by brothers Antoine and Ugo, and soon to open Beach Club at The Maybourne Riviera, we are truly spoiled for choice; not forgetting Dante Beverly Hills on the rooftop of our hotel. Favourite dishes I would say the seafood cocktail at Claridge’s, the crispy salmon sushi at The Connaught, beef arancini at La Môme, The Berkeley, the beetroot carpaccio at The Emory, the corn agnolotti at The Maybourne Beverly Hills and last but not least, the homemade French pastries and bread at The Maybourne Riviera.
Any hidden corners at Claridges/Connaught?
Our hotels across the portfolio are known for their hidden corners, opening so many possibilities for events in unconventional spaces such at the ArtSpace or Painters’ Bar at Claridge’s, the Whiskey bar or chef’s table at The Maybourne Beverly Hills but also our great rooftops including The Emory rooftop bar, The Berkeley rooftop pool, Dante in LA which also includes a pool as well as abc Riviera; each offer unique views and locations for events like no other.
Favourite room to stay in at any of the Maybourne properties?
The Maybourne Riviera
Favourite piece of artwork from the collection?
The turtle by Damien Hirst in The Penthouse at Claridge’s but I also love what JR does which is our current exhibition at Perrotin London.
What kind of couples get married at ac Maybourne hotel?
Claridge’s – couples looking for a timeless and classic feel
The Connaught – couples looking for an intimate affair in the “living room of Mayfair”
The Berkeley & The Emory – the modern couple
The Maybourne Beverly Hills – trendy couple wanting the Beverly Hills experience and surroundings
The Maybourne Riviera – international couples looking for the most idyllic location for a destination wedding of dreams
And finally, what’s next for you..
Successfully delivering Engage! 25 The London Experience across our 4 hotels in London to the best of the best in the wedding industry from around the world this July; following that, to continue the expansion of my role globally and spreading the love for The Art of Entertaining at Maybourne across our existing portfolio but also the properties we have in the pipeline.
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