The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

THE RED CARNATION HOTEL COLLECTION – LUXURY FOR LESS

Indulge in the luxury you deserve as you begin 2025 in style at one of Red Carnations Hotels’ iconic UK destinations. Experience the elegance of our exceptional suites and enjoy 20% off when you stay for three nights or more.

Each of our boutique hotels is a gateway to unforgettable experiences, from exploring Mayfair’s iconic institutions to walking the bustling streets of Edinburgh to taking in the serene tranquillity of the English countryside. Let the spirit of adventure lead you to a stay where every detail is designed for your comfort and relaxation.

Book your suite today and discover the art of true hospitality at its finest.

Red Carnation Hotels

Experience unique luxury and unparalleled hospitality at Red Carnation Hotels. Each property, from Botswana’s Xigera Safari Lodge to Ireland’s Ashford Castle, connects you deeply to its locale with distinguishing designs and elevated service. Our family-owned and run collection ensures every stay is memorable and enriching.

A sense of place

Nestled in diverse locales like the Okavango Delta’s Xigera Safari Lodge, Ireland’s Ashford Castle, and South Africa’s Bushmans Kloof, each property offers a true sense of place. Our commitment to connecting guests with the environment, local culture, and heritage is reflected in distinguishing designs and warm hospitality. 

Our heart and soul

Our family-owned collection is rooted in a legacy of passionate service and creating memorable experiences. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of London at The Milestone Hotel & Residences or indulging in the breathtaking views from The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in South Africa, every stay is a celebration of heritage and warm hospitality.

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection – a Love Story

The Red Carnation story began in 1952, when a beautiful young woman called Bea caught the eye of a distinguished young hotelier named Stanley, who was known for wearing a red carnation in his lapel.

Our journey began in 1920 with the opening of the Paternoster Hotel in a quaint South African fishing village by Solomon Tollman. This modest beginning set the stage for a century of exceptional hospitality and service; a legacy that has been lovingly nurtured by our family through generations. 

A pivotal moment in our story occurred in 1952, when Bea Lurie and Stanley Tollman shared their first date at the renowned Oyster Box Hotel & Restaurant in Durban. This fateful meeting was a prelude to their marriage on 7th March 1954. Shortly after tying the knot, Bea and Stanley embarked on their hotelier journey by purchasing The Nugget Hotel in Johannesburg. This acquisition marked their foray into the hospitality industry, where their unwavering commitment to luxury and impeccable service would soon become their hallmark. 

By 1969, the Tollmans further established their presence in the hospitality world by acquiring The Colony, a distinguished restaurant in Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Hotel. Under their management, The Colony became a beacon of fine dining and exemplary service, cementing their reputation for quality and setting the stage for future success. 

The 1970s and 1980s heralded an era of international expansion for the Tollmans. In 1985, they acquired The Chesterfield Mayfair in London, the first jewel in what would later be known as The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. This was followed in 1986 by The Milestone Hotel & Residences, another London landmark that showcased their dedication to luxury and personalised service. 

The 1990s saw Red Carnation Hotels grow with the acquisition of several prestigious properties in London, including The Rubens at the Palace, The Montague on the Gardens, and The Egerton House Hotel. Each of these iconic hotels was meticulously restored, reflecting Bea Tollman’s distinctive design sensibility and the family’s unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence. 

In 1999, the Tollmans acquired Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains. This pristine retreat, following extensive restoration and development, became a sanctuary for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. 

The turn of the millennium saw further growth. In 2001, Red Carnation Hotels expanded its footprint with the acquisition of Hotel d’Angleterre in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious property underwent significant upgrades under the Red Carnation brand. That same year, the acquisition of Hotel 41 and Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in London and Dorset, respectively, added to the brand’s growing portfolio, each property embodying the essence of Red Carnation’s luxury reputation.  

In 2006, the Tollmans completed a full circle by acquiring The Oyster Box, the very place where their journey began. Under Bea and their daughter Toni’s meticulous guidance, the historic property underwent a two-year, R500 million restoration. The grand reopening in October 2009 was a momentous occasion, attended by 900 guests, including notable figures such as IFP leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. 

The Old Government House Hotel joined the Red Carnation family in 2008, and The Duke of Richmond Hotel in 2011, both located in Guernsey. The acquisition of The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town in 2010 added another breathtaking coastal gem to the collection. 

In 2013, Ashford Castle in Ireland was acquired and, after an extensive two-year restoration, reopened in 2015 as a luxury haven. The Lodge at Ashford Castle, acquired in 2015, also opened shortly after, enriching the Ashford Estate with additional opulence. 

In 2020, we celebrated a century of hospitality – a milestone that honoured our beginnings when Solomon Tollman first opened the Paternoster Hotel. 2020 also saw the acquisition of Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana, which opened as a Red Carnation Hotel in 2021, bringing a unique safari experience to our portfolio. 

Our newest jewel

The newest jewel in our crown, 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh, combines its distinguishing design with a prime location, offering guests iconic views of Edinburgh Castle alongside a perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

Finally, 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh opened as a Red Carnation Hotel in April 2024 after an extensive renovation, marking a new chapter in our storied history. 

Named after the signature flower Stanley Tollman wore, Red Carnation Hotels was built on Bea Tollman’s vision of service excellence and her passion for generous hospitality. Today, the guest experience is at the core of everything we do. Our dedicated teams consistently exceed expectations with warm, attentive service, exquisite cuisine, and thoughtful touches. We immerse our guests in local culture through a

Travel + Leisure Awards 2024

We are proud to share that Red Carnation Hotels has won a number of Travel + Leisure awards in 2024.

• Red Carnation Hotels was ranked as the 4th Best Hotel Brand In The World
• Ashford Castle was ranked as number two in the Top 5 Resorts in the UK and Ireland
• The Egerton House Hotel, Hotel 41, The Milestone Hotel & Residences and The Rubens at the Palace were all ranked in the Top 10 Hotels in London, with three of them in the Top 30 Hotels in Europe

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to nook your stay at Red Carnation Hotel Collection.