Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, and rising high over world- class shopping destination Sloane Street, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is a beacon of sophistication where heritage meets contemporary luxury. The hotel has been reinvented for a generation of discerning guests with elegant, timeless interiors complemented by the most spectacular views (over half the rooms boast a balcony overlooking the capital).
Learn a little more about our latest addition to the Walpole family in our interview with The Carlton Tower Jumeirah's General Manager, Gianluca Priori.
Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand...
Gianluca Priori: The Carlton Tower first opened in 1961, marking its illustrious position as the first tower hotel in London, changing the face of Knightsbridge forever from traditional and stiff to glamorous and stylish. The Carlton Tower embraces a rich tapestry of history with the hotel’s story dating back to the Swinging Sixties, when London was the epicentre of fashion, music, culture, and design. Welcoming the likes of supermodel Twiggy and fashion icon Mary Quant, The Carlton Tower was a place to see and be seen. The hotel was the epitome of glamour where international stars came to stay, and Chelsea socialites flocked to play. Originally designed by Henry End, also responsible for the interiors of the Plaza Hotel in New York, the hotel has been transformed by esteemed interior and architecture design studio 1508 London.
What is your brand best known for?
Aside from the complete renovation of the hotel’s hardware, the internal departments of the hotel were also re-structured to present a brand-new offering to guests. The team’s new focus is entirely on the guest experience – with special attention placed on small touches to build strong, emotional bonds with guests. Team members that show great emotional intelligence during their interviews are carefully selected, coached, and guided on how to pick up on cues, and anticipate and emotionally engage with guests. The focus is on personalisation – what brings guests to the property, what they are looking to get out of their stay and how their experience can be curated to the extent that they feel as though they are staying at a home rather than a hotel. This is what The Carlton Tower is best known for – and what makes us stand out from our competitors.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
The Carlton Tower underwent the most extensive renovation in its history, spanning 18 months and costing over £100m. The hotel re-opened in Summer 2021 with fewer but larger rooms (186 keys reduced from 216) and a brand-new design where heritage meets contemporary luxury. Half of the newly created signature rooms are suites over half of the rooms and suites boast balconies with spectacular views over London.
The hotel has been completely reinvented for a generation of discerning guests with elegant, timeless decor by esteemed interior and architecture design studio 1508 London. 1508 has drawn on the hotel’s rich history and glamorous heritage as 'the place to be', its quintessential London location and its unrivalled views, to offer a brand-new design inspired by modern interpretations of classic British architecture. The style and guest experience of The Carlton Tower Jumeirah has been complete redesigned to optimise spatial layouts and hotel offerings, paying particular attention to the arrival experience, signature restaurants and gym and pool areas.
Why do you love the brand?
The Carlton Tower was the first high-rise hotel in London built in the 1960s. When the hotel was built it was still hovering above the height of Buckingham Palace, which would not be allowed today. This makes it interesting as it is the only place in Knightsbridge where you can have a bird’s eye view at this height in this neighbourhood.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
As a brand that is new on the British luxury scene, we represent the best in British luxury by our innovative partnerships with British heritage and luxury brands, from Kew Gardens to London College of Fashion, New & Lingwood and many more to come.
In February, we hosted an event to celebrate craftsmanship, focusing on the craftsmanship and artistry of menswear and style. We hosted heritage brands whose dedication to quality and excellence is second to none: Huntsman, New & Lingwood, and Globe Trotter represented the UK, as well as brands from outside Britain such as Vacheron Constatin, Louis XIII and Corthay. We look forward to hosting more events to celebrate the best in luxury.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
We really admire Walpole’s values of heritage, luxury, and excellence and the dedication to promoting the British luxury sector. With our brands history, and our dedication to craftsmanship and luxury, we believe our new membership to be a natural fit and we look forward to building strong networks within the community and the collaborations that will come out of it.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose and what would you like to do?
As the second part of our ongoing partnership with London College of Fashion, we have a beautiful project launching this year that we would love to collaborate with Leica on. The details will come soon but we are inspired by their innovation, their dedication to excellence and we believe there is a synergy between their brand and our project.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months...
Nothing we can talk about just yet – but watch this space!
