Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Luxury Hotels & Personalised Service in Iconic Destinations
Our journey began in 1952 with a simple yet profound philosophy: when we care deeply for our people, they bring that same care to every guest. Red Carnation Hotels has cultivated a legacy of heartfelt service, rooted in family tradition and passed down through generations. Each of our properties embodies a unique sense of place, blending iconic locations with warm, intuitive hospitality. We prioritise human connection over opulence, ensuring every guest experiences genuine care and memorable moments. With a global collection spanning London, Edinburgh, Ireland, South Africa, and beyond, we combine timeless elegance with modern sustainability.Our team's dedication to excellence is evident in every detail, from award-winning service to bespoke guest experiences. We actively champion environmental responsibility through partnerships like EarthCheck, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Our history, shaped by three generations of the Tollman family, continues to inspire innovation in luxury hospitality. Through curated cultural experiences and community engagement, we create meaningful connections between guests and destinations. This enduring commitment to service, sustainability, and storytelling defines our identity as a leader in the global hotel industry.
Services
Luxury Accommodations
Event Hosting
Sustainability Initiatives
Cultural Experiences
Award-Winning Service
Bespoke Dining
Heritage Preservation
Community Engagement
Environmental Stewardship
Family Legacy Management
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We offer over 70 years of family-led hospitality expertise across 17 global properties
- Our properties combine iconic design with deeply personal service standards
- We maintain a 42% reduction in food waste through sustainable kitchen practices
- Our team creates unique cultural experiences in every destination
- We hold multiple Travel + Leisure awards for world-class service excellence
Services
Luxury Accommodations
Our 17 distinctive properties offer luxury accommodations in iconic global locations. Each hotel maintains unique design elements while delivering consistent, heartfelt service standards. Guests benefit from meticulously maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities that reflect local culture and heritage.
Event Hosting
We provide exclusive event spaces for weddings and corporate functions across multiple properties. Our venues combine historic charm with modern facilities, supported by expert planning teams. Services include custom catering, AV equipment, and capacity for events from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.
Cultural Experiences
Curated experiences connect guests with local culture through guided tours, culinary workshops, and conservation activities. These programs offer authentic interactions with communities while supporting regional economies. Activities vary by location, featuring everything from Scottish tartan-making to South African wildlife conservation.
Sustainability Initiatives
Our environmental programs focus on carbon reduction, food waste management, and biodiversity protection. We implement energy-efficient systems across properties and partner with EarthCheck for measurable sustainability goals. Guests can participate in initiatives like beach cleanups and local conservation projects during their stays.
Award-Winning Service
Our service philosophy prioritises intuitive, personalised attention to detail. Staff receive extensive training in hospitality excellence, maintaining a 70-year legacy of care. This approach has earned multiple Travel + Leisure awards and consistent recognition for exceptional guest experiences across our global collection.
People
Victoria Tollman
President
With over 25 years' experience, Victoria leads with her parents' legacy of hospitality. She oversees global operations while maintaining the brand's commitment to exceptional guest experiences and sustainable practices.
Brett Tollman
Chairman
As chairman, Brett provides strategic vision with 35+ years in hospitality leadership. He focuses on innovation across travel, food, and service sectors while upholding family values in every property.
Beatrice Tollman
Founder
Founder Beatrice established the brand's core values of passion and excellence. Now in her 90s, she remains actively involved, ensuring every hotel maintains the high standards she set in 1952.
Michelle Devlin
VP of Sustainability
Michelle leads our environmental initiatives with measurable goals for carbon reduction. She coordinates sustainability efforts across all properties and manages partnerships with organisations like EarthCheck to achieve net-zero targets.
Philisiwe Gumede
General Manager
As our new General Manager in South Africa, Philisiwe combines local expertise with global standards. She focuses on delivering excellence while making history as a leader in our ongoing commitment to diverse leadership.
Questions
What sustainability initiatives do you implement?
We partner with EarthCheck to reduce carbon emissions and have cut food waste by 42% using Winnow technology.
Do you offer unique guest experiences?
Yes, we provide curated cultural activities including tartan workshops, private wine tastings, and conservation projects.
Are your hotels family-friendly?
All properties accommodate families with tailored amenities and interconnecting room options available.
How can I book an event at your properties?
Our dedicated events team handles weddings and corporate functions across 11 special venue locations globally.
What awards have you received recently?
We ranked 4th Best Hotel Brand in the World and received multiple Travel + Leisure awards in 2024.
How do you support local communities?
Through partnerships with organisations like The Starlight Foundation and Hospitality Action, plus staff volunteering programs.
Reviews (1)
Evie Scully
Dec 01, 2021
Report
Stayed at the Mayfair, Chesterfield. The head of the restaurant LORIS was Fantastic, the rest of the staff amazing, fantastic stay. The General Manager though needs to learn some etiquette from his staff, , not knowing we knew who he was, continued to be a loud mouthed bully. Who needs to go back to basics.
