Red Carnation Hotels

HISTORY

The original building was first constructed in 1911. Built as a residence to house debutants, attending parties at the Palace. Debutants were young ladies from aristocratic families, who every season , had coming out parties and would attend a fixed calender of parties and events. There was a ballroom in the original building on the first floor that would host ball's every week. 

During the Second World War, it was used the Head Quarters of the Free State Polish Army with General Sikorski, Poland's Prime Minister, and Commander in Chief of the Polish Army. President Charles de Gaulle stayed here once during the war, although this was not his official residence, which was located off The Mall on Carlton House Gardens. The building is therefore seen as being of significant historical importance to many french people and will feature in many french guide books as a place of interest to visit in the capital. 

In 1953, the building was bought by Grand Metropolitan and became a hotel for the first time until the late 1970's when it was bought by Sarova Hotels. It remained with them  until the 1997 when it was purchased by Red Carnation and was completely refurbished  to bring it from a 3 star hotel to the 4 star deluxe hotel it is today. The investment into the property included the installation of new technology, the development of new meeting space as well as an exclusive “Royal Wing”.