A love story
The Red Carnation Hotels story is a love story, which started over sixty years ago in this very hotel.
This 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. They shared their first dinner together at the famous Oyster Box Hotel, where Bea tried an oyster for the first time, and spat it out at the table. This must have left a lasting impression on Stanley, as they married in 1954 and later started Red Carnation Hotels. In 2006, Bea and Stanley purchased The Oyster Box and together they continued to build on the generous hospitality, service and values for which the Oyster Box was renowned for, and today the hotel is recognised as the very best hotel in Africa.
That love story is still at the very heart of our ever-growing collection of hotels across the world. Our Founder and President, Beatrice Tollman, embodies the generous hospitality and warm, passionate service for which we are renowned. She is the creative mind behind our beautifully designed hotels, the daily inspiration for our Executive Chefs and the benchmark for our teams' exacting standards.
Discover how Beatrice inspires the Red Carnation family each and every day...
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A beautiful young South African woman named Bea caught the eye of a distinguished hotelier named Stanley, who was known for wearing a small red carnation in his lapel.
As newly-weds, they opened a number of hotels in South Africa. Inspired by their shared enthusiasm for providing world class hospitality, these hotels set new standards for outstanding excellence and unsurpassed service.
In 1975, their journey took them, and their four young children, to Great Britain. It is there that the next chapter of their story unfolded.
The couple purchased The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair. Driven by Bea's lifelong love affair with the world of hospitality, and celebrating her husband's signature flower, 'Red Carnation Hotels' came to life.
The only Red Carnation property in the US, the legendary Chesterfield Palm Beach was purchased.
In the heart of literary Bloomsbury, The Montague on the Gardens joined the collection.
A regal addition to Red Carnation - The Rubens at the Palace is located in the heart of Victoria.
Hotel 41 was born, occupying the top floor of The Rubens at the Palace, and now a residents only property rated Number 1 in London.
The Milestone Hotel (the London flagship property of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection) was purchased and meticulously renovated to flawless five star standards.
On the banks of Lake Geneva, The Hotel d'Angleterre sits proudly with views stretching across to Mont Blanc.
The stunning Twelve Apostles Hotel sits majestically overlooking the ocean.
In the heart of Dorset in the pretty village of Evershot, is Summer Lodge Country House Hotel.
A breathtaking retreat in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, Bushman's Kloof joined the collection.
Following the purchase of Summer Lodge, the family acquired The Acorn Inn, a small 10 bedroom historical Inn loated in the same village of Evershot
In the quiet backstreets of Knightsbridge, the boutique Egerton House Hotel is now one of London's top rated hotels.
Stanley and Bea Tollman purchased The Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, South Africa - the place where they first met. They continued the hospitality, traditions and values for which the hotel was synonymous for.
The historic Old Government House Hotel is Guernsey's only five star hotel and overlooks St Peter Port.
In 2009, Bea Tollman's life story was captured in a wonderful collection of her favourite recipes. Her cookbook 'A Life in Food', passionately demonstrates Bea's life-long love affair with the very best cuisine.
The Tollman family purchased the striking Duke of Richmond Hotel, just a short distance from The Old Government House Hotel.
Beatrice Tollman was awarded the prestigious accolade of Hotelier of the Year at the European Hospitality Awards 2012. A reflection of her dedication, passion and ongoing efforts that are applauded by guests and industry alike.
In May 2013, the magnificent Ashford Castle was bought by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and began a major refurbishment to bring the castle back to its former glory.
The Lodge at Ashford Castle was acquired which overlooks the beautiful Lough Corrib within the Ashford Estate.
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection currently stands at seventeen luxurious properties located in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Switzerland and the USA.
Mrs Beatrice Tollman was named 'The Leading Hotels of the World Leading Legend'.
Hotel 41 was recognised for the first time as a coveted Five Star winner in the Forbes Travel Guide, for its exceptional service and the very finest amenities.
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection was voted number two in the Top Hotel Brands in the World at the Travel + Leisure 'World's Best' Awards, while The Rubens at the Palace was awarded five stars by the AA.
Beatrice Tollman is inducted into 'The British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame', recognising a lifetime of achievement in hospitality.
Xigera Safari Lodge joins the Collection, offering an extraordinary bush experience in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
100 Princes Street will open in 2020 as the Collection's first hotel in Scotland. The hotel will replicate the boutique atmosphere of our Forbes Five Star-rated sister property Hotel 41 and will offer uninterrupted views of Edinburgh Castle.
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is a TTC family brand and is proud to be celebrating 100 years of Hospitality in 2020. TTC is able to pass on more than 100 years of expertise in creating enriching and exceptional experiences.