London, England – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Following 31 years at the Connaught Hotel Anthony Lee is seeking to bring The May Fair nearby into the league of the capital’s elite hotels. During an exclusive interview with Elite Traveler, Lee said much of his emphasis will be to improve service through a “change of culture.” Speaking in what will launch this week as 150 at Mayfair, the hotel’s new champagne bar Lee said, “London has so much to offer, so expectations are very high. I am getting to know the staff, making up rooms with the maids, loading rubbish into the compactor with the cleaners. I want them first to know they have my support, to understand their issues, and for them to trust me. After I get them excited, then we will load the service delivery. Excitement can be infectious.”
Lee said the property is planning to increase its inventory of suites, which already features a 3,700 square foot Penthouse Suite, popular for events, plus 13 feature suites at approximately 2,000 square feet and three split level suites. Thirty new “Courtyard Suites” will be added by enclosing seldom-used balconies while on the F&B side, a new restaurant Quince will open in March 2011. The new GM also said he plans to dig into the archives to take advantage of the hotel’s history which goes back to 1927 and was attended by King George V and Queen Mary.