There’s a glut of the most incredible hotels in London at the moment and more on their way – with the new Belmond and Peninsula en route. But what sets apart the great from the greatest tends to be the team and that begins at the top with the general manager. From the clandestine Beaumont tucked away by Selfridges to the elegant Mandarin Oriental and endlessly chic Bvlgari Hotel London, herein is a look at some of the most talented individuals leading London’s top hotels.
Jannes Soerensen, The Beaumont Hotel
Surely one of the youngest GMs at a five-star hotel in London and also one of the brightest stars, Jannes was just named the best general manager worldwide by The Gallivanter’s Guide. An affable multi-linguist, Jannes began his career in Berlin and has also worked in Barcelona, New York, London and Paris. Prior to joining The Beaumont, he was in a director position at Le Bristol in Paris, and he also worked at the prestigious Connaught in London, among many others. A privately owned hotel set in a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1926, The Beaumont has quickly become a Mayfair favourite. From its slick mahogany-coloured Colony Grill Room to its inviting hammam and plunge pool, Jannes has excelled at making this one of the city’s finest properties.
Kostas Sfaltos, Bvlgari Hotel London
It’s hard to think of a more dedicated or genial general manager working today in London than Kostas Sfaltos. Leading one of the most luxurious destinations in London and the flagship property of Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, Kostas has been with the team since February 2017.Originally from Athens, Kostas graduated from the Rhodes Hotel Management School and holds a Masters in Hotel Management. An established London hotelier with a career spanning twenty-five years, Kostas was previously General Manager at One Aldwych and has held senior management positions at Hotel Café Royal, where he became involved in all aspects of the building’s conversion and restoration, before opening the property as Hotel Manager. Kostas also held senior positions at The Dorchester Collection and the InterContinental Hotel Group, and during his tenure with these esteemed organisations, Kostas has supported and led five new openings. Today, Kostas is helping redefine both cuisine and culture at Bvlgari London, leading a series of innovative cultural partnerships, including one with BAFTA, as well as renovating and relaunching the hotel’s signature restaurant.
Amanda Hyndman, Mandarin Oriental
After undergoing an extensive multi-million-pound restoration, Amanda Hyndman has returned to the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park as its new General Manager, as well as being the Area Vice President Operations, responsible for the Mandarin Oriental Munich and Mandarin Oriental Prague. Previously, Amanda worked for Hilton International, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts including The Waldorf London, and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, where she was the first female and youngest-ever General Manager. Today, Amanda brings with her 26 years of General Manager experience in the luxury hotel industry.
Michael Bonsor, Rosewood London
There are few people in the hospitality industry who don’t know the name Michael Bonsor. Michael has over 17 years of experience in luxury hotel management, having begun his career at various Four Seasons locations in the USA before moving stateside to take up a position at Claridge’s. A well-respected voice in the luxury industry, Michael has also given talks to prestigious brands including Bentley, Jaguar and British Airways. Michael has led the Rosewood London team since 2013 and is now the hotel’s much-loved managing director, combining wit and frivolity with luxury and prestige. Located in the heart of London on High Holborn, this 306-room property also features one of the city’s most popular restaurants – the Holborn Dining Room, as well as the always thrumming Scarfe’s bar.
Kit Kemp, Firmdale
Interior designer Kit Kemp MBE has a reputation for driving London’s most unexpected hotel interiors. Co-owner and Creative Director of Firmdale Hotels, she’s also an author, entrepreneur, homeware designer and a highly respected champion of British art, craft and sculpture. Her cross-continental oeuvre of hotels includes, Ham Yard, The Soho, Covent Garden, Charlotte Street, Haymarket, Number Sixteen, Knightsbridge and Dorset Square hotels in London, as well as the Crosby Street Hotel and, most recently, The Whitby Hotel in New York. From warehouses to hospitals to car parks, Kit has built an international reputation for taking unexpected locations and transforming them into world-renowned intimate and welcoming luxury hotels.
