About us
The new era of the Grand Metropolitan Hotel Collection and the legacy of Sir Maxwell Joseph
The story of Grand Metropolitan is intertwined with that of Sir Maxwell Joseph, a visionary British entrepreneur, dreaming of becoming a hotelier from a young age in the early 20th century. He seized the opportunity after World War II, borrowing £25,000 to purchase his first hotel – the Mandeville Hotel in London, which marked the beginning of his journey in building an empire.
His success in acquiring additional hotels, such as the iconic Mayfair Hotel, led him to establish Grand Hotels (Mayfair) Ltd, which quickly expanded under his leadership, becoming a well-known and highly esteemed hospitality brand that set new standards.
Grand Metropolitan, under the leadership of Maxwell Joseph, owned a significant portfolio of hotels across Europe and the Middle East. Notably, the company owned 66 hotels in these regions by 1982.
Under Sir Joseph’s guidance, the company diversified significantly, later owning 91 hotels including the fashionable Carlton in Cannes, managing 300 orchestras and bands, thousands flocking to its bingo halls daily, 280 steak restaurants, 800 canteens, two breweries, and over 12,300 pubs.
Sir Maxwell Joseph’s visionary leadership and entrepreneurial prowess earned him significant recognition, and he was knighted in 1981 for his services. His pioneering work and innovations have left a lasting impact on the hospitality industry, setting new standards with Grand Metropolitan.
Now, a new era begins as the icon is reborn. The Grand Metropolitan Hotel Collection aims to continue pursuing the high standards set by Sir Joseph, building upon them to provide guests with an unparalleled hotel experience. This rejuvenation of the Grand Metropolitan Hotel Collection brand symbolizes a recommitment to excellence, innovation, and the ultimate guest experience. We are poised to redefine hospitality, creating a beacon for the industry and an unmatched haven for our guests, heralding the start of a new era.