Red Carnation's History

Our journey began in 1920 with the opening of the Paternoster Hotel in a quaint South African fishing village by Solomon Tollman. This modest beginning set the stage for a century of exceptional hospitality and service; a legacy that has been lovingly nurtured by our family through generations. 

A pivotal moment in our story occurred in 1952, when Bea Lurie and Stanley Tollman shared their first date at the renowned Oyster Box Hotel & Restaurant in Durban. This fateful meeting was a prelude to their marriage on 7th March 1954. Shortly after tying the knot, Bea and Stanley embarked on their hotelier journey by purchasing The Nugget Hotel in Johannesburg. This acquisition marked their foray into the hospitality industry, where their unwavering commitment to luxury and impeccable service would soon become their hallmark. 

By 1969, the Tollmans further established their presence in the hospitality world by acquiring The Colony, a distinguished restaurant in Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Hotel. Under their management, The Colony became a beacon of fine dining and exemplary service, cementing their reputation for quality and setting the stage for future success. 

The 1970s and 1980s heralded an era of international expansion for the Tollmans. In 1973, they acquired The Chesterfield Mayfair in London, the first jewel in what would later be known as The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. This was followed in 1986 by The Milestone Hotel & Residences, another London landmark that showcased their dedication to luxury and personalised service. 

The 1990s saw Red Carnation Hotels grow with the acquisition of several prestigious properties in London, including The Rubens at the Palace, The Montague on the Gardens, and The Egerton House Hotel. Each of these iconic hotels was meticulously restored, reflecting Bea Tollman’s distinctive design sensibility and the family’s unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence. 

In 1999, the Tollmans acquired Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains. This pristine retreat, following extensive restoration and development, became a sanctuary for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. 

The turn of the millennium saw further growth. In 2001, Red Carnation Hotels expanded its footprint with the acquisition of Hotel d’Angleterre in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious property underwent significant upgrades under the Red Carnation brand. That same year, the acquisition of Hotel 41 and Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in London and Dorset, respectively, added to the brand’s growing portfolio, each property embodying the essence of Red Carnation’s luxury reputation.  

In 2006, the Tollmans completed a full circle by acquiring The Oyster Box, the very place where their journey began. Under Bea and their daughter Toni’s meticulous guidance, the historic property underwent a two-year, R500 million restoration. The grand reopening in October 2009 was a momentous occasion, attended by 900 guests, including notable figures such as IFP leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. 

The Old Government House Hotel joined the Red Carnation family in 2008, and The Duke of Richmond Hotel in 2011, both located in Guernsey. The acquisition of The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town in 2010 added another breathtaking coastal gem to the collection. 

In 2013, Ashford Castle in Ireland was acquired and, after an extensive two-year restoration, reopened in 2015 as a luxury haven. The Lodge at Ashford Castle, acquired in 2015, also opened shortly after, enriching the Ashford Estate with additional opulence. 

In 2020, we celebrated a century of hospitality - a milestone that honoured our beginnings when Solomon Tollman first opened the Paternoster Hotel. 2020 also saw the acquisition of Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana, which opened as a Red Carnation Hotel in 2021, bringing a unique safari experience to our portfolio. 

Finally, 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh opened as a Red Carnation Hotel in April 2024 after an extensive renovation, marking a new chapter in our storied history. 

Named after the signature flower Stanley Tollman wore, Red Carnation Hotels was built on Bea Tollman’s vision of service excellence and her passion for generous hospitality. Today, the guest experience is at the core of everything we do. Our dedicated teams consistently exceed expectations with warm, attentive service, exquisite cuisine, and thoughtful touches. We immerse our guests in local culture through authentic experiences, beautiful design, and curated art collections, making every stay truly memorable.