This section brings together my research into the history of individual hotels, with a particular focus on London’s luxury hotels and the way they’ve developed over the decades.
Each history is based on original sources and a close examination of the historical record, often revisiting accounts that have been widely repeated without question. The aim is not simply to retell familiar stories, but to clarify, refine and, where necessary, correct them.
Brown’s Hotel is the starting point for this work, an address in the heart of Mayfair that connects a colourful cast of characters including Agatha Christie, Franklin Roosevelt, Lady Byron, Stephen King, Haile Selassie, Charles Lindbergh and Rudyard Kipling. My research introduces the ‘rule of three’ as a way of assessing whether this hotel can genuinely claim to be ‘London’s oldest’.
Further hotel histories explore how individual establishments reflect wider changes in travel, society and the lives of its guests. While the primary focus is on London, selected projects extend to other historic hotels in the UK.
Each hotel page provides a central account, with links to related articles where particular aspects – such as notable guests or historical claims – are examined in more detail.
Brown’s Hotel, London
A research-led history of London’s oldest hotel.
The Milestone Hotel, London
A study of a smaller luxury hotel and its place within Kensington’s development.
The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (coming soon)
A new history exploring the development of the city’s most-iconic hotel, revealing tales of royalty, revelry and railways.
Hotel History Expert 