Article by Dylan Clements‍

Maybourne hotels are no longer part of the Virtuoso hotel program. That includes Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley, The Emory, The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Maybourne Riviera.

That does not mean the hotel benefits have disappeared.

Maybourne has its own preferred partner program, called Maybourne Illustrated, and Clements Travel is one of a very small number of Maybourne Illustrated partners worldwide.

For guests, this means there is still a way to book Maybourne hotels with added benefits, but it now needs to be done through a Maybourne Illustrated travel advisor rather than through Virtuoso.

What Is Maybourne Illustrated?

Maybourne Illustrated is Maybourne’s own preferred partner program.

It gives selected travel advisors direct access to added benefits for their clients, usually including:

• Daily breakfast for two
• A hotel credit once per room, per stay
• A seasonal welcome amenity
• Room upgrade, subject to availability
• Early check-in, subject to availability
• Late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

The exact benefits can vary by hotel, room category and rate, but in many cases they are available on the hotel’s best flexible rate.

That means you are often paying the same rate as booking directly, while receiving breakfast, a hotel credit and additional recognition from the hotel.

Claridge’s Is Not The Only Maybourne Hotel

Claridge’s is the name most people know, but Maybourne is a wider hotel group with six properties.

Claridge’s, London

Claridge’s is still the flagship and one of the best-known luxury hotels in London.

It is known for its Art Deco interiors, long-serving staff and highly personal service. It has also seen a huge amount of investment in recent years, including new suites, restaurants and the Claridge’s Spa.

The room categories are quite varied, so choosing the right one is important. Some are traditional, while others are much more contemporary.

The Connaught, London

The Connaught is smaller and quieter than Claridge’s.

It has a more residential feel and is a good choice for guests who want privacy, strong dining and one of London’s best hotel bars. It is also home to the Aman Spa.

Although it is only a short distance from Claridge’s, the atmosphere is very different.

The Berkeley, London

The Berkeley sits between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.

It has a more modern feel than Claridge’s or The Connaught and works well for guests who want to be close to Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Sloane Street and Hyde Park.

It also has a rooftop pool, which is still quite unusual for a London hotel.

The Emory, London

The Emory is Maybourne’s all-suite hotel overlooking Hyde Park.

It is more discreet than the group’s other London properties, with a private entrance and a much more residential style of service. Guests also have access to Surrenne, Maybourne’s private wellness club.

The Emory is aimed at guests looking for larger suites, privacy and a more contemporary hotel.

The Maybourne Beverly Hills

The Maybourne Beverly Hills is in the heart of Beverly Hills, close to Rodeo Drive.

It has large rooms, a rooftop pool, extensive spa facilities and a central location that works well for both short stays and longer visits to Los Angeles.

For US-based guests, it is often the easiest way to experience Maybourne without travelling to London or the French Riviera.

The Maybourne Riviera

The Maybourne Riviera sits above the Mediterranean near Monaco.

It is the group’s main resort hotel and is very different from the London properties. The views are the main attraction, along with the modern architecture, restaurants and access to Monaco and the surrounding coast.

Why This Change Is Important

Virtuoso includes thousands of hotels around the world.

Maybourne Illustrated is much smaller and more selective. It is run directly by Maybourne and is limited to advisors and agencies that have an established relationship with the group.

That direct relationship can be useful when there are specific requests, such as:

• A preferred room location
• Two rooms close together
• A repeat stay
• A birthday or anniversary
• A request for early check-in
• Help choosing between room or suite categories
• Combining partner benefits with a free-night offer

Upgrades, early check-in and late check-out are still subject to availability, unless a specific offer confirms otherwise.

The difference is that the hotel knows the booking has come through one of its own preferred partners rather than through a large general hotel program.

Booking Maybourne Through Clements Travel

Clements Travel is a Maybourne Illustrated preferred partner.

I have worked with London luxury hotels for more than 20 years and have dealt with Claridge’s and the wider Maybourne group for many years.

When I make a Maybourne booking, I also contact the hotel before arrival, confirm the benefits, pass on any relevant preferences and make sure repeat stays are noted.

Clients pay the hotel directly and there is no booking fee from Clements Travel.

We can arrange Maybourne Illustrated bookings at:

• Claridge’s
• The Connaught
• The Berkeley
• The Emory
• The Maybourne Beverly Hills
• The Maybourne Riviera

In many cases, Maybourne Illustrated benefits can also be combined with public offers such as third-night or fourth-night free promotions, although this depends on the hotel and rate.

Can an Existing Booking Be Changed?

Sometimes, but not always.

A direct booking or a booking made through another channel may need to be cancelled and rebooked under an eligible Maybourne Illustrated rate.

Before doing that, it is worth checking:

• Whether the original booking is refundable
• Whether the room rate has increased
• Whether the same room category is still available
• Whether the extra benefits outweigh any price difference

Do not cancel an existing reservation until the replacement booking has been checked.

Book Maybourne Hotels With Added Benefits

Planning a stay at Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley, The Emory, The Maybourne Beverly Hills or The Maybourne Riviera?

Clements Travel is a Maybourne Illustrated preferred partner and can book eligible rates with added benefits, including breakfast, hotel credit and possible room upgrades.

You pay the hotel directly, there is no booking fee, and we contact the hotel before arrival to confirm your benefits and pass on any preferences.

Contact Clements Travel for a Maybourne quote before you book.

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