Summary
Constellation Hotels is forming a new luxury management company led by former Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs, and will debut a global collection brand later in 2026 anchored by London’s The Connaught, The Berkeley, and The Emory. The move shifts operational control of these trophy assets from the Maybourne group to a direct owner-managed model, with future properties in Paris, Marrakech, and an English estate already in the pipeline.
The three London icons will keep their historic names and identities, but the restructuring signals a new era of owner-curated guest experience. The brand reveal — expected before year-end — could introduce cross-property privileges that currently don’t exist for loyal guests.
The owner of three of London’s most storied five-star hotels is taking direct control, installing a hospitality veteran known for building global luxury brands. Constellation Hotels announced on 7 September 2026 that Neil Jacobs — former CEO of Six Senses and founder of creative collective Wild Origins — will lead its newly formed management arm.
The new company will assume operations of The Connaught, The Berkeley, and The Emory once current arrangements with Maybourne conclude. The hotels’ individual names and identities will be preserved within a fresh multi-property collection, set to be unveiled later this year.
Beyond London, the portfolio includes a forthcoming Saint-Germain property in Paris, a development in Marrakech, and Hackwood Park, an English country estate. For Constellation CEO Gianluca Muzzi, the management arm represents a long-term stewardship play: direct investment in brand, people, and operating platform, rather than outsourced operations.
The new management structure
The move redraws the relationship between owner and operator for one of London’s most concentrated luxury clusters. Constellation will retain ownership of the real estate and overall portfolio strategy, while the Jacobs-led company handles day-to-day operations, service standards, and brand direction. The new management company will take over the London hotels after the Maybourne transition, with the explicit goal of maintaining service levels throughout the change.
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 7 September 2026 | Neil Jacobs appointed CEO of new management company | Leadership in place to shape brand and operations |
| Later in 2026 | New collection brand name and identity unveiled | Defines guest-facing positioning and marketing |
| TBD (before management transition) | Maybourne’s management of The Connaught, The Berkeley, The Emory concludes | New company assumes direct operations; booking channels may shift |
| Future (2027+) | Saint-Germain Paris, Marrakech, Hackwood Park open | Collection expands beyond London; cross-property guest benefits possible |
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Why direct management matters for London luxury
Bringing operations in-house gives Constellation control over everything from housekeeping standards to revenue management. For luxury travelers, that can mean a more consistent experience across the collection, free from the compromises that sometimes come with third-party operators. And Neil Jacobs’s focus on ‘residential communities’ — as he put it — suggests a blurring of lines between hotel stays and owned residences, a trend Air Traveler Club’s analysis of luxury real estate as a cultural asset class captures well. Jacobs explicitly mentioned the overlap of hospitality and residential life, and that vision could manifest in branded residences or exclusive owner benefits. The risk is that a new management team must prove itself on properties with established reputations and demanding clientele; any misstep would be highly visible.
How to navigate the transition as a guest
While the management change is structural, it could eventually affect booking channels, loyalty recognition, and the on-property experience. Here’s what to watch and how to prepare.
- Check direct booking pages. The existing websites for The Connaught, The Berkeley, and The Emory remain the primary booking channels for now, but monitor for any notice of changes as the transition approaches.
- Monitor Constellation’s announcements. When the collection brand is unveiled, look for details on guest recognition programs, potential cross-property benefits, and any rate or suite-access privileges.
- Ask about loyalty status. If you have established relationships or status with Maybourne’s London properties (such as The Connaught’s guest recognition), inquire with the hotel about how your profile and preferences will be handled under new management.
- Book flexible rates for stays near the transition window. Until the exact handover date is confirmed, refundable bookings give you flexibility if service disruptions or rate changes occur.
- Watch for residential offerings. Jacobs’s vision suggests future branded residences or owner-access perks; if you’re a potential buyer, the brand launch may bring early details.
FAQ
Will The Connaught, The Berkeley, and The Emory change their names?
No, the three London hotels will retain their individual names and identities within the new collection.
What happens to my existing reservation at one of these hotels?
For now, existing reservations remain valid; the hotels are operating as usual. The management transition will be carefully managed, and guests should not experience disruptions. Check directly with the property if your stay falls near the expected handover date, but no immediate changes are announced.
When will the new luxury collection brand be revealed?
The brand is expected to be unveiled later in 2026, though the exact date has not been specified. Constellation Hotels has said the collection will be introduced “later this year.”
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