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The Oyster Box love story

The Red Carnation Hotels story is a love story, which started over sixty years ago in this very hotel.

This story began in 1952...

When a beautiful young woman called Bea caught the eye of a distinguished young hotelier named Stanley, who was known for wearing a red carnation in his lapel. They shared their first dinner together at the famous Oyster Box Hotel, where Bea tried an oyster for the first time, and spat it out at the table. This must have left a lasting impression on Stanley, as they married in 1954 and later started Red Carnation Hotels. In 2006, Bea and Stanley purchased The Oyster Box and together they continued to build on the generous hospitality, service and values for which the Oyster Box was renowned for, and today the hotel is recognised as the very best hotel in Africa.

Tollman family in Xigera
Oyster Box Lighthouse illustation

An ever-growing collection

That love story is still at the very heart of our ever-growing collection of hotels across the world. Our Founder and President, Beatrice Tollman, embodies the generous hospitality and warm, passionate service for which we are renowned. She is the creative mind behind our beautifully designed hotels, the daily inspiration for our Executive Chefs and the benchmark for our teams' exacting standards. Discover how Beatrice inspires the Red Carnation family each and every day...

Find out more

The Red Carnation love story

The story began....

When a beautiful young woman called Bea caught the eye of a distinguished young hotelier named Stanley, who was known for wearing a red carnation in his lapel. Almost 35 years later, Beatrice and Stanley Tollman purchased The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair. Driven by Beatrice's lifelong affair with the world of hospitality, and celebrating her husband's signature flower, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection came to life.

The story continues...