The Tourism Media Group's very own hotel detective, Charlotte Johnson-Last, spills the beans on what's happening on the London hotel scene. But is she the 'last to know'?
When she's not working as the TMG's Senior Business Development Manager, organising key events, planning Concierge menu tastings and so much more, Charlotte loves nothing more than visiting London hotels, sampling spas and restaurants, meeting Concierge and getting the low-down on what's what, who's who and what's new on the hospitality scene.
CONGRATULATIONS...
LONG SERVICE
Antony Lynch has notched up 22 years at The Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Antony, Head Concierge at Hilton London Kensington, is a leading light in the Society, continuing his role as Social Chair for 2025.
A NEW JOB
Conor McDowell has started a new position as Chief Concierge of the Pre-Opening Team at The Chancery Rosewood. A member of the Society of the Golden Keys since 2015, Conor was winner of 'Concierge of the Year Award - London Member' in 2017. Located in the former U.S Embassy on Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, The Chancery Rosewood is scheduled to open late this summer.
AN ENGAGEMENT
Delrio Matteo, has announced his engagement to partner, Ieva Smilingyte. Announcing his news on Instagram, Delrio,Head Concierge of The NoMad London, said: "I popped the question, and @ievasmilingyte (after carefully considering all her options) said, 'Sure!' So, it’s official: we’re engaged! I guess that makes me the luckiest guy around, and her… officially stuck with me and Toto. Here’s to our little family and to many more adventures!" ❤️
AN ANNIVERSARY
Tom Wardley is celebrating five years at The Londoner Hotel. Tom joined the Leicester Square Hotel shortly before the COVID pandemic struck and changed the face of tourism. Sharing his milestone, Tom says: "From uncertainty came resilience, and when we finally opened, we built not just a hotel, but a home for our guests and our team. Looking back, I couldn't be prouder of what we have achieved. The Concierge team has grown in more ways that one - promotions, engagements, even new additions to the family! Many of the incredible individuals who started this journey with me are still here today, and their dedication, passion and care continue to make The Londonder a success."
NEWS IN BRIEF
Alan Vieira from One Aldwych Hotel, Covent Garden, collected his 25-year Society of the Golden Keys pin at the latest Society meeting. One Aldwych recently reopened following refurbishment of its most iconic areas - the Lobby Bar, Indigo restaurant and Signature Suites.
The Society has two new business affiliates - Top Tasting Tours and Admiral Jet.
Marcus Santos, Desk Concierge at St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, is rumoured to be on the move to the Broadwick Soho...
Sonia Vella has officially announced her move to the Peninsula London, as Head Concierge. Congratulations, Sonia!
A NEW COMMITTEE
Meet The Society of the Golden Keys 2025 Committee:
President: Binoy Nair
Vice President: Simon Thomas
Treasurer: Andrew Sturge
Secretary: Tom Wardley
Membership Secretary: Sahil Suri
International Delegate: Paul Whittle
Business Affiliate Liaison: Simone Caretti
Business Affiliate Recruitment Officer: Petar Yordanov
Social Chair: Antony Lynch
Publicity Officer: Matteo Delrio / Timothy Turner
Welfare Officer: Michael Jupiter
IT Administrator: Jorge Alvarez
NEW MEMBERS
The Society of the Golden Keys has welcomed new members, who were presented with their pins by Les Clefs d’Or® International President Randy Santos, including: John Leese, Concierge at Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow; Enrico Ferrero, Head Concierge at Sloane Place Hotel; Alba Casas Martínez, Head Concierge at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel; Daniel Todorov, Senior Head Concierge at Montcalm Royal London City; Paolo Pinna, Concierge at The Berkeley.
PSST...
Have you got news for Charlotte to share? Drop her an email at charlotte.last@tourismmediagroup.com