1 Hotel Mayfair won the AA Sustainable Award 2024
Can you tell us a little about the history of 1 Hotel Mayfair?
1 Hotel Mayfair opened in 2023 as the first 1 Hotels property in Europe, bringing our brand’s sustainable luxury ethos to London. Situated overlooking Green Park, our hotel was designed with nature at its core – from reclaimed materials and living walls to biophilic interiors and partnerships with local artisans. Our mission has always been to create a sanctuary in the heart of the city, where guests can relax, reconnect, and leave feeling inspired.
What does a great customer experience look like at 1 Hotel Mayfair, and what makes it unique?
For us, a great guest experience combines genuine, heartfelt service with a deep respect for our planet. Guests should feel warmly welcomed, truly cared for, and subtly inspired by our sustainable practices, whether that is enjoying a seasonal menu in Dovetale Restaurant, relaxing in our nature-inspired rooms, or discovering local partnerships through curated experiences. Our uniqueness lies in proving that luxury and sustainability can not only co-exist but enhance one another.
What do you think defines an independent hotel?
An independent hotel is defined by its individuality and authenticity. It has the freedom to create a personality, a voice, and an experience that is truly its own. It can be more agile, more personal, and more deeply connected to its local community. Independence allows a property to reflect the passions and values of its team, something guests feel from the moment they arrive.
How are you approaching the issue of sustainability?
Sustainability is embedded in every decision we make, from construction and design to operations and guest experiences. We focus on reducing waste, conserving resources, sourcing responsibly, and working with like-minded partners. We believe true sustainability is not just about doing less harm, but actively doing better, creating a positive impact for both our community and our environment.
How do you approach creating your menus and sourcing food and drink suppliers?
Our menus are guided by seasonality, locality, and sustainability. We work closely with suppliers who share our values, prioritising British produce and traceable sourcing. By building long-term relationships with farmers, fishermen, and artisans, we ensure that every ingredient not only tastes exceptional but also supports responsible practices.
Are there any innovative products or services you have implemented in your establishment that you would recommend to other hoteliers?
We have embraced technology that supports sustainability, such as in-room energy management systems, refillable bathroom amenities, in-room filtered water fountains and waste reduction initiatives in our venues. Beyond products, one of our most impactful innovations has been creating a culture of sustainability among our team, embedding environmental responsibility into every role and decision. This, I believe, is the most powerful change any hotel can make.
Do you attend the Independent Hotel Show? If so, what do you value about the show?
Although we didn’t attend the Independent Hotel Show this year, it is an excellent opportunity to connect with industry peers, discover new ideas, and explore products and services that can enhance the guest experience. It is also a great platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing independent hotels today, particularly around sustainability and innovation.
The 2025 AA Hospitality Awards are taking place on Monday 22 September.
To find out more, visit the AA Hospitality Awards site.
The Independent Hotel Show takes place on 6-7 October at Olympia. Read the full seminar programme for this year's event, and register for your trade ticket, at independenthotelshow.co.uk.
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