Franck Arnold of the Savoy crowned Hotelier of the Year 2025

The Savoy managing director Franck Arnold has been named Hotelier of the Year 2025.

He was recognised for his innovative and modern approach to maintaining the traditions, relevancy and competitiveness of the almost 140-year-old London luxury hotel.

Arnold was presented with the award by Greg Harvey from sponsor Taylors of Harrogate and The Caterer editor James Stagg at a celebratory lunch held at the Ned in the City of London on Wednesday (29 October). It is the first time a hotelier from the Savoy has received the accolade.

When Arnold joined the 267-bedroom property in September 2020, the hotel was preparing to reopen after the pandemic lockdowns. As team members returned, a major focus was on recruitment and retraining to restore the hotel’s exacting service standards, which Arnold approached with dedication and rigour.

His commitment to delivering exceptional guest experience has been central to building empowered teams that provide high-level service with an approachable, relaxed style.

Arnold said: “Our philosophy is to take what we do very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves very seriously. We want to be known as a hotel that delivers memorable experiences, but at the same time we want to be friendly and approachable. We don’t want to be standoffish or condescending, we want to be emotionally engaged with guests, who will then, in turn, become fans of the Savoy.”

During his tenure the hotel has embarked on a major renovation that is set to complete in 2027 and will ensure the Savoy retains a strong position within London’s highly competitive luxury market. As well as overseeing the refurbishment, Arnold has introduced a number of new F&B spaces at the hotel, and has worked with chef Gordon Ramsay to transform an underused private dining room into Restaurant 1890, which has since won a Michelin star.

Alongside his role at the hotel, Arnold is a passionate advocate for showcasing the opportunities hospitality offers young people, from lifelong skills to the chance to travel and experience the world.

The judging panel, made up of former Hotelier of the Year winners and industry experts, praised Arnold as “the epitome of a great hotelier” and said “the Savoy is thriving under his leadership”.

Northcote Manor managing director Craig Bancroft said: "Franck oozes hospitality and has a wonderful charisma that is simply infectious. He cares about his guests and his team in equal measure. While carefully navigating and developing a great property he has a sympathetic hand in the past, while always looking to the future with innovation and modernity."

Royal Lancaster London general manager Sally Beck added: "Franck is an inherently kind man, with tonnes of positive energy. He brings that kindness and energy to every interaction. This brings the best out in everybody and gets great results. He totally embodies the values of the Hotelier of the Year."

Iconic Luxury Hotels executive director Andrew Stembridge said: “Franck Arnold has redefined what it means to lead a legendary hotel. His vision, humility and unwavering commitment to his team have truly put the Savoy back where it belongs.”

Some 20 former Hoteliers of the Year, including Conor O’Leary (2023), Sally Beck (2019), Danny Pecorelli (2014), Jonathan Raggett (2009), Robin Hutson (2003) and Gordon Campbell Gray (2002) attended the celebratory lunch on Wednesday, hosted by the 2024 winner Gareth Banner, group managing director at the Ned.

More than 70 guests enjoyed a starter of Brixham crab tart with Aquitaine caviar, green apple and Montgomery’s Cheddar soufflé, followed by a main course of lamb wellington, smoked carrot, Robuchon potatoes and pumpkin risotto. Dessert was a Valrhona chocolate, white and dark chocolate cremeux, with fresh mint ice-cream.