Managing director, Rosewood London

BUSINESS PROFILE

Words Markus Bidaux

Michael Bonsor was born to work in the hotel industry. As far back as he can remember his parents had him working behind the scenes of their hotel in Inverness. But the young Michael loved it and when he was old enough, he was allowed to man the restaurant and reception.

After three years studying hotel management at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, he hopped across the pond to work for the Four Seasons in Boston, New York and Toronto for 10 years. Returning to the UK, he worked at Claridge’s in London for four years before he joined the team at Rosewood London in 2013, just before the hotel opened. Michael, 38, is now the managing director, responsible for more than 300 rooms, two restaurants, a spa and events space. And since the 1912-built Edwardian-style building in High Holborn was transformed into the Rosewood London, it has been showered with awards and accolades.

Michael’s Scottish accent has been affected by his years on the other side of the Atlantic but a Highlands lilt pops up every now and again.

What drew you to the Rosewood London?

When I left Claridge’s, I left a team and hotel I loved being a part of. It was a really great time because we had just finished making Inside Claridge’s, a documentary about the hotel for the BBC.

I left a job I didn’t need to leave but the opportunity was there in front of me and I had never opened a hotel right from the start. If I didn’t take it, I might have had to wait years for another chance. It was a building site when I joined but from the grandeur of the building I could see what the product would look like.