A Palace Under Construction, A Battle Behind the Scenes
On the prestigious 231 boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris, activity is feverish. Behind the construction tarpaulins, workers toil tirelessly, engaged in a colossal undertaking. The aim is nothing less than to transform the former Ministry of the Armed Forces, a building steeped in martial history and somewhat outdated grandeur, into one of the largest and most luxurious palaces in Europe: The Maybourne Saint-Germain.
The future hotel promises to be a monument to opulence and exclusivity. Plans boast a rooftop swimming pool offering panoramic views of the city, 250 meticulously designed rooms and suites, and a plethora of bespoke services tailored to the whims and desires of its millionaire clientele. The estimated budget for this ambitious renovation project? A staggering 700 million euros, with an anticipated opening date in 2027.
However, what passersby likely don’t suspect as they gaze at the bustling construction site is that this future five-star hotel is also a key battleground in a complex and far-reaching conflict. This conflict pits Irish hotel magnate Patrick McKillen against Sheikh Hamad Ben Jassem al-Thani (HBJ), the former Prime Minister of Qatar, a prominent member of the Qatari royal family, and a major player in the luxury hotel industry. Al-Thani’s extensive portfolio already includes numerous prestigious hotels in France, such as the Intercontinental, the Royal Monceau, and the Hôtel du Louvre in Paris, as well as the Carlton and the Martinez in Cannes.
The Maybourne Saint-Germain, therefore, represents far more than just another luxury hotel project. It is a symbol, a pawn, in a high-stakes game of business and power, a silent witness to the ongoing dispute between two titans of the hospitality world.
To understand the intricacies of this affair, one must rewind to 2015, when Patrick McKillen embarked on a particular business venture. This endeavor, while seemingly unrelated to the Parisian palace under construction, forms the very foundation upon which the current conflict is built. The details of that initial venture are critical to grasping the full scope of the situation.
McKillen’s original dealings revolved around the ownership and management of a group of Claridge’s hotels. These hotels included Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley, all iconic establishments that epitomize British elegance and luxury hospitality. McKillen, through various investment vehicles, had built up a significant stake in this prestigious group, a testament to his business acumen and his understanding of the high-end hotel market.
However, the path to complete control of the Claridge’s hotels was not smooth. McKillen faced challenges from other shareholders, and the ownership structure became increasingly complex. It was during this period that HBJ, the Qatari royal, entered the picture, acquiring a significant stake in the same hotel group.
The entry of HBJ into the equation marked a turning point in the dynamic. While McKillen had previously navigated the complexities of the ownership structure, the presence of such a powerful and well-resourced player significantly altered the landscape. The two men, both accustomed to getting their way, found themselves vying for influence within the group.
Over time, the relationship between McKillen and HBJ deteriorated. Disagreements over strategy, management, and the future direction of the hotels led to increasing tensions. Lawsuits were filed, accusations were made, and the battle for control of the Claridge’s hotels intensified. This complex struggle played out in courtrooms across Europe, with both sides deploying considerable legal resources.
The dispute over the Claridge’s hotels eventually reached a resolution. HBJ and his investment vehicles gained control of the majority shareholding, effectively sidelining McKillen. While the exact details of the settlement remain confidential, it is widely understood that McKillen relinquished his stake in the group.
However, the end of the battle for the Claridge’s hotels did not signal the end of the conflict between McKillen and HBJ. Instead, it merely shifted the focus to new battlegrounds. The Maybourne Saint-Germain, with its prime location and its ambition to become one of Europe’s most prestigious hotels, became the new focal point of their rivalry.
It is in this context that the construction of the Maybourne Saint-Germain takes on a deeper significance. It is not simply a hotel project; it is a symbol of McKillen’s determination to reclaim his position in the luxury hotel market. It is a statement that he will not be defeated, that he will continue to compete with HBJ and other major players in the industry.
For HBJ, the Maybourne Saint-Germain represents a challenge to his dominance in the Parisian luxury hotel scene. He already owns a significant portfolio of prestigious hotels in the city, and the arrival of a competitor backed by McKillen could potentially erode his market share and influence.
The future of the Maybourne Saint-Germain, therefore, is intertwined with the ongoing conflict between McKillen and HBJ. The success of the hotel will be seen as a victory for one man and a setback for the other. The construction site on boulevard Saint-Germain is not just a place where workers are building a luxury hotel; it is a stage where a complex and high-stakes drama is unfolding. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle for the Maybourne Saint-Germain is far from over. As the scheduled 2027 opening approaches, the hotel promises not only luxurious accommodations but a continued behind-the-scenes power struggle of significant magnitude. The stakes are high, and the world watches to see who will ultimately prevail in this battle for Parisian luxury.
