STEP INTO THE WORLD OF RYAN FRISE, GENERAL MANAGER OF L’OSCAR LONDON, WHERE BAROQUE ELEGANCE AND WARM HOSPITALITY CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY (Royaume-Uni)
Nestled in Holborn, in central London, L'oscar London is the British flagship of the Michel Reybier group. A 39-room boutique hotel housed in a meticulously restored Edwardian Baroque building, it is renowned for its opulent interiors and rich artistic details.
STEP INTO THE WORLD OF RYAN FRISE, GENERAL MANAGER OF L’OSCAR LONDON, WHERE BAROQUE ELEGANCE AND WARM HOSPITALITY CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY (Royaume-Uni)
Nestled in Holborn, in central London, L'oscar London is the British flagship of the Michel Reybier group. A 39-room boutique hotel housed in a meticulously restored Edwardian Baroque building, it is renowned for its opulent interiors and rich artistic details.
Ryan brings a wealth of international experience to his role, having managed prestigious properties across Europe and Asia before taking the reins at L’oscar. His passion for hospitality shines through in every guest interaction, whether orchestrating bespoke experiences or ensuring the smallest comforts are never overlooked, staying true to a down-to-earth approach to luxury.
At L’oscar, guests are treated not only to lavish suites and exquisite dining but also to a level of service that is a testament to Ryan’s hands-on approach and the dedicated team he leads. In this interview, the general manager shares candid reflections on his career, the evolving landscape of hospitality, and the values that continue to guide him. Expect a conversation rich with anecdotes, practical wisdom, and a dash of the unexpected, just like the man himself.
Journal des Palaces: With a career that spans luxury properties across France, Caribbean islands, Macau, and now London, what inspired your move to L’oscar London, and how has your global experience shaped your leadership here?
Ryan Frise: Joining L’oscar felt like the natural next step in my career. It’s rare to find a hotel that so beautifully blends history and design. My international background has taught me to be both detail-oriented and culturally agile. At L’oscar, that translates into creating an experience that’s both refined and personal. With the trust and backing of Michel Reybier Hospitality, there's an added sense of purpose and motivation, it inspires us to aim even higher. Our aim is to connect with every guest who walks through our doors and to offer a service that reflects genuine care.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you create a motivated, collaborative culture within your team?
I believe in fostering an environment where people feel both empowered and inspired to produce their best work. At L’oscar, we are a tight-knit team, which allows for collaboration and teamwork, we support each other across departments to get the job done. When the whole team understands the vision and feels an integral part of bringing it to life, that’s when you see results.
In a city full of luxury hotels, what do you believe sets L’oscar London apart?
L’oscar is truly one of a kind. Housed in a Grade II-listed former Baptist church, the building itself is a gem of British architecture. Furthermore, Jacques Garcia’s iconic interior design only enhances the original beauty.
But beyond the aesthetics, it’s our highly personalised service that sets us apart. Our boutique scale allows us to focus on the individual. We recognise that every guest has their own story, and we honour that with time and attention to detail from the moment they arrive.
The L’oscar team recently participated in the Cancer Research UK Winter 10k Run. How important is community involvement to the hotel’s values, and are there any initiatives ahead that you’re especially excited about?
The Winter Run was a fantastic example of our team coming together for a great cause. Community involvement is a core part of who we are not just on a large scale, but locally as well. We are proud to support our neighbourhood in many ways, whether that’s through local partnerships, charity initiatives, or simply being an active, positive presence in the area.
We’re also preparing as a team for the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money once again for Cancer Research UK … so I’d better start training soon.
Beyond running, we are focusing more on sustainability across the hotel to reduce energy usage and actively working with suppliers to strengthen our recycling schemes, so that our children and the generations beyond can have a brighter, healthier future.
With such an opulent and historic setting, how do you ensure each guest’s experience at L’oscar is truly personalised and unforgettable?
It starts with listening. We take the time to understand why our guests are staying with us, what brings them joy, and how they want to feel during their time with us. We encourage guests to share their preferences ahead of arrival so we can tailor the stay to their specific needs. Grand gestures are one thing, but I find it’s the thoughtful details that make the most impact.
Recruitment has been especially challenging in the UK hospitality sector. What are you doing differently to attract and retain top talent?
We have shifted our focus towards hiring for attitude and potential over experience alone. We’re looking for individuals who share our values and passion for hospitality. Once they’re with us, we invest in their growth through mentorship and development pathways. We want our people to learn something meaningful, and to build fulfilling careers for themselves.
What are your long-term goals for L’oscar London? Are there any exciting projects coming up?
We have some exciting partnerships and brand collaborations in the works, no spoilers just yet, but there’s a lot to look forward to.
Having worked alongside names like Pierre Gagnaire, is there a particular philosophy from those experiences that still shapes your work today?
Chef Gagnaire operates with steadfast passion. He treats every service with equal importance and dedicates time to perfecting each element he produces. That level of dedication left a lasting impression on me. I try to lead with the same energy – consistently passionate, never complacent.
Finally, what advice would you give to a young hotelier aspiring to become a General Manager?
Stay humble. Stay curious. And above all, listen. Listen to your guests, your team, and your instincts. Hospitality is about people. Build a team you can rely on, and don’t be afraid to rely on them. When you lead with integrity and openness, the results will soon follow.
A lover of human interactions, Sonia started her journalism career in various media outlets before moving to London and shifting to the digital industry. Listening to her calling, she's picking up her pen to share the passion and ambitions of luxury hospitality.
