There are a handful of ultra-prime hotels in the world: The Ritz (London), The Ritz (Paris), Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley, The Peninsula, The Crillon.  Like top football clubs, their position is unassailable. They are the ultimate trophy assets. A mere centi-millionaire may own a dozen five-star hotels, but there is only one owner of Claridge’s. That is why these hotels are coveted.  Fights to secure the ultra-prime London hotels have ruined friendships, business relationships and even destroyed families. The billionaire Barclay twins fell out over the sale of the Ritz Hotel — that’s after they lost an epic four-year…

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