How designer Christmas trees became the ultimate status symbol for hotels

For some hotels, the lobbies aren’t big enough for their Christmas tree ambitions. If the sky is the limit, then The Connaught’s behemoth is pushing it. Its Denmark-sourced Nordmann Fir soars nine metres into the air on Carlos Place and is the ninth tree to be designed by a celebrated artist. This year, the hotel, known for its considerable art collection, has commissioned artist Conrad Shawcross, the latest in a line of illustrious artists, including Dame Rachel Whiteread, Damien Hirst,…