Gone are the days of stuffy business travel, filled with trouser presses and conference calls in your dressing gown. The modern traveler seeks a more dynamic experience, blurring the lines between work and leisure. “Bleisure,” as it’s aptly named, is all the rage in London’s hotel scene. From co-working spaces and around-the-clock amenities to destination restaurants and VIP transfers, these hotels cater to the busy worker bee who craves both style and functionality.
Where Work Meets Play: London’s Best “Bleisure” Hotels
White City House: A Mid-Century Haven
This members’ club and hotel, nestled within the old BBC Television Centre, is the brainchild of “bleisure” pioneers, Soho House. White City House boasts a mid-century style that blends seamlessly with its hot-desking professional clientele. The Allis, its social space open to all, transforms working on-the-move into a pleasurable experience. An outdoor terrace provides an out-of-office escape, while the open kitchen fosters a communal meeting area. The bedrooms, formerly offices, add to the unique ambiance.
Kimpton Fitzroy London: A Luxury Haven for Busy Professionals
Kimpton Fitzroy London, formerly known as the Hotel Russell, underwent a £75m refurbishment to become one of London’s most luxurious hotels. This hotel stands out for its amenities tailored to the needs of busy business travelers. A 24-hour concierge caters to middle-of-the-night emergencies, while in-room massages and yoga mats offer pre-presentation relaxation. The “Forgot it? We got it!” bathroom cards ensure the concierge will provide any overlooked toiletries, creating a stress-free experience.
The Paddington: A No-Fuss Stay for Packed Itineraries
This cool, neighborhood-feel hotel, conveniently located near Paddington Station, is perfect for professionals with packed itineraries. Online check-in and check-out, along with a 24-hour key pickup service, eliminate the need to rely on reception staff, ideal for those arriving at ungodly hours. The hotel’s charm lies in its two-hundred-year-old parquet flooring and vintage furnishings, complemented by all-hours pantries on each floor offering snacks and hot drinks. The Workshop Coffee outpost on the ground floor provides the perfect fuel for a day of meetings.
The City’s Social Hub: The Ned
The Ned, located next to Bank Station, is the most fun place to do business in the City. Its eight restaurants, spanning a colossal, marble-laden main floor, offer a diverse range of cuisines, from New York deli-style fare to refined Japanese. Café Sou provides a laid-back atmosphere for nomadic workers. Hotel guests enjoy access to members’ zones for catching up on emails. While the bedrooms may be on the small side, you’ll hardly spend any time in them, given the abundance of social and work spaces.
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch: Where Cool Meets Cuisine
Robert de Niro’s foray into the hotel industry has gifted London with the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, a cutting-edge cool destination. The world-renowned Nobu restaurant is a must-visit for a memorable dining experience. However, the hotel takes service to a new level with room service offering the same high-quality dishes served in the restaurant, even the iconic miso black cod. This makes it perfect for the ultimate dinner for one.
The Slick Sea Containers: A South Bank Gem for the Discerning Traveler
The Sea Containers hotel dominates the South Bank with its impressive list of extras that appeal to the modern business traveler. Lyaness bar, replacing the legendary Dandelyan, is a hotspot for entertaining colleagues or clients. The in-house Curzon cinema provides a relaxing escape for those new to London. And the Agua spa, with its glamourous treatments, is perfect for pre-event pampering.
The Berkeley: A Knightsbridge Retreat for the Elite
The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge offers elegant décor, impeccable service, and a swish rooftop pool. However, it’s the travel perks that truly distinguish this hotel for smart business travelers. Its VIP premier service seamlessly connects the hotel with London Heathrow Airport. Guests are welcomed straight off the aircraft and escorted to their suite, while chauffeurs handle security. Private jet travel is also an option, catering to the highest levels of luxury and convenience.
