Tired of the old-fashioned business travel routine? Forget the uncomfortable trouser presses, lukewarm UHT milk, and conference calls in your dressing gown. The lines between business and leisure are blurring, and “bleisure” is taking over the London hotel scene. Gone are the days of rigid business trips; today’s business traveler craves style, convenience, and a touch of fun. We’ve curated a list of the best business hotels in London that cater to the modern, globetrotting worker bee.
Work Hard, Play Harder: White City House and Kimpton Fitzroy London
White City House, a hip outpost from the “bleisure” pioneers at Soho House, is housed in the historic BBC Television Centre. This 45-bedroom members’ club and hotel oozes mid-century style. The Allis, its all-day social space, is open to all, making working on-the-go a breeze. Enjoy the outdoor terrace for a true out-of-office experience, or mingle in the open kitchen, perfect for informal business gatherings. The bedrooms themselves are former offices, adding a unique touch.
Business travel doesn’t have to be stressful. Kimpton Fitzroy London, a £75 million renovation of the Hotel Russell, is now one of London’s most luxurious hotels. The amenities here are designed with the busy business traveler in mind. A 24-hour concierge is available for those midnight emergencies (forgotten phone chargers, anyone?), while in-room massages and yoga mats help you unwind and prepare for important presentations. Even forgotten toiletries are no problem; the “Forgot it? We got it!” bathroom cards mean the concierge will happily run out and get anything you need.
Seamless Travel and Stylish Spaces: The Dorchester, The Ned, and Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
For professionals with packed itineraries, The Dorchester is a perfect choice. Located right next to Paddington station and the Heathrow Express, this hotel offers a hassle-free experience. Online check-in and check-out, along with 24-hour key pickup, mean you can skip the reception desk, making it ideal for those arriving at odd hours. The 200-year-old parquet flooring and vintage furnishings create a relaxed atmosphere, while all-hours pantries on each floor provide snacks and hot drinks. For your caffeine fix, the Workshop Coffee outpost on the ground floor fuels your day of meetings.
The Ned is the funnest place to do business in the City. Located next to Bank station, it’s the spot for business lunches, dinners, and drinks with colleagues. Choose from eight restaurants on the sprawling marble-laden main floor, serving cuisines from New York deli-style fare to refined Japanese. Café Sou, with its French-inspired charm, is the perfect spot for nomadic workers to set up shop. Hotel guests also enjoy access to members’ zones for catching up on emails. The bedrooms may be on the smaller side, but you’ll likely be too busy exploring the hotel’s many offerings to spend much time in them.
Robert de Niro’s foray into the hospitality world has brought London a real gem: Nobu Hotel Shoreditch. Of course, the renowned in-house restaurant is a major draw, but the hotel goes above and beyond. Room service here is top-notch, serving guests the same exquisite food as the restaurant, even the world-famous miso black cod. Perfect for the ultimate dinner for one.
Luxe Experiences and Unique Extras: Sea Containers and The Berkeley
The Slick Sea Containers dominates the South Bank with a list of amenities that rival any other hotel. Lyaness bar, replacing the legendary Dandelyan, is the talk of the town, the perfect spot to entertain clients. The in-house Curzon cinema is a great option for unwinding and Agua spa offers glamorous treatments for those who need a little pampering before a big business meeting.
For serious CEOs, The Berkeley is the ultimate choice. Located in Knightsbridge, this hotel offers elegant décor, impeccable service, and a swish rooftop pool. The real draw for savvy business travelers is The Berkeley’s VIP premier service. Guests are greeted directly off the aircraft and whisked to a suite, while chauffeurs handle security. You can even arrange for private jet travel.
With these top-notch hotels, London offers the perfect blend of work and leisure, catering to the modern business traveler’s every need. So ditch the old-fashioned business trip and embrace the exciting new world of bleisure travel.
