The days of predictable business travel are long gone. Gone are the days of trouser presses and conference calls in your pajamas. The modern traveler demands more – a seamless blend of work and leisure, a “bleisure” experience that caters to both their professional and personal needs. And London, a city teeming with vibrant energy, offers a plethora of hotels perfectly suited for this new breed of traveler.
Where Work Meets Play: Chic Hotels for the Business Traveler
From sleek co-working spaces to luxurious amenities that cater to every whim, these hotels have everything you need to power through your workday and unwind afterwards.
White City House, a stylish Soho House outpost, is a haven for the modern worker bee. Located in the iconic BBC Television Centre, this hotel boasts mid-century chic furnishings and is filled with hot-desking professionals. The Allis, its all-day social space, is a haven for productivity and collaboration. Business travelers can bask in the sunshine on the outdoor terrace or enjoy a communal meeting area in the open kitchen. The bedrooms, former offices transformed into cozy havens, add to the unique charm of the hotel.
Kimpton Fitzroy London, previously known as the Hotel Russell, is a testament to luxurious comfort. This beautifully refurbished hotel offers 24-hour concierge services for those unexpected emergencies (forgotten phone chargers, anyone?), in-room massages for ultimate relaxation, and yoga mats for a pre-presentation meditation session. Need a forgotten toiletry? The hotel’s “Forgot it? We got it!” bathroom cards assure guests that the concierge will happily run out and get whatever they need.
Efficiency and Style: Hotels Designed for the Busy Professional
Paddington’s The Mandrake is a haven for busy professionals with packed itineraries. Online check-in and check-out and a 24-hour key pickup service ensure a smooth and fuss-free experience. The hotel’s laid-back charm is enhanced by two-hundred-year-old parquet flooring and a blend of vintage and modern furnishings. Each floor features an open all-hours pantry stocked with snacks and hot drinks, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. And for those who need their caffeine fix, Workshop Coffee on the ground floor provides the perfect fuel for a day of meetings.
The Ned, a vibrant hub of business activity, is located next to Bank station, making it the ideal spot for organizing business lunches, dinners, and drinks with colleagues. The hotel’s eight restaurants, housed in the colossal, marble-laden main floor, offer a diverse range of cuisines, from New York deli-style fare to refined Japanese. Café Sou, with its French-inspired atmosphere, is a perfect spot for nomadic workers to set up shop. Hotel guests have access to members’ zones, allowing them to catch up on emails or relax in a private setting. While bedrooms might be on the smaller side, they are simply a place to rest, as the action happens outside the rooms.
Beyond Business: Hotels that Offer a Taste of Luxury
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, Robert De Niro’s foray into the hospitality industry, is a cutting-edge cool hotel that offers a truly memorable experience. Of course, the world-renowned Nobu restaurant is a major draw, but the hotel goes beyond just great food. Room service is top-notch, offering the same exquisite dishes served in the restaurant, including the signature miso black cod, ensuring that guests can enjoy a luxurious dining experience without leaving the comfort of their rooms.
The Sea Containers, a sleek South Bank landmark, boasts a hard-to-beat list of extras designed to appeal to the modern business traveler. Lyaness, its new bar, is a hot spot for entertaining colleagues or clients. The in-house Curzon cinema offers a relaxing escape for those who need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. And the Agua spa, with its glamorous treatments, provides the perfect way to pamper oneself before an important business event.
Executive Retreats: Hotels for the Discerning Business Traveler
The Berkeley, situated in Knightsbridge, is a haven for serious CEOs. Beyond its elegant décor, impeccable service, and swish rooftop pool, the hotel offers VIP premier service for those who value convenience and exclusivity. Guests are welcomed straight off the aircraft at Heathrow Airport and whisked away to a suite, leaving the logistics to the hotel’s chauffeurs. And for the ultimate in luxury, private jet travel can be arranged, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey.
