London calling

According to the latest forecast by Modor Intelligence, the global market for luxury hotels is expected to grow at a strong annual rate of 7.9 per cent from 2023 to 2028.

“COMO properties in London include COMO The Halkin in Belgravia, COMO Metropolitan London – situated on Park Lane in Mayfair, and, of course, our splendid COMO Metropolitan London Apartments and Residences, with their own courtyard garden,” says Nunan.

 

The COMO edge

Given there are dozens of elite hospitality offerings in central London alone, only thoughtfully curated brand offerings are truly able to keep up with the expectations of guests.

Nunan tells us: “All three properties have many unique features and heritage touchpoints, as well as sought after positions in central London.

“Our breakfasts, wellness spa offering and ‘Bali to Belgravia’ healthier afternoon tea experience, served daily at COMO the Halkin, together with our COMO Conversations, COMO Journeys and Excursions, are all examples of what makes us consistently stand out from the competition.”

As the hotel industry expands its capacity, it also faces the challenge of maintaining high quality standards, while balancing expenses. Customers expect nothing less than excellence and value from their hotel stays, especially in the luxury segment, says Nunan.

“The increasing amount of competition in London is constant, making it important to deliver an elevated product while managing increasing costs.”

 

Wellness is key

Wellness is at the very heart of the COMO offering, Nunan tells us. “We understand that guests today often expect a wellness offering along with recognition of a positive work-life balance, an expectation that has aways been a part of COMO’s delivery strategy.

“Our outlook on our Shambhala wellbeing offer across all our COMO Hotels and Resorts within the group is a powerful tool in terms of customer satisfaction and in turn total hotel revenue for the brand.

“We differentiate with a very special COMO Shambhala wellness offering that advocates a 360-degree approach to proactive, holistic wellness. Wellbeing has been hugely important to the COMO brand since its inception in 1991 and remains a key focus, which is reflected throughout our COMO brand values.”

Food for the soul

Critically acclaimed outlets also play an anchor role in the overall F&B offering of luxury hotels – case in point: Nobu London at COMO Metropolitan London.

“Within the food and beverage industry, brand recognition is important. Within COMO Hotels and Resorts, we often work with a named/celebrated chef or an established brand, that promises a high level of satisfaction and delivery.

“People often stay in COMO Metropolitan London to visit NOBU, which sits proudly within the hotel. Our mutual guests are very happy with our association – people simply love the food and ambiance.

“COMO is an Asian brand, and we are proud of our eclectic and diverse mix of colleagues from many different nationalities, including chefs who are well versed in creating menus for all tastes – whether for a Middle Eastern or Lebanese feast or a gluten and dairy free Shambhala Afternoon Tea.

“As a global international brand, our colleagues feel very comfortable in producing food for all palates and styles, as we understand that now, more than ever, it is a necessity to provide diversity in the foods we offer – whether for breakfast, wedding banquets or intimate dinners. We use local suppliers wherever possible, and our chefs often have their own kitchen gardens to provide some of the fresh foods we proudly serve to our guests.”

 

Curated experiences

Wealthy travellers from the GCC market to London seek high street shopping opportunities and unique experiences. “Through our hand selected partnerships, networking opportunities and close links with our peers, we can utilise some unique relationships and collaborations. This network ensures that our Concierge team or peer contacts can offer our guests access tickets to the finals at Wimbledon, reservations at the hottest restaurants, or tickets to sought-after concerts in town. This is only possible through consistently building our relationships and developing deeper partnerships with our community.

“With COMO Metropolitan situated on Old Park Lane in London’s Mayfair, we provide excellent and attentive service, with a dedicated Concierge and Front of House team. A comfortable lobby area with cosy fire for the winter months and large interconnecting rooms with broad window views overlooking London’s lush Hyde Park and surrounds.

“We are situated in the heart of Mayfair which is an excellent luxury shopping district with good transport facilities and easy transfer options to all of London’s main airports. Of course, the food offering is exceptional. COMO The Halkin provides a discreet service in London’s first boutique hotel, attentive service, a warm ambiance and incredible breakfasts for all tastes. The hotel is stylish and memorable and a very short journey to Knightsbridge to visit Harrods and Harvey Nichols.”

Curating unique experiences, COMO works hard to match up to the best, Nunan says, “We have mentioned by name only some of our partnerships above, however, one that really stands out is our latest partnership with the historical Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum. We have held a series of ‘COMO Conversations’ with V&A curators and invited guests and partners to learn about various and important exhibitions and events held within the museum and brought into our hotels which have been both fascinating and insightful as well as helping to bring a new audience to our London COMO Hotels.”

 

Sustainable ethos

The Global Travel and Tourism Whitepaper 2023 by YouGov reports, sustainability, meaningful travel are increasingly strong considerations when selecting somewhere to stay. Nunan explains how COMO is charting its sustainability strategy, focusing on authenticity, local sourcing and reduction of carbon footprint.

Says Nunan, “At COMO Hotels and Resorts, we act as custodians, rather than managers, of each destination. We recognise the privileges and responsibilities of being part of the community and are committed to celebrating local culture, supporting the domestic economy, and minimising our impact on the environment.”

COMO partners with local charities, educational institutions and government organisations to achieve lasting impact in the community, support efforts to build sustainable livelihoods for underserved communities, in particular for women and youth.

Sourcing locally whenever possible from local producers, entrepreneurs, social enterprises and non-profit organisations, COMO supports these vendors not only because they often have the best and freshest produce, but also because they are leaders of sustainable economic development within their communities.

“We continue to develop our sustainability journey and several of our hotels have worked hard to create sustainable practices, many whom have recently signed up to the EarthCheck scheme which will give us better visibility, accountability and analysis of our growing environmental projects across our properties globally.

“We are always proud to share local, authentic experiences with our guests, which complement our brand values. COMO Hotels and Resorts employs a large percentage of local talent in our hotels, within the areas we operate. This allows us to ensure that we fully reflect the culture of the market we reside in, and blends well with our discreet, elegant and creative global style,” says Nunan.