Clermont Hotel Group (CHG), one of London’s largest hotel owner-operators, is strategically positioning its portfolio of 16 hotels and over 5,000 bedrooms to cater to the evolving demands of modern travellers, particularly the burgeoning bleisure market. As work-life boundaries increasingly blur, CHG is highlighting how its diverse properties, steeped in British history, offer the ideal blend of business efficiency and leisure opportunities.
Recent survey statistics underscore the pervasive nature of connectivity: 42 per cent of the UK workforce checks in on work during holidays, a figure that jumps to 66 per cent for high earners. Even more strikingly, 39 per cent of employees respond to work messages while off sick, raising significant concerns about mental health and the ability to truly disengage. This trend, likely mirrored globally, has cemented London's position as the world's second-leading bleisure destination. Recognising this shift, CHG has partnered with Obvlo to leverage AI tools for personalised recommendations, adapting itineraries for guests whether they are visiting for business, leisure, or a blend of both. Stuart Yeates, Chief Commercial Officer of CHG, says, "We know that what makes a stay memorable is the experience, particularly for corporate travellers looking to make the most of their limited leisure time while away from home. By offering personalised AI itinerary recommendations through tools like Obvlo we’re helping our guests discover what experiences London has to offer however long their length of stay.” The definition of bleisure itself has expanded beyond individual sight-seeing excursions to include digital nomads and corporate travellers extending stays to include family. Crucially, 82 per cent of bleisure travellers now opt to stay in the same hotel for both work and leisure, placing hoteliers in a prime position to shape this growing segment. Historic hubs, modern comforts CHG's portfolio boasts properties with rich histories, strategically located near London’s major transport hubs and attractions, TTN’s publishing director, Kim Thomson, finds out first hand. The Clermont Victoria: Directly connected to London Victoria Railway Station, this Grade II listed building, originally the Grosvenor Hotel, boasts over 160 years of history. Fully refurbished in 2019, its 348 rooms offer warmth and comfort with wellness amenities and thoughtful touches like retro sweets. The hotel actively partners with the Apollo Theatre, offering a "Wicked Themed Afternoon Tea." Its ten meeting rooms, named after famous trains, include the Orient Suite, which can host up to 120 people, making it suitable for both conferences and weddings. While not a primary draw for Middle Eastern guests, it hosts interviews for new teachers from a Dubai international school. The Clermont Charing Cross: Opening in 1865, this property on The Strand has been meticulously restored, blending original charm with modern amenities across its 239 rooms. Many rooms offer views of London landmarks. A unique feature is its secret covered footbridge, built in 1878, connecting different parts of the original building. Its nine meeting spaces include The Ballroom, which can host up to 200 guests and is ideal for weddings with a distinctly British ambiance. The Royal Horseguards Hotel: Dating back to 1884, this hotel in Whitehall is steeped in British royalty, military, and political history, including its covert use by MI5 and MI6 during the World Wars. Its 282 modern rooms and suites retain the grandeur of its heritage, with several offering views of The Thames and iconic landmarks. The impressive marble staircase leads to event spaces, including the Gladstone Library, a grand hall with 30,000 books lining its walls, and five spaces licensed for civil ceremonies. The Marble Arch Hotel by Thistle: Located on the west end of Oxford Street, this larger CHG property with 692 rooms and apartments over eight floors is a popular choice for the Middle East market. It caters to corporate travellers, families and long-stay guests seeking a central London base. Its 12 meeting rooms and three large event spaces, named after London landmarks, can accommodate up to 400 guests, with views overlooking Speaker's Corner. The Cumberland Hotel: Another favourite for the Middle East market, The Cumberland Hotel is CHG's largest and youngest London property (built in 1933), featuring 900 bedrooms and nearly 27,000 sq ft of meeting rooms. It is ideally situated in London's West End, close to high-end shopping on Oxford and Regent Streets, Mayfair, and Park Lane, as well as Hyde Park. Sustainable stays Sustainability and responsible tourism are top priorities for CHG. Their "Sustainable Stays, Caring Ways" ESG programme aims to minimise their global environmental footprint and maximise positive impact on people, suppliers and communities. CHG actively collaborates with Clean the World, a global social enterprise dedicated to tackling hotel waste and hygiene poverty through recycling and community support. This commitment to social responsibility underscores CHG's ethos beyond traditional hospitality offerings. The diverse and strategically located properties within the Clermont Hotel Group provide a wide array of choices for travel professionals to meet their clients' needs, blending London's iconic attractions with a commitment to modern comfort and sustainable practices.