By Kira Hobkirk
Once synonymous with grandeur and exclusivity, luxury today is transforming into something quieter, more personal – a story told through original experiences and service. For the new generations of Middle Eastern travellers, London remains a beloved stage for reimagined elegance, where the allure of the capital not only lies in boutiques and grand hotels but cultural reinvention, curating an experience that guests have not encountered before. The Clermont Group, through its hotels The Cumberland and The Marble Arch Hotel by Thistle, are redefining what it means to feel at home abroad. Through a warm welcome that feels personal, and spaces designed for connection, here luxury becomes less about possession and more about belonging.
Against the backdrop of the World Travel Market – where global travel leaders gathered in London to discuss the future of the industry – The Clermont Group hosted an intimate breakfast conversation with media, industry experts, and influencers to delve into what truly defines hospitality and luxury today for the Middle Eastern guest. The setting, The Cumberland Hotel and Marble Arch Hotel, reflected the group’s vision perfectly – sophisticated yet welcoming, with thoughtful touches such as Arabic signage, halal-friendly food and drink, and a dedicated prayer space. Rather than presenting a polished sales pitch, the morning unfolded with open exchanges of ideas and questions: how can the hotel group do more to exceed expectations for Arabic guests while keeping their identity true to themselves?
The evening began at Archy’s Bar, a softly lit lounge in The Marble Arch Hotel, where conversation flowed easily over a mixture of mocktails and a buffet that was thoughtfully curated. Lamb koftas paired beautifully with a cooling cucumber raita, while grilled halloumi and mezze platters gave a distinctly Eastern Mediterranean touch. Each dish offered a taste of home to the Middle East, all while keeping the finesse of London fine dining. The hospitality and service felt genuine and helpful, all adding to a welcoming atmosphere.
The next morning, breakfast at The Cumberland mirrored the same ethos, a harmony of cultures laid out, where British traditions meet Middle Eastern tastes. Guests could move from the fresh falafel, borlotti beans and halal chicken sausages to the crisp golden hashbrowns, baked beans and scrambled eggs, notes of a classic full English, creating a fusion on their plates right before them. What stood out most, however, was the hummus – creamy, delicately seasoned, perfectly zesty. It’s rare to find such authenticity outside of a dedicated Mediterranean kitchen, yet here it was, simple yet flawlessly executed. It captured exactly what The Clermont Group do best: bring the comfort of home and refine it through a cosmopolitan lens. As plates emptied and conversations unfolded, it set the tone for the morning’s discussions on how hospitality itself is evolving and how attention to detail must go beyond the menu.
Over breakfast, the conversation turned toward the evolving mindset of Middle Eastern travellers, a generation reimagining what it means to explore the world. As several guests attending noted, many now have access to every imaginable luxury on their doorstep at home, what draws them abroad is no longer just exclusivity, but authenticity. Shopping may still hold an appeal in London, but today’s travellers seek more. This shift is particularly strong among younger visitors, who travel independently and experience attractions and culture.
The discussion also touched on inclusivity during key moments in the Muslim calendar. Suggestions ranged from subtle gestures, such as special set menus during Ramadan, to larger cultural collaborations. An “Eid afternoon tea”, one guest proposed, bridging British tradition with Middle Eastern celebration – a thoughtful nod to cultural exchange.
For Middle Eastern travellers, London remains a city of heritage, style, and familiarity – yet its greatest luxury today is how it welcomes guests. The Clermont Group are already setting a strong example through both The Cumberland and The Marble Arch Hotel, championing cultural understanding, sophisticated service, and a mastery of care. Yet, as the group looks ahead, the next chapter lies in experience-led travel, where the essence of hospitality is not just seen, but felt. They reflect an inclusive stay that exhibits, not just grandeur, but the quiet details that make a place feel like a home. It’s in those details that London, through The Clermont Group, is no longer just visited, but truly lived in.
The Clermont Group: https://www.clermonthotel.group/
The Cumberland: https://www.thecumberland.com/
The Marble Arch Hotel by Thistle: https://www.marblearchhotellondon.com/
