Lobby at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah , London
H : The hotel is reopening at a time when the travel and hospitality industry is still recovering from the losses brought about by the pandemic . What are some of your more unique ideas to drive revenue ? AK : It is in our nature to yearn for travel and while this situation has been shocking and without precedent , I don ’ t think the desire to experience different cultures and connect in person will ever go away . At the start of this , much was said about the rise of virtual meetings and the demise of business travel , yet now it is clear that Zoom calls cannot replace in-person meetings and businesses are itching to get back to meeting in-person , when it is safe to do so .
While the world is opening up , it is still a slow process and there are many limitations on all of us in the industry . We are lucky at this hotel to have a solid grounding in a key market of the Middle East , and these are loyal customers who travel despite some of the challenges still in place . We are looking very keenly to the domestic market . Our incredible location , the excitement of our transformed property , and our world-class spa , pool and fitness facilities are proving a huge draw to the local market .
H : What are a few of the more interesting aspects of the renovation and how are you marketing them or utilizing them best ? AK : We have completely reinvented the hotel for a new generation of discerning guests . One of the key actions was to reduce the number of keys to allow for more suites , and we have also created new dining offerings . Naturally , we are continuing to make the most of our iconic address on Sloane Street , and we ’ re able to offer guests access to the verdant tranquility of Cadogan Gardens . I am also confident that our panoramic views across the city are another advantage that sets us apart . I have been able to put together an opening team of experts in their fields as well as tapping the skill of our incredible build and design partners , Beck and 1508 .
The hotel ’ s location naturally plays an extremely important role in the overall feel of the hotel . Before our guests arrive , our address in Knightsbridge and our position overlooking the worldclass shopping destination Sloane Street informs them that they will be staying in an important property of distinction , a prestigious London base .
Finally , I would say one of the most exciting parts of the project , and the most anticipated , is our spa and fitness offering – The Peak . We have redesigned The Peak with new treatment rooms created in our spa on the hotel ’ s second floor , where guests will also find London ’ s largest hotel swimming pool with natural daylight . On the ninth floor , the large fitness space offers studio classes , and a gym which overlooks The Peak ’ s double-height café .
H : How are you finding happiness in your work today during such a challenging and unprecedented moment ? AK : Fitness is very important to me . I love to play tennis and cannot wait to find the time to take advantage of our access to the lovely courts in Cadogan Gardens . I also collect coffee table books , so it has been lovely to visit places like Maison Assouline and Taschen in London to see how their offering differs from Paris and collect some new finds . Most important of all , though , is spending time with my wife and daughter , exploring London with them , and making a home here .
H : What are your biggest takeaways from COVID that you have learned from and been able to implement ?
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