In a global hospitality landscape where luxury is rapidly shifting from material status to experiential depth, the Clermont Hotel Group is leading the conversation on what truly influences the modern Middle Eastern guest. Following a strategic media briefing, it is clear that today’s travellers from the Gulf are no longer seeking a mere home away from home. Instead, they are diving headfirst into destination culture, seeking authentic culinary discoveries and meaningful local connections.
By balancing traditional essentials - such as Halal dining and Arabic-speaking staff - with high-touch personal service and forward-thinking culinary launches like the UK’s first Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, Clermont’s London portfolio is redefining the West End welcome for a new, more intentional era of travel.
The Marble Arch by Thistle and The Cumberland remain perennial favourites for Middle Eastern travelers by offering specialized amenities like dedicated prayer rooms and Halal food and beverage options. However, modern guests are increasingly focused on exploring diverse cuisines and cultural immersion. As travel during the Holy Month of Ramadan becomes more frequent, attention to detail - such as providing dates and water for breaking the fast and curated seasonal menus- has become an appreciated hallmark of the Clermont experience.
The Marble Arch by Thistle
TTN Publishing Director Kim Thomson experienced this commitment to hospitality firsthand during a recent stay at The Marble Arch by Thistle.
Tailored Hospitality: Despite the hotel's 642 rooms and apartments, the lobby maintains a boutique feel. The team facilitated early check-ins for the group and managed complex consolidated billing with ease.
Concierge Expertise: For first-time visitors, the concierge provides invaluable assistance with local attractions, such as Big Bus tours, often at preferred rates.
Diverse Accommodations:
Rooms range from 17sqm Standard options to 32sqm Executive and Family rooms. Deluxe King rooms offer extra space and premium touches like Nespresso machines.
Dining on the Go: Beyond the extensive buffet breakfast, Archy’s serves light bites and mocktails, while the lobby deli offers quick snacks for travelers on the move.
The Cumberland
Just around the corner, The Cumberland continues to captivate the Middle East market.
Legacy and Innovation: The 900-room property retains stylish nods to its musical heritage and features a newly refurbished ARENA capable of hosting 400 guests.
Unique Features: The lobby hosts a vintage Starbucks coffee truck, while the newly renovated VIP Lounge provides an intimate space for refreshments. Music lovers can even browse a vinyl record library to personalize their stay.
Culinary Expansion: 2026 marks a major year for the property, with the January opening of Spanish tapas restaurant Lirica, followed by the UK’s first Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay in the spring.
Strategic connectivity
Both properties offer unparalleled access to London's most iconic landmarks. Guests are steps away from world-class shopping and the 350-acre expanse of Hyde Park, ideal for cultural strolls or a 6km morning run.
With Bond Street and Oxford Street stations nearby, major attractions and the ExCeL London exhibition centre are easily accessible via a single tube line.
These properties are highly recommended for Middle Eastern clients and regional expats seeking a vibrant, well-connected base in the heart of London.