Business Travel in London: How I Balance Productivity & Luxury

For all its glamour, business travel can be incredibly draining. Days of back-to-back meetings, travel delays, and high-energy conversations with people you've just met. It’s a lot of being “on” ...and sometimes all you want is a place to switch off.

Early in my career, I treated business travel like a backpacker - staying in the cheapest suburban spot and questioning whether i could expense a granola bar between meetings.

I quickly learned the hard way that burnout is not a business strategy. Now, I consider my "home away from home" as an investment in my performance. If I’m not rested, I’m not sharp.

That's why when I was heading to London for a week of client meetings, I knew I needed to pick a place that felt less like a hotel and more like a home. Having stayed at a Red Carnation property before (the magical Ashford Castle in Ireland) I knew what to expect: a perfect balance of comfort and charm.

Why I Chose The Montague on the Gardens

It wasn't just about the (stunning) aesthetics. I chose this spot for three strategic reasons. And The Montague on the Gardens didn't just meet my expectations; it gave me the most comforting week of luxury business travel I've ever had.

A Home Away from Home

I arrived in London, exhausted but ready to dive into an afternoon presentation. So it was a godsend that my room was ready a bit early, and stepping out of the city hustle and into the lobby felt like walking onto the set of Downton Abbey. It was so lush and cozy, a proper sitting room where every detail seemed to have been considered.

But the true magic was the service. Every single staff member I met, from the front desk to the lovely people at turndown, made me feel completely cared for. When I needed an extra toothbrush, what appeared was so chic and high-quality it was a shame to use it—a small, perfect example of the thoughtfulness that defined my entire stay.

A Perfect Location

The hotel's location was perfectly convenient. Situated on a quiet, leafy street, it's just a stone's throw from the iconic British Museum and the Covent Garden theater district. Its proximity to the Elizabeth Line made hopping on the tube and getting to my meetings a breeze, solidifying its place as the perfect base for my work and my inner travel-self.

Little Luxury: Business Travel

From the moment I stepped into my room, I knew I was in the right place. I saw beautiful hand-written welcome note and a plate of treats were waiting for me, along with a pair of slippers and a robe so plush I almost skipped my first meeting to stay in them.

After long days of client meetings, returning to the Montague was a true joy. I’d head to the iconic Leopard Bar for a nightcap of tea, sitting by the fireplace while the sounds of a nearby piano wafted in.

The fresh lemonade they left in the afternoons was a small, perfect pick-me-up.

The turndown service was the most welcoming thing after a long day of traversing the city, making sure the room was a perfect, peaceful cocoon.

Final Reflections on the Flight Home

My trip was for business, but The Montague's comfort and charm made my time in London feel like a cherished memory. I didn't get a chance to experience their famous Traditional Afternoon Tea with its freshly baked scones and delicate pastries, but it's now at the top of my list for my next visit.

The hotel also offers some unique experiences I'd love to try, like a private tour of the British Museum or their Ski Lodge pop-up in the winter, which looks like a truly magical way to escape the London chill. The fact that the hotel has beehives on its roof and uses honey from them in its food offerings is such a wonderful detail.

My stay at The Montague will stick with me far beyond the 3 nights I was there. I arrived as a guest and left feeling like a friend, and that's something you can't put a price on.

I've already recommended it to several friends for their upcoming travels, genuinely can't wait to go back.

It is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking luxury business travel in London.

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