The Harley Street BID is home to an incredible variety of businesses, organisations, and practices. Each month, we take a moment to get to know some of the people who make this place so special.
This month, we’re meeting his month, we’re meeting Simon Hall, General Manager of The Welbeck Hotel – a stunning Edwardian architectural gem offering contemporary luxury in the heart of Marylebone.
Can you give us an overview of your organisation and its focus?
The Welbeck Hotel offers contemporary luxury in the heart of Marylebone and is designed to meet the needs of every traveller, ensuring a supremely comfortable stay for all guests. The hotel is committed to being a responsible neighbour, integrating sustainable practices into its operations. Marylebone has long been synonymous with medical and wellness excellence, and The Welbeck Hotel embraces this legacy. Its proximity to Harley Street and leading medical institutions makes it an ideal destination for guests seeking privacy, wellness, and access to world-class healthcare. The hotel curates guest experiences that offer health-focused amenities alongside cultural and historical connections to its surroundings.
What are your main responsibilities, and what’s your favourite part of the role?
I was responsible for overseeing the final stages of the extensive renovation and rebranding project at The Welbeck Hotel, which involved repositioning the hotel from a midmarket brand to a lifestyle boutique hotel. I am deeply committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences and setting the expectations for new and existing hotels and brands. I genuinely feel I am at my best and happiest as a General Manager in London, being part of a team supporting other managers and working with the team to drive the success of the business through quality.
How would you describe a typical day for you?
I’m more of a morning person, so I like starting around 7:00 a.m. At the moment, my days are varied but very enjoyable. From finalising issues with the contractors to recruiting and building a new team, to focusing on ramping up and growing our business with my commercial colleagues. It’s really exciting to be building a new team and a new business. I stay in the hotel two or three nights a week, and I love strolling around the neighbourhood in the evening, trying the pubs and restaurants.
What do you enjoy most about working in the Harley Street area?
Wow, what an amazing area to be working in! The architecture, the shops, the history – all in such a central location, with Oxford Street and the West End a short walk away. Most of all, though, it is the buzz and the atmosphere. Every evening, I am out and about, and it is always lively, with the pubs and bars so busy.
Do you have any hidden gems or favourite spots in the area you’d recommend?
My favourite local shop is Paul Rothe & Son, and my favourite pub is The Coachmakers Arms.
In three words, how would you describe the Harley Street / Marylebone Village experience?
Exciting, Engaging, Eminent
Share something interesting about yourself that others might not know.
I live out in Wiltshire, in a village called Purton, so I swap the noise of the city for the cows and the birds.
Back
