August 2022 – Ingrid Moreni has joined the team at Montcalm East as Hotel Manager. With over 15 years of experience working in luxury hospitality, Ingrid brings extensive knowledge to the role, joining shortly after the hotel’s reopening following refurbishment.
Born in Italy, Ingrid started her career at VALTUR Hotels as Front Office Manager in their 4 and 5 star resorts across Mauritius, Italy, Egypt and the Maldives. Upon moving to London in 2011, she joined the team at St Ermin’s Hotel as Duty Manager in the 4 star deluxe hotel, before taking on the role of Front of House Manager at Kensington Close Hotel in West London. Moving across the capital, Ingrid joined the five star Mandrake Hotel in the West End and spent 4 years in her role as Rooms Division Manager, part of the pre-opening team. In addition, alongside her roles in hospitality, Ingrid has spent 7 years as a lecturer at the Pandora Academy, a training & consultancy hub for hospitality and event management.
Commenting on the role at Montcalm East, Ingrid has said, “I would like to inspire the new generation of leaders in the hospitality industry. We have a unique responsibility to deliver memorable moments to every guest that walks through the door and make them feel as welcome as if they were staying in your own home.”
Montcalm East, Autograph Collection, is a new breed of hotel, with a mission to support its vibrant neighbourhood of East London. After undergoing an extensive refurbishment, the hotel reopened its doors in May 2021 showcasing a brand new interior design that takes inspiration from the artistic heritage of the area with a particular focus on photography. In a unique collaboration with Ravensbourne University, the hotel hosts a photographer in residence programme in their state of the art Photo Studio. Emerging artists can make full use of the permanent studio space to develop their portfolio and showcase their work while hotel guests are encouraged to drop by for expert advice and create content of their own with on-site smartphone printers or the hotel’s exciting partnership with Polaroid. The hotel has worked with art consultant Anne Trouillet Rogers at Culture A to create an art experience that celebrates London-made artworks throughout the hotel including each of the 288 guestrooms. The interiors have been meticulously thought out by Shoreditch-based studio Blacksheep who have created a community space in the areas of the hotel with clever nods to the theme of photography including optical lighting, projections and RGB colours.
Rooms
Montcalm East has 288 guestrooms, split across eight categories. All are bathed in natural light, thanks to the building’s distinctive diagonal windows while the ‘Sky-High’ rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unique views over the city and one of the best views in London. The minibars continue the local spirit, stocked with an East End edit of drinks and treats while mornings are made a little easier with East London brand, Flying Horse coffee pods to be used in the in-room Nespresso machines. Underfloor heating, rain showers, 24hr room service and fully-equipped amenities provide guests with the utmost luxury in every room.
https://www.montcalmeast.com/sleep
Spa
The hotel’s spa concept, Bokeh by Montcalm East opened in November 2021 with refurbishment of the spacious poolside area, spa facilities and treatment rooms, alongside a programme of fitness and wellness classes. In keeping with the hotel’s photographic theme, ‘Bokeh’ takes its name from the term that refers to the soft focus of an image, particularly apt for the relaxing oasis of the spa. An innovative brand partnership with CBD brand OTO is key to the concept, adding products to the treatment menu that are 100% natural, vegan and cruelty free, and provide a welcome break from busy city life. Guests can also enjoy OTO’s own CBD botanical seltzer drinks, packed with hand-picked adaptogens that help relieve stress and anxiety – the perfect refreshment after one of the spa’s relaxing massages or treatments. Additional brand partnerships include Temple Spa, SkinCeuticals and OPI, and Therabody, becoming the first hotel spa to offer the Jet Lag Recovery AirJet Boots treatment. In June 2022, the spa was awarded a coveted 5 Bubble score from the Good Spa Guide.
https://www.montcalmeast.com/unwind
Food & Drink
Moor & Mead, restaurant and bar, is located at the heart of the hotel offering stunning views over the bustling streets below. The all-day dining concept is run by East London team Barworks, best-known for Mare Street Market, and offers a classic menu with modern twists, flexing in accordance with the seasons and many ingredients sourced locally. In support of its local neighbourhood, the bar is stocked with brands from the area including their very own East London Gin to make up their list of signature cocktails.
