Beyond the Lobby | Spotlight Series: Sameer Kassam, General Manager, easyHotel London – Victoria
9 February 2026
In the third chapter of Beyond the Lobby, we welcomed Sameer Kassam, General Manager of easyHotel London – Victoria, who brings over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Recognised for his strong leadership and operational expertise, Sameer pairs a passion for innovation with a deep commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. A technophile at heart, he champions digital transformation within hospitality while balancing this with a love for travel and exploring the natural world in his spare time.
We sat down with Sameer to discuss the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry and the growing influence of AI on travel. He also shares his top three leadership principles, offering insight into how they shape his approach to leading teams and managing hotel operations. In addition, we reflect on the recent £2 million refurbishment, a milestone that marks a significant step forward in the evolution of easyHotel London – Victoria.
You’ve witnessed easyHotel London – Victoria evolve over these years — what has been the most transformative moment for you personally during this journey?
Having been part of easyHotel London – Victoria for 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing its remarkable journey of growth and change. The most transformative moment for me personally was leading the team through our major refurbishment and strategic repositioning. It was far more than a physical transformation — it represented a renewal of our identity, our culture, and our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Guiding the team through that period, seeing their resilience, adaptability, and pride in what we achieved together, was truly inspiring. It reaffirmed my belief that the heart of any successful transformation lies in its people — their passion, dedication, and shared vision for excellence.
The recent £2 million refurbishment is a major milestone. What were the key priorities behind this upgrade, and how have guests responded to the changes so far?
The recent £2 million refurbishment marked a significant milestone in the evolution of easyHotel London – Victoria. Our primary objective was to enhance the overall guest experience by introducing a modern, comfortable, and efficient environment while remaining true to the brand’s ethos of simplicity and affordability. We focused on redesigning guest rooms with improved layouts and contemporary finishes, upgrading key facilities, and creating a warmer, more inviting ambience throughout the hotel.
Sustainability and operational efficiency were also key priorities, ensuring that the property not only meets but exceeds the expectations of today’s travellers. The response from our guests has been exceptionally positive – many have commented on the noticeable uplift in comfort, design, and overall atmosphere. It has been immensely rewarding to see both new and returning guests respond so favourably to the transformation, which reflects our ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and value.
What are the top three leadership principles that guide your approach, and how have they influenced the way you lead your team and manage hotel operations?
Throughout my 18 years with easyHotel London – Victoria, my leadership approach has been guided by three core principles: lead by example, empower through trust, and strive for continuous improvement. Firstly, I believe in leading by example, setting high standards for professionalism, integrity, and service. When the team sees consistency and commitment from leadership, it naturally cultivates accountability and pride in their own work. Secondly, empowerment through trust has been central to my management style. I encourage my team to take ownership of their roles, make decisions confidently, and bring forward ideas for improvement. This not only builds a stronger, more motivated workforce but also fosters a culture of collaboration and respect.
Lastly, I place great importance on continuous improvement. The hospitality industry is dynamic, and our success depends on our ability to adapt and evolve. Whether it’s through training, process enhancement, or guest feedback, I ensure that we are always learning and refining our operations to deliver an even better experience. Together, these principles have shaped a culture of excellence and teamwork within the hotel — one where every team member feels valued, engaged, and committed to delivering the high standards our guests expect.
With the hospitality industry rapidly embracing technology and AI, how do you see these innovations enhancing the guest experience in the near future?
Technology and AI are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality, and their greatest value lies in enhancing both convenience and personalisation for guests. At easyHotel London – Victoria, our focus has always been on delivering a seamless, efficient experience – and technology enables us to elevate that even further. Innovations such as AI-driven booking systems and smart check-in solutions allow us to streamline operations and respond to guest needs more proactively. These tools not only make the stay experience more effortless but also free our team to focus on what truly matters – creating meaningful, human connections with our guests.
Looking ahead, I see technology and AI continuing to refine how we anticipate guest preferences, personalise experiences, and operate more sustainably. The key, however, will always be balance — ensuring that while we embrace innovation, we never lose the warmth and authenticity that define true hospitality.
Looking back over nearly two decades of your hospitality career, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about leading a team in the hospitality sector, and what advice would you give to someone aspiring to manage a hotel today?
Over nearly two decades in hospitality, I’ve learned that effective leadership is about balancing people and performance. Hospitality is a people business, and when teams feel trusted, supported, and empowered, operational excellence naturally follows. My leadership approach centres on empathy, clarity, and consistency – creating an environment where individuals can thrive while maintaining high standards of efficiency and service. For aspiring hotel managers, my advice is to lead by example and embrace innovation without losing sight of the human connection that defines our industry. When you invest in your people, you elevate both the guest experience and the operation as a whole.
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About 4C Group
4C Group manages and develops properties and hotels in key business districts and leisure hot spots across the UK, East Africa and Canada. The company was formed in 2010, building on the foundations of a family property business that stretches back to the 1990s.
In 2021, 4C Group added two new developments to their portfolio, including the five-star Westin London City and Canopy by Hilton London City. Both hotels represent the first in the UK-based Marriott and Hilton luxury and lifestyle brands market.
In 2022, 4C Group partnered with Regal London and Pluto Finance to deliver The Haydon, a residential tower of 87 apartments in Aldgate in the heart of the City of London, which is now complete.
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