Beyond the Lobby | Spotlight Series: Oliver O’Neill, General Manager, Holiday Inn Camden Lock.
5 November 2025
Welcome to Beyond the Lobby, our new spotlight series where we sit down with inspiring individuals from across the hospitality world – from members of our own team to partners and industry leaders. Together, we’ll explore stories that go beyond titles and roles – from personal career journeys and milestones achieved to the lessons and moments that shaped them. Each conversation is designed to spark inspiration and encourage others to take the next step in their own professional journey.
To launch the series, we sat down with Oliver O’Neill, General Manager at Holiday Inn London – Camden Lock, for an insightful discussion about leadership, growth, and the evolving world of hospitality.
4C Group welcomed Oliver O’Neill, a seasoned hotelier with over 24 years’ experience, to its first flagship hotel in 2020. Oliver is a creative and engaged leader, focusing on and developing the hotel’s commercial strategies and creating memorable guest experiences with a “every moment matters” approach. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, unwinding with music in his free time and is an avid guitar player. He is also dedicated to staying fit and regularly hits the gym to maintain an active lifestyle.
Camden Town is well known for its hub of street vendors, music, cultural outdoor spaces, and Holiday Inn Camden Lock sits in the heart of this. What do you love most about Camden and why, in your opinion, does it draw the crowds?
Camden is unlike any other place in London, and it holds a special place in my heart. Its vibrant energy, quirky street art, artisan stalls, shops and the buzzing food markets bring people from all walks of life together. The local area is made up of several distinct sections, each with its own unique vibe. For instance, The Stables is a paradise for vintage lovers and features a vibrant food court, while Buck Street’s container market offers eco-friendly food and sustainable fashion. One moment you’re in a music festival and next you find yourself at an art exhibition. It’s not just a tourist hotspot; it attracts people from all over the world, and we’re fortunate to be right in the heart of all the vibrant energy.
Holiday Inn London Camden Lock is now 21 years old. As 4C’s original flagship hotel, how do you feel it’s changed over the years, and what is it about the hotel that keeps drawing guests back?
Over the past two decades, Holiday Inn London – Camden Lock has evolved in many areas. We were the second Holiday Inn hotel in Europe to implement the Open Lobby concept back in 2013. Whilst the people who make up our Camden team have changed over the years, the ethos and commitment to providing authentic guest service and experiences remain. The hotel has grown in its personality and style, evolving alongside Camden’s creative spirit, and we’ve modernised some of our spaces while maintaining the character that makes us stand out.
We’ve had the privilege of hosting and participating in a variety of charitable and meaningful events, supporting initiatives such as the Shine Walk alongside 16,000 amazing Shiners, supporting Save the Children UK. As a General Manager, I feel very honoured to be a part of such a talented team and walking through the doors each day is a privilege.
Camden is undergoing an exciting refurbishment, which will increase the number of bedrooms in the hotel. What’s your vision for the refurbishment?
The refurbishment is a chance to elevate the guest experience while capturing Camden’s artistic spirit. My vision is to merge comfort with creativity, designing rooms that are both inviting and reflective of the local culture. We’re looking to integrate local design elements that celebrate Camden’s music and street art scenes, ensuring guests feel a deep connection to this vibrant area. It’s about staying true to our roots, remaining relevant, and distinguishing ourselves from the rest.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to be a leader of a team or property?
Firstly, be authentic and approachable. Great leadership is rooted in trust, empathy, valuing your team and leading by example. Set clear goals, communicate openly, and empower others to succeed. I have learnt that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but more so about collaboration and creating an environment where everyone feels heard, and always keep learning from peers, mentors, and your team.
Oliver commented, “Receiving this award was such a proud moment in my Camden career. The team here at the hotel have been working so hard, so being recognised as the property of the year was a very special moment for all of us. This award and recognition reflect the team’s hard work and dedication, engagement and drive for the guest and property, and I am grateful and proud to be part of the journey with my team.”
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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