Hotel Café Royal's Guillaume Marly shares his downtime essentials

Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?

Guillaume Marly: In this particular role, there is an element of always being available that one needs to be aware of and happy with. Your guests or colleagues may need assistance or advice at any time, therefore it is important to embrace this daily and deliver it consistently. Personally, I have always enjoyed that aspect of my role as it creates strong relationships and commitment from everyone involved. I have also learned over the years to do this at crucial times during the day, knowing that people may contact me at certain times. Therefore, I check my phone two to three times a day when away from work.

What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?

I am an avid music listener and enjoy researching music when I'm on my way back home on the train every day.

What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?

I spend quality time with my three children, whose ages range between 16 and 23, as well as my partner. I love cooking for my family – mealtimes are religiously followed in my household. This allows everyone to come together two to three times a day and share quality time. It's something I learned while growing up in France, and it strengthened us as a family.

On a more personal level, I engage in frequent workouts, primarily boxing and running. This not only allows me to relax but also brings clarity to my daily life.

What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?

I recently read the memoirs of both Winston Churchill and General De Gaulle. It was very interesting as they naturally share a lot of history and accounts seen from both perspectives. It also reminded me of the levels of resilience, strength, and leadership that their generation possessed. Quite extraordinary, frankly.

After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?

I love Chiltern Firehouse – first, because I opened it as its first Managing Director, but also because it's a space where one loses the sense of time and can truly relax.

On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?

I read the last reports from the Manager on Duty at the hotel during the weekend and typically arrive very early Monday morning, usually around 7 am, so that I can be ahead for the week.

Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?

I have never had an 'out of office' – literally!

Your go-to out of office outfit: My go-to out-of-office outfit consists of brown Paraboot Chambord shoes or JM Weston loafers
paired with a Trunk Clothiers linen shirt and Brunello Cucinelli slim jeans. It strikes the perfect balance between style, comfort, and sophistication for any casual occasion.

Your happy place anywhere in the world: My mother's beach house in Le Cap-Ferret, located in the south-west of France, holds a special place in my heart. I have been visiting every year for holidays for the past 53 years, with only one exception. Here I find family, oysters, morning runs on the beach, surfing, fine wines, and exquisite food awaiting me. It truly feels like paradise on Earth.

Your favourite bar or restaurant: The Connaught Bar at The Connaught – sophisticated, elegant, and renowned for the best cocktail making in the world. And let's not forget about The Fumoir at Claridge’s.

Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: During Easter, I visited the Giant's Causeway coast in Northern Ireland and was truly amazed by the sheer beauty of nature and wilderness there.

Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: I recently read a book called The Last Kings of Shanghai, given to me by a friend, and found it to be such an interesting read. It tells the story of two families who helped shape China.

A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Snowboarding - I took up the sport when my son was younger, and now I'm a fervent snowboarder despite being an ex-skier. Some of my skier friends are horrified by this, but sometimes, embracing the 'dark side' brings more joy!

A luxury that’s actually a necessity: The real luxury, truly, is time and how to maximise or stretch it. This is something we prioritise greatly with our guests. We focus on contributing to make their lives and experiences better, quicker, more seamless, and effortless.

Best luxury under £25: A cheesecake from Cakes & Bubbles, one of our restaurants, embodies true decadence.