SAMANTHA VAN EXTER, HEAD OF HOTELS, MONTCALM COLLECTION

Posted in People on 3 October, 2024

Under the leadership of Samantha van Exter, Montcalm Collection delivers uncompromised luxury with a commitment to sustainability. Now in her second year with the independent family-owned company, Samantha shares the rewards and challenges of succeeding in a competitive London market.

WORDS BY Emma Kennedy

As a seasoned hotelier with over 25 years of experience across Southern Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Samantha is recognised within the industry for her leadership and strategic vision. Beginning her career at Sol Kerzner’s Sun City Resort, she soon moved on to senior roles at hotel chains including Shangri-La and Melia before joining the Montcalm Collection in 2023.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in hospitality, Samantha was immersed in the world of luxury service from a young age, and I begin our conversation by asking her about her early experiences in this unique environment.

Where did you grow up, and where are you currently based?
I grew up in South Africa, where my father, a hotelier, and my mother, an avid cook and host, instilled a deep appreciation for hospitality. My childhood was immersed in the world of luxury hotels, where I assisted with tasks like folding serviettes and polishing cutlery. Today, I lead the Montcalm Collection as Head of Hotels, based in London.

All images Montcalm East, Shoreditch, London, UK. Photographs courtesy of Montcalm Collection

What are your earliest memories of travel and hospitality?
My earliest memories of travel and hospitality stem from South Africa’s vibrant landscape. I guided our family’s guests through Cape Town’s attractions – winelands, Table Mountain, and Cape Point – and explored wildlife parks like Kruger National Park. We enjoyed campfires under the stars and marvelled at penguins at Boulders Beach. Cape Town’s rich cultural mix, blending Cape Malay, Indian, British, and Dutch influences, deeply enriched our culinary experiences and fostered my appreciation for service culture.

Where and what did you study?
I studied hospitality management in South Africa, The Netherlands, and the UK, culminating in an MBA. This diverse education, combined with extensive global experience, has provided a solid foundation for my career and shaped my leadership in the hospitality industry.

© Matthew Shaw

Could you share a little about Montcalm and its sister brands?
The Montcalm Collection, a family-owned group of luxury hotels in London, began in the 1970s and now includes 15 properties, each reflecting a unique aspect of London. Highlights include Montcalm Marble Arch, Montcalm East and Montcalm Royal London House. Our portfolio also includes Montcalm Brewery, Montcalm Townhouse, Park Grand Hotels, and the mindful Inhabit Hotels, offering a comprehensive London Experience.

What was the original vision for the group?
Montcalm’s original vision was to blend modern luxury with a strong sense of place, creating a collection of hotels that provide discerning guests with an immersive and sophisticated stay. This vision has shaped our focus on personalised service, community engagement, wellness amenities, and sustainable design, ensuring a deep connection between our guests and the city.

© Matthew Shaw

As a seasoned hotelier, you have worked across the globe. What was the appeal of joining a company with hotels in just one location?
Joining Montcalm presented an exciting opportunity to focus on a single, dynamic market. With all properties situated in London, I can concentrate on refining and enhancing the guest experience across our portfolio. The challenge of competing in a highly competitive market like London drives innovation and excellence, allowing for a more targeted and impactful approach to hospitality.

London has an increasingly competitive hotel scene within the luxury sector. What do you believe sets Montcalm apart from the rest?
Montcalm distinguishes itself in London’s luxury hotel scene through our commitment to blending timeless elegance with contemporary style. Our philosophy is centred on delivering personalized service, creating unique and memorable guest experiences, and upholding the highest standards of quality. Our focus on innovation, attention to detail, and a genuine connection to the local culture set us apart from other luxury hotels.

© Matthew Shaw

As Head of Hotels, what does the role encompass in its entirety, and what are you currently focused on?
As Head of Hotels, I oversee all strategic and operational aspects of our 15 luxury properties, ensuring they align with our brand values and deliver exceptional guest experiences. My current focuses include enhancing food and beverage offerings, improving wellness amenities, refining each property’s unique identity, and addressing competitive pressures while maintaining operational efficiency.

Montcalm distinguishes itself in London’s luxury hotel scene through our commitment to blending timeless elegance with contemporary style.

The Inhabit brand is B Corp certified. How difficult was it to achieve this status?
Achieving B Corp certification for Inhabit was both challenging and rewarding, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The rigorous certification process involved extensive documentation and auditing, which informed our design and operational practices. It validated our sustainability efforts and set a high standard, guiding our future initiatives across the group.

Is the ambition for the rest of the group to take Inhabit’s lead?
Inhabit’s success has set a high benchmark for the Montcalm Collection. We are dedicated to extending the sustainability practices pioneered at Inhabit across all our properties, aiming to align with the principles that have made Inhabit a leader in the B Corp community.

© Matthew Shaw

What do you believe are the commercial advantages of being a B Corp hotel?
Being a B Corp hotel offers significant commercial advantages, including enhanced credibility and the ability to attract eco-conscious travellers. The certification differentiates us in a competitive market, fosters valuable partnerships, and positions us as leaders in sustainable hospitality, resonating with today’s values-driven guests.

What is Montcalm’s approach to design across the different hotels?
Montcalm’s design approach combines local character with contemporary luxury. We collaborate with renowned designers and in-house teams to create distinctive identities for each hotel. Notable collaborations include Holland Harvey, Culture A, Studio Mica, and Studio Est, ensuring each property reflects both its heritage and a commitment to sustainable design practices.

Are there any plans for opening Montcalm properties outside London and the UK?
While our primary focus remains on London, we are continuously exploring opportunities for expansion. We are considering potential openings in other key cities, both within the UK and internationally, to extend Montcalm’s unique blend of luxury and local charm to new markets.