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Pestana Chelsea Bridge. The first step on a European journey

November 13th, 2023

The group’s success in European cities began with one of the world’s most competitive destinations, London, which provided Pestana with various challenges, not least the fast-moving world of digital business.

From the African savannah to the urban jungle, it fell to the Mozambique and South Africa team to open the Pestana Chelsea Bridge in London, a Group first in a highly competitive European market. In 2010, after expansion into South America and Africa, growth within Europe was the next logical step. That said, the situation was fraught with difficulties, beginning with the irresistible rise of online travel agencies.

This was the Group’s first hotel in a European city outside Portugal – Berlin followed a year later – and it all started when Dionísio Pestana found an excellent location in the vibrant Chelsea Bridge neighbourhood, which served both business and leisure travellers well. That said, they had to adapt quickly. What was unthinkable in Portugal was already a reality in the UK, with room rates often changing five times a day due to online booking.

Withstanding this unpredictability meant having to build up a solid portfolio of clients. With no local contacts, networking became key, leaving the Pestana team to attend every cocktail party and embassy event. It wasn’t long before the Pestana Chelsea Bridge became a favourite with top athletes participating in major sporting fixtures. Thanks to the hotel’s location near the Stamford Bridge stadium, many of Chelsea FC’s opponents have already enjoyed Madeiran hospitality.

Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel

The hotel is located in a vibrant cultural, commercial and residential center of London.

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