Checking In To London’s Latest Hotel, The Chelsea Townhouse

10 months ago

There's a new spot in Chelsea to explore

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Checking In To London's Latest Hotel, The Chelsea Townhouse

In a city which is home to some of the most illustrious and aspirational hotels in the world, a new opening in London is always a hot ticket. Alanna Ospina checks out The Chelsea Townhouse, the latest hotel to open its doors in chi-chi Chelsea.

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Hotel Review: The Chelsea Townhouse

Reception

STAY

Tucked away on a quiet road just moments away from Chelsea’s buzzy King’s Road is The Chelsea Townhouse. Set in a glorious Queen Anne, Victorian red brick building – for which this part of town is renowned and does so well – a hop, skip and a jump from pavement to the reception transports you into a soothing space where Chelsea’s botanical history sets the scene. Within seconds of walking across the chessboard entrance tiles and crossing the floor of the dining salon, you’ll find yourself in the hotel’s garden, both a rarity and novelty in the capital. Here, enjoy a moment of calm in the greenery and walk among some of the garden’s 300-year-old trees, including Japanese cherry blossom and giant red oaks.

Formerly the Draycott Hotel, The Chelsea Townhouse is the latest London jewel in the crown of Iconic Luxury Hotels who operate some of the UK’s premier properties, including Chewton Glen and Cliveden House. Using a sustainable approach to repurposing, the interiors combine contemporary design and minimalist beige and green hues with dark wood original furniture pieces and grand antique paintings, creating a homey effect without being stuffy. Fireplaces in both the dining room and library make it especially cosy, and all-day dining is an informal affair with food served in either the dining salon or the library.

Two chairs beside a large open window overlooking the gardens

Chelsea Garden Suite

Each of The Chelsea Townhouse’s 36 rooms are airy and bright, with unique detailed ceilings and period cornicing. The lofty heights of the botanical inspired first-floor suites evoke Victorian socialising and waltzing; one of them was even the former home’s saloon.

DO

After breakfast, you have the best of Chelsea on your doorstep – including some of London’s more underrated cultural gems. Check out the latest exhibition at the contemporary Saatchi Gallery. Mooch up the King’s Road, which is home to a refreshing selection of independent boutiques in addition to the inevitable bigger brands, and peruse the department store Peter Jones located on its own island on Sloane Square.

For an afternoon indulgence, book a massage at Ushvani, a spa sanctuary for those in the know. Bibliophiles will love John Sandoe, a picture-perfect independent bookshop with clued-up staff that always have an astute recommendation.

Also nearby, The Royal Court Theatre stages some of London’s most exciting theatre productions supporting up and coming writers and directors with many being precursors to West End shows – the perfect place to wrap up a day in Chelsea.

EAT

Start the day at the communal breakfast buffet table at The Chelsea Townhouse, which is laden with homemade seasonal delicacies, freshly baked pastries and stewed compotes, and eat in either the dining salon or library.

Have lunch and watch the world go by at Colbert or the Fine Food Market on Duke of York Square on a Saturday. Around the corner, Pavilion Road is lined with coffee shops and restaurants.

A large, light-filled bedroom with a bed and sofa overlooking the Chelsea streets

Deluxe Room – Street View

Make pre-dinner drinks plans at 11 Cadogan Gardens, a brooding spot with delicious cocktails – both the classics and a tasty seasonal selection – and then book a table at Hans’ Bar & Grill for its Mediterranean cuisine with a British twist. Try the steak and triple cooked chips with the fennel and orange salad.

For late night dancers, head to Tonteria for a club that serves great tacos, too.

THE FINAL WORD

The Chelsea Townhouse is a charming new bolthole with one of London’s biggest hotel gardens, and unparalleled access to the well-heeled surrounding neighbourhood.