Positioned in one of the best addresses in London 11 Knightsbridge, Belgravia, overlooking Hyde Park, The Wellesley Knightsbridge is a luxury hotel unlike most others in the capital. Petite in size at just 36 rooms, which means attention to detail is flawless and service is personal. Art Deco features adorn the walls, it feels like stepping back in time to an age of 1920’s elegance, while finishing touches like a butler and a chauffeur services for guests further elevate the luxury experience. After staying in the hotel recently we have instantly listed the Wellesley as our favourite luxury hotel in London. Read on to find out more about this incredible property by The Luxury Collection Group.
Background & Concept
The Wellesley was once the entrance to Hyde Park Corner Underground Station and you can still see the London Underground tiling on the facade of the property. It then became home, for many years, to Pizza on the Park a much celebrated jazz venue in the capital, before being transformed into the incredible Wellesley Hotel.
The hotel has a 1920’s theme to it and I love everything about this era, it really was a time of decadence and glamour and the hotel interiors manage to pay homage to this wonderful time. As you arrive you are greeting by the doorman, bags are taken and you are escorted into the reception.
To the left is the Cigar Lounge complete with walk in humidor that would have kept even Winston Churchill happy and to the right the Crystal Bar. Ahead of you is the reception area finished in Italian marble and chandeliers. Beyond is the Jazz lounge where you can indulge in afternoon tea or catch a live jazz show on Friday and Saturday nights. To the right is the hotel’s Oval restaurant which serves an Italian inspired menu and also breakfast in the mornings.
Location
Located at Hyde Park Corner, it is just a short stroll down to the heart of Knightsbridge where you will find Harrods and Harvey Nichols and luxury shopping galore and a ten minute walk in the other direction you will find Mayfair.
One of the hotel features which I absolutely loved was the chauffeur service, guests at the hotel can book the Rolls Royce and be driven anywhere with in a 1.5 mile radius of the hotel.
Rooms and Suites
The hotel has 36 rooms, meaning it’s the sort of hotel where staff remember your name and offer the personal attentiveness of a truly boutique experience. Rooms are split into deluxe and exclusive all offering a range of complimentary amenities, including Hermès bathroom products, ‘handy’ portable devices offering complimentary calls and data, complimentary movies on demand and high speed Wi-FI to name a few. There are three suites and The Wellesley Penthouse which occupies the entire sixth and seventh floors of the hotel and comprises of four bedrooms, a private staircase and a terrace offering rooftop views of the neighbouring Belgravia and Knightsbridge area.
Hyde Park Suite
I was treated like a Prince on my stay, I was shown up to my suite, which was the Hyde Park Suite, as the lift door opened my butler was waiting there for me, The Butler service is available 24 hours to all guest and they will do everything from bring tea and coffee to you, organising transport, ironing, unpacking and room service. There is also a twice daily housekeeping too. The suite is aptly named as it has views out to Hyde Park, it features a lounge, a gloriously marble tiled bathroom and internal king sized bedroom with sliding door.
Lounge
The spacious lounge with semi circular sofa is the perfect place to unwind, there are multiple lighting options for the space which you can change with the flick of a switch, even the curtains can be drawn through a remote control.
There is also a desk to work at.
And the suite included a smart phone which you can use during you stay too.
Bedroom
Bathroom
I can guarantee when you go into the bathroom you won’t want to leave. Underfloor heating keeps it toasty warm which the rich veined Arabescato Corchia marble from the Cararra region of Italy is rich and elegant. The bathroom features a double vanity area with Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte toiletries, a roll top bath and large walk in rain shower and I loved the television next to the bath which was recessed into the mirrored wall.
A remote control for you to change the channels in the bathroom television.
Morning Paper and Coffee
In the morning ask your butler to bring up coffee for you which is presented on the most beautiful tray. The Times newspaper is also complimentary to guests staying at the hotel.
Food & Drink
Oval Restaurant
The Oval Restaurant is an intimate dining space where you can enjoy Italian dishes designed by head chef Chef Sebastiano Cioffi while enjoying fine wine from the hotels extensive wine list. In the morning the space is the breakfast area which offers a wide range of hot and cold dishes, including classics like the full English to French Toast, Kippers and Bircher Muesli. I went for the vegetarian breakfast which my waitress said was one of her favourite dishes on the menu.
Jazz Lounge
By day, the Jazz Lounge is an indulgent afternoon tea venue and by night it presents an evening love affair of fine dining and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings offering the perfect setting for a romantic experience.
Crystal Bar
The exclusive Crystal Bar brings the decadence and glamour of the 1920’s vividly to life. The walls of the lavish Crystal Bar are adorned with glass unique display cases containing The Wellesley’s impressive selections of whisky, cognac and armagnac including a number of extremely rare bottles from 1770. The hotel team can create a cocktail of your choice or you may choose from the vast selection of classic cocktails on the menu. And in the warmer months head out to the terrace and enjoy a glass of champagne.
Cigar Lounge
Housing Europe’s Largest Collection of Cigars. The hotel’s bespoke Humidor holds one of the most exclusive and extensive selections of cigar outside Cuba. For the complete experience the team of Cigar Experts can advise in selection tailored to personal tastes, cutting & lighting. For the cigar aficionado – a unique and intimate atmosphere that delivers on being one of the most exceptional places to enjoy a fine cigar in London.
Final Thoughts
I have been lucky to have stayed in many of London’s finest properties and The Wellesley Knightsbridge exceeded my expectations in every way. Boutique meets an enhanced luxury hotel experience, the Wellesley aims high and it delivers. This hotel is a must for any visitor to the capital looking for one of the finest of luxury experiences.
We have included this hotel in our guide to the best luxury hotels in London
Address: 11 Knightsbridge, Belgravia, London SW1X 7LY
Web: www.marriott.com
Hyde Park Corner Subway, Westminster, England, United Kingdom
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