Chelsea Hotel London - Staying With the Locals

One of the most enjoyable times in my life was thestop). The hotel will also provide transportation and
period I lived in London. While there (from 1996 -even arrange a river taxi.
2003), I frequented many of the hotels as some ofOn the positive side, however, Chelsea Harbour is in
the smartest bars and best restaurants are situateditself a beautiful place. You can sit and sip on a
in them. It was great fun and now when I go backcocktail and watch the yachts coming in and out
for a visit, I know just where to stay - a Chelsea(when the tide's in - the Thames is a tidal river) or
Hotel London!just take a stroll along the banks of the river. Chelsea
One of my favorite phrases used in London is "SmartHarbour also hosts the Design Centre which is a
Casual". Nothing could be more understated. London'scombination of offices and showrooms for interior
hotels have always enjoyed the status of chic anddecorators goods and services. There are also cafes
sophisticated and that is no less true today. But withand restaurants and a health club on site. The
more than 70,000 three to five-star hotel rooms toWyndham Grand is an all-suite, 5 star hotel. The
choose from, where does one start to look for aservice and accommodations are first class all the
place to stay? There are loads of travel logs whichway and is a great choice for those in town on
will tell you about the different areas of London andbusiness (albeit not in "The City") or holding
where to stay based on the location of the touristyconferences. They have first-rate conference
places - matching your budget to a local hotel. That iscentres on two levels with audio-visual conferencing.
not what I'm going to tell you about in this article.They are close to the major exhibition centers at
Instead . . . in this London hotel review, I'm going toEarls Court and Olympia.
tell you about the Smart Casual hotels - where you'reBlakes London 33 Roland Gardens London SW7 3PF
going to find a great meal - fantastic cocktails - lovelyBlakes is one of my all-time favorites. It's situated in
accommodations and service - and perhaps eventhe heart of Chelsea between (the) Fulham and Old
some star gazing in the bargain! If you plan your stayBrompton Roads. In fact, it is surrounded by beautiful
right, and use our recommended services, you'll get aVictorian homes - now mostly converted flats. This is
great rate as well.a fantastic location for anyone wishing to be in the
Nearly everyone in the Smart Casual set live in eitherhub. South Kensington and Gloucester Road
Chelsea or South Kensington. There are some(pronounced Gloss-ter) tube stops are walking
exceptions. For example, you'll find a niche area indistance and taxis are abundant. There are fantastic
Knightsbridge or Notting Hill. Belgravia holds treasurerestaurants and shops everywhere.
to some seriously expensive homes whilst Pimlico is aBlakes was designed by top international designer
pleasant diversion. There is a following of AmericansAnouska Hempel and, with it's low-profile, is a
in the Holland Park area as well. Predominantlyfavorite among travelling stars and starlets. The
however, most everything revolves around thedécor is absolutely magnificent - an unusual
Chelsea set. One can stay outside of these areas,blend of traditional and contemporary using only the
but if you want to mingle, there's nothing like beingfinest silks and tapestries. The rooms and suites are
there! With that in mind, here is the first of my seriesa must see. Each one is a true work of art as only
on the Chelsea Hotels London!Anouska Hempel can do it.
Draycott Hotel 26 Cadogan Gardens London SW3Blakes is a five star hotel all the way. Whether you
2RPstay there or not, you absolutely have got to have a
The Draycott is truly a gem. If you like traditionalmeal in the restaurant. The cheese soufflé is
British 19th century charm - this is for you. Thesomething to die for. It is wicked! For dessert, try
rooms and décor are true to the period ofthe Chocolate soufflé! Uggh. I wish I was
colonial Victorian England. Authentic antiques blendthere. I used to go there when my boss was in town
beautifully with contemporary amenities. The hotel isjust so I could have that cheese soufflé. A
very close to Sloane Square and the King's Road.standard (whatever that means!) single room is
London neighborhoods are blessed by their squaresapproximately £175.00/night
and Cadogan Gardens is no exception. The rooms areCadogan Hotel 75 Sloane Street Knightsbridge,
gracious and comfortable and the suites even haveLondon SW1X 9SG
their own full kitchens. If you get a room at the rearThe Cadogan (pronounced kah-duggan) is located on
of the house, you will have a wonderful viewSloane Street and, although technically in
overlooking the gardens. For us Americans, you'll beKnightsbridge, it's really just on the fringe and close
happy to know that it is fully air conditioned (andenough to Sloane Square to keep it in this category.
many of the older hotels in London are not!). In theIn fact, what a great location. You're walking distance
winter, the fireplaces are fitted with gas and areto either Sloane Square or Knightsbridge tube stops;
totally operational. Talk about ambience! A 5-starclose to Harvey Nic's and Harrods, walking distance to
hotel, the Draycott received an overall satisfactionBeauchamp Place(pronounced Beech-ham) and the
grade of 5.0. A standard double room will costwonderful Walton Street shops. If you head the
approximately $353.00/night for two.other direction and walk down Sloane Street to
Wyndham London Chelsea Harbour London SW10Sloane Square - you'll be in heaven when you stroll
0XGdown (the)King's Road. Loads of shops, coffee
The Wyndham Grand is a beautiful hotel and if youplaces, restaurants (walk all the way down to the
want to be on the river (The Thames - prounouncedlocal favorite La Famiglia). If you want a taxi, there
temms), and still be in a Chelsea Hotel London, thenare plenty in that area.
this is for you. But be absolutely sure that's whereThis is accomodation London at its best. The
you want to be because Chelsea Harbour isCadogan Hotel is a 5-star hotel -situated in a beautiful
somewhat off the beaten path. There is no tubeVictorian property with a townhouse feel. A Superior
stop nearby. You will have to rely on taxis or publicDouble room (the standard) will average
bus service (the C3 bus runs between Earls Courtapproximately $239/night for two. Which is really a
tube and Clapham Junction via the Harbour every 10great rate. The rooms are spacious and comfy with
minutes. The 11 and 22 buses run down the King'sbeautiful period furnishings. Travelers there have
Road to Sloane Square and the West End every 7given it a 4.2 in overall satisfaction.
minutes. You can get this bus at the Lots Road bus