A Georgian townhouse with just 49 bedrooms is an unlikely contender for grandeur. Yet the family-owned and run The Capital Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge gives it a good shot.
There’s a dark wood concierge desk on the left as you enter, and steps away on the other side is a white, dark wood-topped, curved reception desk.
The lobby, though small, is cleverly put together. There’s lots in it yet somehow it still seems spacious. A colourful Persian rug on wood floors, wall lights above a fireplace, traditional side lights that set off dark oil paintings and a red armchair that adds a splash of colour. The ensemble gives an air of a bygone era where the gentleman’s club was the place to be.
The lobby with the Persian rug
Ahead is a lift and stairs that lead to bedrooms. A few steps to the right lead to a small bar and its fine dining restaurant but turn to the left passing a pretty tea room and look up and you come across gorgeous and unexpected sight of an atrium that’s trimmed with carved wood.
All-in-all, service is timely (including room service) and intuitive to the point where your car is parked and your bags liberated promptly so you only need to think about what time you will have dinner.
Click on the image to enlarge:
Who for
The Capital has a sensational location for those who want to enjoy London’s shopping highlife. It is round the corner from Harrods and Harvey Nichols is close by as is a cluster of designer shops especially on Sloane Street.
Accommodation
Classic Double Room
There are 49 rooms with different colour schemes. All seem spacious with various colour schemes but all have interesting antique furniture, and marble bathrooms with lovely toiletries to use and of course take away.
Included in the mix are interconnecting rooms ideally suited for guests with kids and apartments. Some rooms even have views of Harrods.
Food and Drink
Outlaw’s Restaurant
There is a small bar ideal for pre-dinner drinks and steps away is a Michelin-starred restaurant. The name Outlaws is after Nathan Outlaw, a chef who has made a name for himself in the world of gastronomy. This is a seafood restaurant and you dine in the glow of warm lighting at night and breakfast (cooked or buffet) to lashing of daylight thanks to tall windows.
You can also take tea at The Capital. A small, pretty room they call The Sitting Room has been set aside and offers tierred plates of sandwiches and cakes followed by scones with cream and jam. All can be washed down with a selection of teas.
Facilities
Guests have access to the nearby Peak Health Club for a fee of £10.00.
What’s nearby
The Capital Hotel London is the closest hotel to Harrods
A short walk away is The Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert and the Science Museums. London’s most famous parks are easy to get to including Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and St James Park.
Wi-Fi available
Yes, and free
Room Rates
From £269 per night
Booking.com
Value for money
Rates are highly competitive when you consider its central location. Plus you get a lot of grandeur and good service for you money and access to a Michelin starred restaurant at your doorstep.
Getting there
Knightsbridge station is a minutes walk away. The nearest airport is Heathrow, around 16 miles away.